Badzi and Ackumey (2017) identified two main types of painkillers, namely opioids and non-opioids. Opioids have been in use for thousands of years dating back to 300BC and are derived from the opium poppy (plant). This analgesic consists of strong opioids and weak opioids.
Examples of strong painkillers or opioids include fentanyl, morphine, hydromorphon, oxycodone, and alfentanil. Weak opioids consist of tillidine, tramadol, dihydrocodeine, and codeine. Opioids are generally controlled substances and cannot be sold over-the-counter, rather they require a prescription. Opioid side effects include depression of respiratory system, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness and constipation. For some dependency may occur due to a prolonged use or abuse of the medication, without lifestyle changes.
Non-opioids have antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties which make them the best treatment for fever, inflammation and mild to moderate pain. Non-opioids also consist of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID's), such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and aspirin. These medications are commonly sold over-the-counter.
Non-opioids may cause side effects such as nausea, anxiety, vomiting, liver and kidney problems as well as constipation. Unlike opioids, non-opioids have been found to cause a lower risk of dependency and can be used with other painkillers to produce great effects.
Medication used to relieve pain may come in different forms such as capsules, tablets, gels, patches and sprays. Even though they come in different forms, their end goal is to relieve you from your pain. Usually gels, patches and sprays are required to be applied on the pain-affected area, while capsules and tablets are ingested orally and work on the brain and body to relieve the pain experienced.
Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in the spinal cord, brain and other areas of the body and act by blocking pain signals. Basically it blocks messages that travel from the pain source via the spinal cord to the brain, therefore tricking your brain into thinking that you are not in pain.
Opioids contribute to releasing neurotransmitters called endorphins, which are the body's natural pain relievers, and therefore distribute a feel-good sense of well-being. On the other hand, non-opioids work by decreasing the amount of prostaglandins, which are responsible for promoting pain and inflammation, released in the body.
They inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) which is responsible for producing prostaglandins, and therefore referred to as "COX inhibitors". Because prostaglandins also work to protect the lining of the stomach, the use of non-opioids can sometimes result in gastrointestinal bleeding.
There are different types of painkillers for different pains experienced by each individual. Analgesics (medical term for painkillers) come in different forms and doses that is suited for different severities of pain. There exist strong painkillers for acute or chronic pain and less strong ones for pain that is temporary.
Although the various types of pain medication act to relieve pain, there are some side effects that will be experienced. The side effects of painkillers are not usually the same for each person; rather they depend on a number of factors. For example: other medication taken, other medical conditions, age, and dose taken.
Side effects can either be short-term or long-term. Short-term side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, loss of concentration, and constipation. Long-term side effects consist of insomnia, cardiovascular problems, muscular pain, dependency and withdrawal symptoms if therapeutic is discontinued.
However, these side-effects can be treated or managed effectively by the help of your doctor and other medication. Side-effects may worsen if a dose prescribed is increased resulting in misuse or overdose. These can be prevented by following instructions from your doctor and taking the medication as prescribed. Prolonging the use of medication may also increase risk for side-effects.
There are many ways in which one can manage side effects before they occur and even after the occurrence. To prevent side-effects, one should simply follow the instructions given to them by their doctor. They may also educate themselves of the common effects and make sure that they immediately lower their dose if any are experienced.
Some side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness and sedation are quite normal when using analgesics because of the way they work; however, if intensity increases then one should take the necessary precautions. Some side-effects may be caused due to allergies; it is important one reads the ingredients of the analgesic (on packaging) and inform a professional about their allergies.
To avoid long-term side effects, individuals must be aware of the time period of which the analgesic is being used. Using painkillers over a long period of time may increase a person's tolerance to the medication, resulting in an increase in dose to feel the desired effects. Long-term use may also increase the risk of experiencing adverse effects.
Dependency occurs for those with a past case of substance abuse or those who develop a high tolerance to the medication. Therefore, it is imperative for those individuals to gradually lower their dose (tapering) instead of an immediate discontinuation. If the use of an analgesic is suddenly stopped, withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, agitation and restlessness may occur; however, in time the effects will pass.
According to research pain is one of the main reasons why individuals seek medical attention. While some pain relievers may be available only on prescription, there is a wide variety of analgesics available from your local shops and you can also think about visiting your local Tramadol EU supplier.
The best analgesic can be chosen in terms of the type of pain, the severity of the pain and age of the person. Usually opioids are used to treat rather severe pain, such as chronic and acute pain. Studies comparing the effects of opioid showed that the group receiving opioids had reported a great relief of the severity of pain compared to those who received placebo.
Both opioids and non-opioids have also been reported to relieve cancer related pain and as well as for pain post-surgery. Non-opioids may be used to treat minor injuries and pain ranging from mild to moderate. They are safe to use and have a low risk of dependency and adverse effects. They are usually available at shops and pharmacies without a prescription.
Pain such as headaches is usually treated by non-opioids. However, if headaches continue for more than 3 months persistently, your doctor may prescribe an opioid or similar types of painkillers.
For more information about painkillers and their prices in the EU visit www.tramadoluk.com today!
