How to Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
It seems I have this conversation with most of my patients at one time or another. Many of the people who seek out my physical therapy services suffer with chronic pain. So, therefore, most of them have “treated” themselves with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines they’ve picked up at their local drug dealer—I mean pharmacy, haha!
What most of my patients are unaware of is the fact that depending on the type of pain med they’ve selected, the dosing directions on the bottle don’t tell the whole story when it comes to administering it.
The two most commonly used, self-administered pain medicines among patients are acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, ibuprofen (Motrin®). While both can be effective pain relievers, the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory medications requires them to be taken at steady, and somewhat prolonged intervals. This information is NOT included in the directions.
You see, in order for an anti-inflammatory medication to do its thing, it needs to build up to a certain level in the bloodstream, and then, for best results, that prescribed level needs to be maintained over the length of at least 4 days for the best result. The same holds true for prescription strength anti-inflammatory meds. You cannot simply take them at will; say, when your pain level soars. You must stick with the prescribed regime.
If you chose to go the anti-inflammatory medication route, I suggest you use a Naprosyn Sodium-based product (like Aleve®) because, when taken as directed—2 pills to begin with followed by one pill every 12 hours—you can more easily keep your blood levels steady.* Other products require you remember to take them every 4-6 hours. I don’t know about you, but I can’t seem to remember to do this.
Acetaminophen-based pain meds do not have this requirement. You can pop them (in the quantity/time frame prescribed) whenever you feel your pain level is getting too uncomfortable.
One final thought, over-dosing of any OTC medication has harmful effects on the body. Too much acetaminophen at one time, or over time, will negatively affect your liver. Too much ibuprofen and your kidneys can become damaged. Take medications only as prescribed, and, hey, if you’ve been taking an OTC medication for longer than 2-3 weeks, be good to yourself and seek profession help to heal—not simply mask—your pain.
*As a physical therapist, I am not licensed to prescribe medication, prescription or OTC type. Please consult with your physician before beginning or changing the administration of any/all medications.