Millions of people take painkillers every day to relieve headaches, sore muscles, arthritis, back pain, and other painful conditions. These medicines can improve quality of life by reducing discomfort and helping people stay active.
However, new research suggests that some commonly used pain medicines may have important side effects, especially when they are taken regularly or by people who already have other health problems.
Several recent studies have found links between certain painkillers and an increased risk of heart disease, kidney problems, weight gain, and poor sleep.
One of the most widely used groups of pain medicines is called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These medicines reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Common examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac.
Because many NSAIDs can be bought without a prescription, many people assume they are completely safe. While they are generally helpful when used correctly for short periods, scientists say they are not free from risks.
In one study, researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham investigated the effects of an NSAID called carprofen in animals with heart disease. They found that the medicine caused mild inflammation in both the heart and the kidneys. When the animals later experienced a heart attack, the inflammation became worse.
Although more studies are needed to confirm whether the same effect happens in people, the findings suggest that NSAIDs could increase health risks in those who already have heart disease. The research was published in the journal Life Sciences.
Another large study from Denmark examined health records from more than six million adults. The researchers found that people who started taking diclofenac had a higher risk of serious heart problems within only one month. These included heart attacks, strokes, and abnormal heart rhythms.
The risk was greater than in people taking ibuprofen, naproxen, or paracetamol, also called acetaminophen. The study, published in The BMJ, suggested that diclofenac may be one of the higher-risk NSAIDs, particularly for people with existing heart disease or other cardiovascular risk factors.
Scientists have also been studying medicines used to treat long-lasting nerve pain. These include opioids and gabapentinoids such as gabapentin and pregabalin. These drugs can provide important relief for severe or chronic pain, but they can also cause unwanted side effects.
Researchers from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom analyzed health information from more than 133,000 participants in the UK Biobank. They found that people taking opioids or gabapentinoids were more likely to be overweight and report poor-quality sleep.
Many of these medicines have sedative effects, meaning they can make people feel sleepy and less physically active. Some may also increase cravings for sweet foods or change eating habits, which may contribute to weight gain over time. This study was published in PLOS ONE.
These studies do not mean that everyone should stop taking painkillers. For many people, these medicines remain an important part of treatment. However, they show that painkillers should be used carefully.
Doctors usually recommend taking the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. People who need pain relief for months or years should regularly discuss their treatment with their healthcare provider to make sure the benefits continue to outweigh the risks.
There are also non-drug approaches that may help reduce chronic pain for some people. Depending on the cause of the pain, physical therapy, regular gentle exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, mindfulness, and other treatments may reduce the need for long-term medication.
As scientists continue to learn more about these medicines, one message is becoming clear. Pain relief is important, but long-term health is equally important. Choosing the safest treatment, using medicines wisely, and having regular medical check-ups can help people manage pain while reducing the chance of serious side effects in the future.
If you care about pain, please read studies about how to manage gout with a low-purine diet, and a guide to eating right for arthritis.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the link between processed foods and chronic diseases, and avoid these 8 foods to ease arthritis pain.
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