Painkillers: Overuse of certain medicines ‘can actually make symptoms worse’ – signs

Coronavirus: Paracetamol 'superior' to ibuprofen says expert

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Indeed, taking medicines such as painkillers over a prolonged period of time to relieve headaches can actually make symptoms worse, according to NICE. Moreover, taking too much medication can be very dangerous in some instances. Figures suggest that headaches are one of the most common complaints presented to GPs, as many people in the UK experience them frequently.

NICE’s first clinical guideline issued in 2012 suggests that GPs and other healthcare professionals should consider “medication overuse headaches” as a possible cause for worsening symptoms among patients who have been taking such drugs for three months or more.

It defines medication overuse headaches as when certain drugs are taken up to 15 days per month for three months or more. These drugs include paracetamol and aspirin, among a number of others.

Many people who suffer from headaches choose to treat them with over-the-counter medicines, though up to one in 50 people experience headaches that result from using these treatments frequently.

The Migraine Trust says: “Medication overuse headache (MOH), is a headache that results from the frequent use of acute medicines or painkillers, such as triptans, ergotamines, opiates, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol.”

It explains that it develops in people with a primary headache disorder, such as migraine, usually with headache on 15 or more days per month.

The Trust explains: “Painkillers are generally safe to use on a limited number of days each month” though it is also safe to use painkillers on extra days, on the occasional month or two.

It adds: “However, a high-level use of painkillers on a regular basis increases the risk of MOH and a vicious cycle can develop.”

The organisation explains that when this happens, “pain returns as each dose of medicine wears off and even if the medicine is stopped, withdrawal symptoms are common.”

The NHS warns that you should not be tempted to increase the dose of paracetamol or to take a double dose if your pain is very bad.

Taking the drug to help relieve whatever mild ailment you are suffering from can be beneficial, however you should never exceed the recommended dose.

For paracetamol the usual dose for adults is one or two 500mg tablets up to four times in 24 hours.

The NHS says: “Taking one or two extra tablets by accident is unlikely to be harmful, as long as you do not take more than eight tablets in 24 hours, “wait at least 24 hours before taking any more paracetamol.”

Drugs.com has listed several symptoms of overdose. These include diarrhoea, increased sweating, loss of appetite, and nausea or vomiting.

Signs also include stomach cramps or pain, as well as swelling, pain, or tenderness in the upper abdomen or stomach area.

It says: “Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking acetaminophen.”

Nonetheless, you need to get help from 111 if you take more than two extra tablets of paracetamol or more than eight tablets of paracetamol in 24 hours.

The NHS says: “Taking too much paracetamol can be dangerous and you may need treatment.”

If you need to go to your nearest A&E, the NHS says that you should take the paracetamol packet or leaflet inside it plus any remaining medicine with you.

It adds: “Do not take paracetamol alongside other medicines that contain paracetamol. If you take two different medicines that contain paracetamol, there’s a risk of overdose.”

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