THE BEST DRUGSTORE PAIN RELIEVERS
Mar 15, 2023If you’ve been dealing with pain for awhile, you’ve probably reached for some type of over-the-counter (otc) pain relievers at some point, right?
Even though you may have a couple of different kinds of drugstore analgesics in our medicine cabinets, your might not be quite sure why you’re taking what you’re taking when you're taking it.
You are not alone; many of us are repeatedly staring at our medicine shelves, racking our brains to remember which OTC med is best for fever vs. which is best for inflammation or for pain.
This is precisely why I'm sharing this article with you. Because I get you (and I still love you ;)
Let's discuss:
Aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium are all common pain relievers (also called analgesics), but they differ in their mechanisms of action, uses, and potential side effects.
ASPIRIN
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation, fever, and pain by blocking the production of *prostaglandins, which are responsible for inflammation and pain. Aspirin can also prevent blood clot formation by reducing the production of thromboxane A2.
USES: Aspirin is used to treat mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation, including headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, and arthritis. It is also used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in people at high risk.
SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects of aspirin include stomach upset, heartburn, and indigestion. It can also cause bleeding in the stomach, kidney problems, and allergic reactions in some people.
ACETAMINOPHEN
Acetaminophen works by inhibiting the production of *prostaglandins in the brain, which reduces fever and pain, but it does not reduce inflammation.
USES: Acetaminophen is used to treat mild to moderate pain, including headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, and arthritis. It is also used to reduce fever.
SIDE EFFECTS: Acetaminophen is generally safe when taken as directed. However, taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage and even liver failure. Overdose can occur if you take more than the recommended dose or if you combine acetaminophen with alcohol or other medications that contain acetaminophen.
IBUPROFEN
Ibuprofen is an NSAID that reduces inflammation, fever, and pain by blocking the production of *prostaglandins.
USES: Ibuprofen is used to treat mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation, including headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, and arthritis. It is also used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal injuries and to reduce fever.
SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects of ibuprofen include stomach upset, heartburn, and indigestion. It can also cause bleeding in the stomach, kidney problems, and allergic reactions in some people. Long-term use of ibuprofen can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and stomach ulcers.
NAPROXEN SODIUM
Naproxen sodium is an NSAID that reduces inflammation, fever, and pain by blocking the production of *prostaglandins.
USES: Naproxen sodium is used to treat mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation, including headaches, menstrual cramps, and arthritis. It is also used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal injuries.
SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects of naproxen sodium include stomach upset, heartburn, and indigestion. It can also cause bleeding in the stomach, kidney problems, and allergic reactions in some people. Long-term use of naproxen sodium can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and stomach ulcers.
On a personal note: My son has had five surgeries in the past three years. So, unfortunately, we are very familiar with current recommendations on effective pain management.
Various doctors during this tumultuous time recommended alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen when the goal is to avoid prescription opioids while effectively managing pain with OTC meds. Of course, you want to consult with your medical team for your unique needs.
For us, it looked like a dose of Tylenol, waiting an hour, then taking liquid Advil (which works faster than tablets).
Many of my Retrain Back Pain clients are either very healthy or aspirationally healthy. This often shows up in their decision not to take over the counter pain relief when they're in pain.
Here's the thing though: If some modicum of pain relief is going to get you moving, rather than stuck on the sofa in barely-tolerable pain, then it may be in your best interest to take some anti-inflammatory pain relief so that you can get your body working and moving again.
Sometimes... toughing it out isn't serving you!
The trick, as always, is learning how to discern the appropriate dosage and ratio of rest, movement and pain meds.
In summary, while all the medications mentioned here are pain relievers, they have different mechanisms of action and are used for different purposes.
- Aspirin is effective at reducing pain, fever, and preventing blood clots, but has a risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Acetaminophen is effective at reducing pain and fever, but has a risk of liver damage.
- Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are effective at reducing pain, fever, and inflammation, but have a risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
It is important to follow dosing instructions. If you have questions or concerns about taking any of these medications, consult your healthcare provider.
Yours truly,
Dinneen
The information contained herein does not constitute medical advice. It is for informational purposes only. I am not a doctor. Speak with your doctor about pain relief solutions that are right for you.
