Do you take pain relievers often? Here's how to avoid an overdose
When you hear the word «overdose,» images of hard drugs or strong medications probably come to mind. And chances are, you haven’t even thought about an ibuprofen overdose, but it turns out that not only is it possible to take too much of this “relatively” mild pain reliever, but it can also put your Health at Risk.
Ibuprofen is the most widely used over-the-counter medication available, ibuprofen is used by millions of people every day as a remedy for headaches, to reduce fever symptoms, for chronic bone and joint conditions, muscle aches, cramps associated with premenstrual syndrome, and so on.
Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in many of the most popular pain relievers available on the market today, including Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, and Rufen. In 2013, Advil, which contains ibuprofen, reached sales of approximately $ 490.9 million Only in the U.S.!
Ibuprofen is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID); in other words, it helps reduce pain and swelling throughout the body by reducing the hormones that cause inflammation. All pain relievers also interfere with the normal functions of the nervous system, the ways in which nerves transmit feelings of «pain» when they occur at certain points in the body. Taking ibuprofen can be helpful when you are injured, sick, or recovering from surgery, but unfortunately, it is also overused by many people, which can lead to various side effects and even poisoning.
In some cases, people may experience an ibuprofen overdose if they take more than the recommended amount, but in other cases, the problem isn't the dose—rather, it's usually that the person has a medical condition that prevents the absorption of the drug's active ingredients.
How can an overdose occur?
When it comes to taking any medication—whether prescription or over-the-counter—you always want to take the smallest amount possible to help relieve your symptoms. In other words, more isn’t better, and to begin with, taking high doses can cause side effects that are worse than the pain and swelling you were experiencing!
In the case of ibuprofen, overdoses occur when someone has already taken too much at one time or when the body does not metabolize and eliminate the medication properly. Ibuprofen works by blocking prostaglandins in the body, which are sometimes called «local hormones,», since they affect only certain parts of the body.
One of his tasks is cause inflammation in an attempt to heal from illnesses or injuries. When necessary, inflammation can be a good thing that helps us get better, but taking this medication in excess over a long period of time can be harmful and cause illness and pain.
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandin synthesis by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. This would be fine if it only stopped the pain and swelling, but it can also be a problem, since it also It disrupts the normal functioning of the blood, heart, and intestines. Some people experience irritation of the intestinal lining, reduced blood clotting, changes in blood pressure, and stomach irritation. All of this is caused by ibuprofen!
To begin with, one of the biggest problems with taking very high doses of ibuprofen is that it can damage parts of your digestive system, especially your stomach or intestines. Another alarming risk factor is that it increases the likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke, even in people who aren’t at high risk. This is especially true if you have other health problems, when you take very high doses, and when you use this medication long-term to manage symptoms.
Symptoms of an overdose include:
- Increased risk of heart attacks and stroke (which can be fatal)
- Increased risk of seizures or coma in cases of severe toxicity
- Intestinal Bleeding, especially in the elderly
- Risk of low levels of blood pressurel (call hypotension)
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Confusion and dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Digestive and gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and stomach pain
- Difficulty urinating
- Difficulty with breathing, shallow breathing, and wheezing
- Skin rashes
Correct Doses of Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is considered safe for most adults and children older than 6 months, although exceptions may apply depending on each individual’s health. There are many different conditions that can interfere with how the body absorbs and uses ibuprofen—for example, heart disease, stomach or intestinal disorders, or problems with blood clotting.
For most healthy adults, taking up to 800 milligrams of ibuprofen four times a day is considered a safe limit and is unlikely to cause an overdose or serious complications. That doesn’t mean this dose won’t cause any harm at all or put strain on organs such as the liver or kidneys, although at this dose, it’s unlikely you’ll end up in the hospital with symptoms of poisoning. However, this dose is considered relatively high and should not be the norm. It is, though, the maximum amount you should take when your symptoms are very bothersome.
For mild to moderate pain caused by common illnesses or injuries, a dose of about 200 to 400 milligrams taken by mouth once every four to six hours is generally recommended for adults. For severe pain, your doctor may instruct you to take higher doses, such as 400–800 milligrams every few hours. It’s generally best to wait about four to six hours between doses of ibuprofen, which is enough time for your body to eliminate a certain amount so you don’t overdose. If you’re ever unsure, it’s better to take a lower dose and then see how you feel before taking more.
When it comes to giving ibuprofen to children under 2 years of age, it's a good idea to ask your pediatrician, including about over-the-counter pain relievers. Dosages for children are based on their weight and height, so read the instructions carefully and don’t assume it’s safe to give more than the recommended dose.
If you are pregnant, keep in mind that taking pain relievers, including ibuprofen, during the last three months of pregnancy can cause developmental problems in the fetus; therefore, you should follow your doctor’s advice on how to manage swelling and pain before taking any medication. If you are breastfeeding, it is always best to avoid excessive use of over-the-counter medications as much as possible, since it is not yet fully known whether ibuprofen passes into breast milk.
