#otc doesn’t mean completely safe to indulge

[silanb]

As a chronic pain sufferer it’s so so important to read the labels on meds and an astounding amount of people don’t do that. Almost all of them will tell you not to drink alcohol while on that medication. Maximum doses exist for a reason and it’s not just ‘taking this many at once will kill you.’ If the dosage recommended isn’t helping look into a different OTC or prescription med.

If you need to regularly take pain medication alternate which one you use to best prevent a buildup of it that damages your system. It’s good to know which ones work best for *your* different pain levels. Everyone’s different.

I personally regularly take ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen, but never at the same time and always alternating. Even then it’s good to do research about long term medications that won’t fuck over your body. Trust me you do Not want to suffer liver damage and stomach on top of whatever chronic pain you’re handling.

I know that ibuprofen is like. A meme now (at least in my disability and chronic pain circles) but please remember that OTC pain killers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are still medications and there can be severe consequences if you take them too often or exceed the recommended doses.

Acetaminophen overdose is known specifically for liver damage and potential liver failure. Ibuprofen overdose can cause stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal distress and bleeding, high blood pressure, heart failure, and strokes.

These medications aren't something to be afraid of, but you need to be aware of how to use them properly and that includes following the recommended dosage closely and not using them more than necessary. Ibuprofen especially should not be taken for more than a few days in a row. Always check reactions to other medications too; one of the most common causes of acetaminophen overdose is people taking acetaminophen with cold or flu medication that also contains it. If you take ibuprofen and acetaminophen together, like many people do, it's incredibly important to limit how often you do that and pay close attention to how much of each you're taking.

If you're using OTC pain killers to handle chronic pain, speak to a doctor if possible about alternatives. If that ISN'T possible, and I am aware it's not for many many people, please just be careful and don't put yourself into liver failure or a stroke to try getting rid of a migraine.