How many painkillers are too many?

Question

i have a friend who always seems to be taking pain killers! they are over the counter ones such as solphadine etc.... everyday its something different like headache, girly pains, hungover etc. I reckon on a normal day she takes 4- 6 but then sometimes she could take up to 10-12. Ive tried having the conversation with her that the amount she is taking cant be good for her stomach n she just laughed it off n made me feel like i was nagging over nothing! (so talking to her is not an option)

anyone any advice on what I should do? or should i just take the approach that its her life n she can do what she wants? Are they doing her much harm?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

more than the recommended dose is too much, but people can become dependent on painkillers

Answer 2

4-5

Answer 3

she sounds like she really has an addiction. if she NEEDS them, they can be taken every 4 to 6 hours, but just one! that's plenty, and that's following dosing. she should seek help, if and when she realizes she has a problem.

Answer 4

Why not ask her outright?

Tell her you are getting really worried about the amount of painkillers she is taking, that you have found out that she could be doing long term damage to herself( most painkillers say not to use them for more than 3 days without seeing a Dr), and that if she has health problems( mental or physical) then you will help her recover in any way you can

Ultimately if she does have an addictive problem with them, you cant do anything to make her come off them unless she wants to herself. Just be there for her if you can

Answer 5

the recommended amount of painkillers in any 24hours is 8, but you can`t take 8 of one type off painkiller, and 8 of a different type.Above the recommended dose, will result in You feeling worst, than if You had,had none at all.

Answer 6

Print off some information from a reliable source on the internet and give it to her. Some people assume that because you can purchase pain medicine easily that it can't be harmful to you. Any pain medicine beyond the recommended amount and/or frequency can cause problems. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen when taken by someone who drinks alcohol regularly can cause stomach bleeding and liver problems. You can bring her awareness to the situation with the printed info., and beyond that it will be up to her. She may well have to face lifestyle changes so that she isn't putting her body through so much that she feels the need to pop pain meds. all the time. Do you think she may have a problem with alcohol? You are a good friend to be concerned. Look for the root of the problem, if you can, patterns of alcohol abuse etc. You may find you have to confront her over these types of issues and the pain meds are just a symptom of this bigger problem. Good luck!

Answer 7

You shouldn't take over the counter ones for more than 3 days. You could probably substitute them for tic-tacs and still her pain would disappear because its all in the head. It can result in stomach ulcers and having to rely on pepto bismol (or the likes) for ever!! I know as she is her own person its harder to advise her... Suppose u can just advise. Good luck x

Answer 8

If she seems to be in constant pain with one thing or another, surely she should see a doctor. Taking a lot of painkillers would definitely be harming her.

Answer 9

Taking more than the recommended dose can stuff your liver, kidneys and stomach dependind on which type of painkiller you take .Also the more you take the less they work.you could try leaving some drug info around if youcan get your hands on some (?local doctor) but ultimately it is up to her