To reduce the risk of side effects and overdose from ibuprofen, always take ibuprofen and other medications with meals, if possible. Do not mix pain relievers with other medications (especially blood thinners, blood pressure medications, or steroids) or alcohol, as they can alter how these medications work and, in some cases, may cause toxicity. For example, drinking alcohol with pain relievers can cause stomach bleeding in some people, and mixing ibuprofen with aspirin can be risky in terms of how the heart and blood vessels function. If you are taking multiple prescription or over-the-counter medications, take ibuprofen at least eight hours before or 30 minutes after taking other medications such as aspirin, ketoprofen, or naproxen.
Interactions and Warnings Regarding Ibuprofen
Older adults and anyone who has trouble absorbing nutrients or medications; a history of circulatory, blood pressure, or heart problems, and allergies to medications; they are more likely to experience an ibuprofen overdose. An allergic reaction to ibuprofen is not the same as an overdose, but it can also be serious, so be very careful if you experience symptoms such as sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, wheezing or difficulty breathing, hives on the skin, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Because of the way it is absorbed by the body, ibuprofen may not be safe for people with the following health conditions, so be sure to ask your doctor before using it:
- Heart Disease
- High blood pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Intestinal disorders that affect the absorption of nutrients and medications
- Diabetes (especially if you smoke)
- History of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots
- Stomach Ulcers
- Asthma
- Liver Diseases
- Kidney Diseases
- Fluid retention
- Autoimmune and connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome, Sjögren's syndrome, or lupus
- Anyone recovering from heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting)
- If you are allergic to any over-the-counter medication (such as aspirin)
- If you have recently had an allergic reaction to a medication or an asthma attack
What should you do if you have an ibuprofen overdose?
If you suspect you are experiencing an overdose because you are having symptoms such as those mentioned above, first call your local poison control center. Second, it’s a good idea to go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital so that a doctor can assess and monitor your vital signs and symptoms.
They will likely check your blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate, and run blood tests; they may also give you laxatives or activated charcoal to help quickly lower the level of ibuprofen in your body. Laxatives can help empty your stomach and intestines more quickly, while activated charcoal binds to medications and heavy metals in your bloodstream and flushes them out through your urine. Both are most effective when taken immediately after an overdose, preferably within the first hour after ingesting the medication.
At the hospital, the doctor will make sure you are stable, ensure that your airways are clear and that you are breathing properly, and check that your circulation has not changed drastically. In some cases, sodium bicarbonate may be used to counteract the effects of ibuprofen. A visit to the hospital’s emergency room will likely lead to a full recovery, and you won’t suffer any permanent damage if your case of toxicity isn’t severe. First and foremost, avoiding an ibuprofen overdose remains the best way to ensure you won’t experience long-term side effects.
Natural Alternatives to Ibuprofen
If you often suffer from chronic pain, headaches, premenstrual syndrome, or other symptoms that make you rely on ibuprofen (or other medications such as aspirin) for relief, you'll be glad to know that there are plenty of natural anti-inflammatory foods, herbs, and supplements that can help prevent and treat symptoms. First of all, your diet plays a key role in the level of inflammation in your body, so a healing diet—one high in foods rich in antioxidants and low in processed foods – is the first step in reducing symptoms.
In addition to rebalancing your diet, your pain could actually be greatly reduced by making a few simple adjustments to your posture, exercise routine, sleep schedule, and lifestyle. For example, getting enough sleep can help with headaches and body aches; applying ice to joints or muscles can prevent swelling; exercise is great for reducing digestive issues and joint pain; and paying attention to your posture while sitting and standing can work wonders for your lower back, neck, or hamstrings.
In addition to these recommendations, here are several supplements and superfoods that can help naturally reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain:
- Turmeric and Ginger: Turmeric is one of the most powerful roots in the world and contains an active ingredient called curcumin, which acts similarly to dozens of different medications. It is useful for regulating cholesterol, arthritis symptoms, blood clotting, depression, cancer, digestive disorders such as colitis, diabetes, and chronic pain. Ginger is also used worldwide to combat inflammation associated with arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
- Bromelain: Bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple, helps combat allergic reactions, indigestion, inflammation of muscles and connective tissue, asthma, arthritis, and sinus infections.
- Magnesium: An essential electrolyte that supports nerve signaling and fluid balance, making it ideal for relieving tension headaches, muscle spasms, and indigestion
- Essential oils: There are numerous essential oils that can help soothe muscles or joints, fight colds and infections, reduce headaches, and speed up wound healing. While their uses depend primarily on the cause of the pain, some popular anti-inflammatory essential oils include peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree.
- Epsom Salt Baths: If you are prone to muscle or joint pain, salt baths can help relieve muscle spasms and relax painful areas caused by inflammation. The salts are absorbed directly through the skin, penetrating areas that may be swollen or tender.
- SMS: This molecule helps keep joints strong and pain-free by supplying sulfur to the cartilage. It is available as a supplement in products labeled «methylsulfonylmethane.»
- Chiropractic Adjustments, by stimulating the nervous system
