Are our modern over the counter medical painkillers killing us?

1. 77

   Beata Stasakposted 14 years ago

   Are our  modern over the counter medical painkillers killing us?
   
   The recent research confirmed that we should pay closer
   attention to any pain we have /physical or emotional as our brain does not recognize the difference/ and we could prolong our lives. Our modern need to 'kill every our discomfort with painkillers' so we do not need to slow down and keep working and enjoying life to the full is our biggest enemy. We succumb to modern disease without realising we are seriously sick until is too late. Drug companies do not like messages like this as they make huge profits from painkillers but who is paying the double price?

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2. 62

   Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

   I'm not sure I would agree with some of the premises.  OTC pain-relievers have their risks, and I think over-use is a big concern.  I think, though, there's a difference between using a pain-reliever for some ache or pain and ignoring the fact that the ache of pain is there more often or more severely than it should be.  I think there is, overall, way too much medication (OTC or prescription) for things that shouldn't/don't require it; but (and this is only from my own perspective, of course) I tend to think the availability of Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen for ordinary pains is the least of our problems.
   
   I don't think the big pharmaceutical companies are above a lot of "tricks" for earning yet more money, but I tend to see the "money-making sleezery" with medications other than basic, OTC, painkillers (which are essentially the same three painkillers in two different dosages and a number of different packages).
   
   I tend to think the person who is slow to go to the doctor will live with the pain or will take painkillers, but I don't think having a readily available painkiller makes the difference for a lot of "reluctant-doctor-go-ers".  In fact, people who go to the doctors "at the drop of a hat" may be the ones who demand a prescription.  This is just my take on the question.  I know I may not be correct.

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3. 60

   christchildposted 13 years ago

   Well...... yes, most of the times the pain go away, but the same pain killers are seroiusly affecting organs and other parts of our bodies. A times we need to know what is causing the pains, many times it can be corrected without taking medications.

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4. 59

   mylife=adventureposted 13 years ago

   The number one problem with prescribed painkillers is that they are actually very easy to obtain and be addicted to. I have personally had a past addiction to pain killers including Vicodin and Ultram (tramadol). I went through withdrawals and relapses over and over again. It's something that is hard to kick once you start. There are many others out there like me as well who still haven't kicked the habit yet. So in that sense yes I believe painkillers are slowly killing us.

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