For many people with chronic conditions, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is the only way to manage their pain. While these drugs are usually effective for easing pain and inflammation, they can also have significant side effects when taken for a prolonged period. If you follow a few preventive techniques, though, you can protect your body from these effects.
5 Ways To Reduce The Effects Of NSAIDs
1. Avoid Alcohol
Research shows that alcohol can irritate the stomach and exacerbate the negative effects of NSAIDs. Additionally, drinking alcohol can slow down digestion, which can affect how well a meal will protect your digestive system from the painkillers.
While it’s possible to have a drink every now and then, doctors recommend staying away from liquor altogether to be safe.
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2. Take Them After A Full Meal
Having a full meal can protect your stomach lining from the irritation that NSAIDs can cause. As you digest the meal, your system will also slowly absorb the drugs, lowering the impact of the medication while ensuring that you get all the benefits.
Doctors further recommend taking the painkillers with a glass of milk or a lot of water, as these will coat the stomach as well.
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3. Take Soothing Medications
Over-the-counter antacids can help your stomach deal with the side effects of NSAIDs. Sometimes, you’ll need stronger medications to do the job, though. Talk to your doctor about other options that you can take alongside your painkillers to protect your stomach.
4. Alternate The Delivery Methods
Since the primary concern is the gastrointestinal system, some people minimize the potential side effects by using varying methods to take their NSAIDs.
Instead of only ingesting tablets or capsules, they alternate with gels, creams, and injections. This might not work for everyone, depending on the condition they’re dealing with and their health status. However, it’s worth talking to your doctor to discuss the options.
5. Avoid Cigarettes
According to multiple studies, smoking cigarettes can affect your circulatory system. If you smoke, you may also be at an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.
Given that NSAIDs also contribute to this risk, it’s best to step away from cigarettes if you need to take painkillers.
Possible Side Effects Of NSAIDs
NSAIDs are most likely to affect your gastrointestinal system. The side effects can range from mild heartburn to severe stomach irritation that eventually causes an ulcer to form.
In rare cases, the drugs can lead to erosion that results in internal bleeding or perforation of the intestines. Those instances are life-threatening and you need to seek medical attention immediately if that happens. NSAIDs can also impair your kidney function and this is usually apparent in swollen ankles.
There is some evidence that NSAIDs elevate your blood pressure and increase your risk of a cardiovascular event. Interestingly, taking these drugs can affect how effective blood pressure medications are, so it’s best to discuss this interaction with your doctor. If you’re taking blood thinners, you should also know that NSAIDs can affect how well your blood clots as well.
Some of the other medications that NSAIDs can interact with include antidepressants, diuretics, and antipsychotics. Finally, it’s important to note that some people develop an allergic reaction to NSAIDs. The symptoms of an allergic reaction include swollen lips, a rash, and difficulty breathing.
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When To See A Doctor
You should see a doctor immediately if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction. If you notice consistent bruising under your skin, it could be a sign that the NSAIDs are causing significant thinning of your blood and making it harder for cuts to stop bleeding. Other signs that you need to see a doctor include severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, seeing blood in your bowel movement, and having black, tarry stools.
It’s common for doctors to prescribe NSAIDs to people who are living with chronic or intermittent pain. Unfortunately, these drugs can have serious side effects that put their health at risk. If you have to take them regularly, talk to your doctor about the best ways to protect yourself.
