Myth- More painkillers mean better pain relief:Fact- Taking more painkillers than recommended does not necessarily increase pain relief and can lead to serious side effects, including overdose.
Myth- Painkillers are safe because they are prescribed:Fact- Even prescribed painkillers can be dangerous if not used as directed due to risks of addiction, overdose, and other side effects.
Myth- All painkillers are the sameFact- Different types of painkillers work in different ways and are meant for different types of pain. Using the wrong one may be ineffective or harmful.
Myth- Taking painkillers regularly is harmlessFact- Regular use of painkillers, even over-the-counter types like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can lead to long-term health issues like liver damage and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Myth- You can mix painkillers for better effect.Fact- Mixing painkillers without a doctor’s guidance can be extremely dangerous due to potential drug interactions and increased risk of side effects.
Myth- Painkillers directly heal the underlying conditionFact- Painkillers manage symptoms of pain but do not address the underlying cause of the pain. Proper medical treatment may still be needed.
Myth- If one painkiller doesn’t work, you should immediately take moreFact- If a painkiller doesn’t alleviate your pain, consult with a healthcare provider rather than increasing the dose on your own.
Myth- It’s okay to use someone else’s prescription painkillers if you’re in painFact- Taking someone else's prescription painkillers is illegal and unsafe. Medications should only be used as prescribed to the individual by a healthcare provider.
Myth- Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers can’t cause addictionFact- While less common than with prescription opioids, dependence and misuse can still occur with OTC pain relievers, especially with those containing codeine.