Analgesics are painkillers. The best known remains Doliprane, although there are different categories of analgesics. A headache, stomach ache, or muscle pain pushes us to consume painkillers like Doliprane. However, it is necessary to know at what dose analgesics represent a risk for your health. Here is the guide to painkillers to treat you safely.
What are the different categories of analgesics?
We can classify analgesics into 4 categories. We then speak of analgesics of level 1,2, or 3. The fourth category concerns drugs which are originally dedicated to other pathologies, but which can help relieve pain such as migraines or neuropathic pain. The WHO is responsible for classifying pain medications.
- Level 1, non-opioid peripheral analgesics: these are drugs intended for mild pain. They are said to be peripheral since they act locally and have no effect on the transmission of pain signals. In this category, we find aspirin, paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, nefopam available for injection and floctafenine.
- Level 2, weak opioid analgesics: these opioid or morphine analgesics act directly on the central nervous system. They are prescribed in case of moderate or severe pain when level 1 analgesics are not sufficient. This type of analgesic contains an opioid substance and a substance contained in tier 1 analgesics. Here we can mention Tramadol, codeine and dihydrocodeine.
- Level 3, strong opioid analgesics: when the first two solutions are not effective, we switch to level 3 analgesics which are intended for intense pain. Morphine, buprenorphine, hydromorphone, nalbuphine, oxycodone, pethidine are molecules that belong to this category.
- Finally, the fourth category includes all psychotropic drugs such as certain antidepressants, certain neuroleptics or anxiolytics and even certain antiepileptics. Indeed, specialists have discovered that treatments can be diverted to relieve pain. However, the side effects are more important.
What risks can there be?
Today, take paracetamol may seem trivial. It is even a daily gesture for many French people. However, analgesics, even those of bearing, represent risks. When they are prescribed by a professional, and you respect the frequency between each intake and the right dosage, the risks are eliminated. Nevertheless, self-medication can cause damage. Depending on your health and your history, you may on the one hand have adverse drug interactions. On the other hand, you can neglect the dosage and thus damage your organs like kidneys and liver.
As for level 2 and 3 analgesics, as well as psychotropic drugs, they are subject to medical prescription. These present a major risk: addiction. This is because your body has become accustomed to the substances and you may experience a withdrawal effect when you have to stop the treatment. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.
What recommendations for taking analgesics?
There are rules to follow when taking painkillers, to avoid overdose. In case of self-medication, give preference to taking paracetamol. It is the most common analgesic and the one with the least risk. On the other hand, you should know that an overdose of paracetamol can be fatal and create liver failure. When taking paracetamol, always start with the lowest dose. Then, you can adjust the dosage as you go, depending on the effects you feel.
It is essential to read the leaflet to know the interval to be respected between doses. For paracetamol, it’s 4 to 6 hours. You will also need to find out about the maximum daily dose not to be exceeded. Although it makes sense, do not drink alcohol while you are on treatment. What’s more, in the event that you are following a long-term treatment, it is necessary to seek the advice of a professional. If your doctor is not available, go to a pharmacy. Pharmacists can let you know if there is a risk of a drug interaction.
Before taking any analgesic that you do not know, make sure you do not have any contraindications. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) tend to seem harmless, but there are many contraindications (heart or kidney failure, allergies to NSAIDs, chickenpox, asthma, bleeding disorders, etc.).