As you get older, it’s natural to develop aches and pains. But health experts say it’s important not to become reliant on pain killers like Tylenol or Ibuprofen to deal with your discomfort.
Overall, pain killers “shouldn’t be used for more than a few days in a row, and the specified maximum daily dose shouldn’t be exceeded,” according to a study from the National Library of Medicine.
The appropriate dosage depends on the type of pain relief medication you’re using, as well as on your existing conditions or current state.
According to Medline Plus, Acetaminophen alleviates pain from “headaches, muscle aches, menstrual periods, colds and sore throats, toothaches, backaches, reactions to vaccinations and to reduce fever.” It’s also used for osteoarthritis pain relief.
Per Harvard Health, acetaminophen does not reduce inflammation like aspirin. But it also doesn’t irritate the stomach or intestinal lining like other common pain relievers.
These guidelines come from Harvard Health.
325 milligrams | 500 milligrams | 650 milligrams extended release | |
---|---|---|---|
Number of pills | 1 or 2 | 1 or 2 | 1 or 2 |
Frequency | Every 4 to 6 hours | Every 4 to 6 hours | Every 8 hours |
Safest maximum dose for adults weighing 150 pounds | 8 pills | 6 pills | 4 pills |
Do not take more than this in a 24-hour period | 12 pills (3900 milligrams) | 8 pills (4000 milligrams) | 6 pills (3900 milligrams) |
Per Merck Manual, overdose develops in four stages. (Organ functioning can be determined using blood tests.)
NSAIDs treat pain, fever and inflammation. Common NSAIDS include aspirin, naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), per the National Library of Medicine.
NSAIDs can lead to unwanted side effects such as dizziness, high blood pressure and stomach irritation, according to Better Health.
This information comes from Get Relief Responsibly.
Ibuprofen (200 milligrams per pill)
Naproxen sodium (220 milligrams per pill)
Aspirin regular strength (325 milligrams per pill)
Aspirin extra strength (500 milligrams per pill)
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, signs and symptoms of NSAIDs overdose include:
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, you should seek immediate medical assistance by calling 911 if you or someone you know seems to have overdosed. If the individual has stopped breathing or their breathing is weak, CPR should be initiated.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental health challenges or experiencing thoughts of suicide, you can each out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or seek assistance from a medical professional.
Different conditions can affect how much or what type of pain medication you should use. Consider talking to your doctor if you have, do or worry about any of the following, per WebMD:
Over-the-counter pain medications can be addictive. Find help in your local area or call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
2024-03-08T02:06:45Z dg43tfdfdgfd