![]() ![]() How it works: CLA has been shown to affect appetite-regulating genes and hormones. It’s also sold in concentrated form as a weight loss supplement. Gilligan.Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid naturally found in foods like dairy and beef. "They are a safe choice for pain due to soft tissue injury or osteoarthritis as smaller amounts are absorbed by the body," says Dr. People who are concerned about possible side effects can try topical pain relievers, such as products containing diclofenac (Voltaren gel) or lidocaine. While the effect is most potent in people who already have high blood pressure, anyone taking an NSAID may see an increase in readings. The most common daily limits are 1,200 mg for ibuprofen and 660 mg for naproxen.Īll NSAIDs (except aspirin) tend to boost blood pressure. Excessive use of NSAIDs increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. These medications also may cause ulcers, which can lead to internal bleeding. The most common side effect is stomach irritation which may cause pain, bloating, or heartburn. "And do not take acetaminophen if you drink alcohol more than moderately on a regular basis or if you have liver disease," says Dr. Also, be cautious when mixing multiple products containing acetaminophen, such as a pain reliever, a cold medication, or a prescribed narcotic. The FDA recommends using products containing no more than 325 mg per pill or capsule to avoid excessive dosages. To be safe, take no more than 3,250 mg of acetaminophen a day. It’s also possible to develop liver problems after taking small to moderate amounts if done so over an extended period. The maximum recommended per day is usually 4,000 milligrams (mg), equivalent to 12 regular-strength or eight extra-strength Tylenol tablets. Like any drug, OTC pain relievers can have side effects if overused. These include anyone taking an anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug (blood thinner) and those with a history of a peptic ulcer, impaired kidney function, or heart disease. "If you need OTC medication for pain relief daily for at least two weeks or longer, or if the maximum recommended dose on the label no longer helps, you should see your doctor."įurther, some individuals should never take an NSAID without first checking with their doctor. Gilligan, the ideal approach to taking these medications is to use the lowest effective dose over the shortest period of time. "While people are more familiar with OTC brand names, generic versions work just as well and are less expensive," says Dr. NSAIDs are popular pain relievers for inflammation-related conditions like arthritis and injuries. ![]() These ease pain and lower fever like acetaminophen, and also work as anti-inflammatories. NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). It’s an active ingredient in many drugstore headache and cold remedies. ![]() The two main categories of commonly used pain relievers (also known as analgesics) are acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).Īcetaminophen (Tylenol) controls pain and fever but doesn’t help with inflammation. Don’t think you automatically need a strong prescription pain reliever." "Check with your doctor about first trying OTC medications to see if they work. Christopher Gilligan with Brigham and Women’s Hospital. "OTC pain relievers could be a viable and effective treatment in most circumstances," says pain specialist Dr. Other research showed that OTC pain relievers were as effective as opioids for treating sciatica pain. One study found that taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen together provided greater pain relief than opioids after a tooth extraction. But with the increasingly recognized risk of addiction and opioid side effects, over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication may be a safer option, and perhaps even a better one. ![]() This can lead to serious problems." Are nonprescription pain relievers as good as opioids?įor years, opioids were usually prescribed to treat pain after a medical procedure or surgery, or for pain management. "But people may not think of them as real medicine and so don’t always use them as directed. Christopher Gilligan, a pain medicine physician with the Division of Pain Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital. "OTC pain relievers can be fairly potent medicine and help reduce most inflammation and pain," says Dr. But what if the ache or pain is more frequent and you take these pills on a regular basis? How do you know when you have overused them? Low back pain? Achy joints? Overdo it when you were working out or doing outside work? One of the easiest remedies is to pop an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. Here’s how to safely use over-the-counter pain medication. ![]()
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