Painkillers: Navigating Your Over-the-Counter Options

Head throbbing? Back aching? Arthritis flaring up? People in such plights ― and countless others ― almost universally respond the same way: pop a painkiller. Indeed, recent surveys show 1 in 3 Americans take over-the-counter pain medication daily and as many as 8 in 10 report reaching for it routinely. But how much do people really know about these seeming wonder drugs found in practically every home or office first-aid kid? In this episode, we explore the different types of painkillers, how to know which to take for your condition and when they do more harm than good. Expert: Dr. William McGee, Internal Medicine Interviewer: Todd Ackerman Notable topics covered: The history of painkillers Acetaminophen, NSAIDs — which is right for your pain Interaction issues involving painkillers and prescription drugs Do some people just respond better to a certain type of painkiller? Side effects: The dangers of over-the-counter painkillers Are generics just as effective? Topical painkillers: All the benefits without the potential harms When are prescription painkillers appropriate?If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.