Popping Pills

Overdependency on painkillers can put you at a risk of potentially fatal heart ailments.

A recent survey of 5,000 young people suggested that a staggering 33% of people aged from 18-24 took painkillers on a daily basis.

The survey suggested that many took these pills for trivial pains such as minor headaches, muscle pains and backaches without consulting their doctors. These drugs are aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen, naproxen and Cox 2 inhibitors. Most of these are available over the counter and do not require a prescription, and are available usually as combinations.

Alarmed experts warn that they are needlessly putting themselves at an increased risk of potentially fatal heart attacks, heart failure and strokes. In addition, painkillers cause stomach upset and sudden bleeding from stomach. They also affect the function of kidneys and lead to kidney failure. Liver is another organ which is affected by prolonged use of these drugs.

And many could be giving themselves headaches by overusing tablets, thus creating a vicious cycle of painkiller abuse.

Painkiller Abuse?