An analgesic is a medicine that relieves pain.

These drugs can be sold as an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drug.

How Does an Analgesic Work?

Allison Buttarazzi, MD

Different analgesics work in different ways,notes Yale Medicine.

Opioids reduce the pain signals sent by the nervous system and the brains reaction to those pain signals.

Acetaminophen works by changing the way the body senses pain.

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Children shouldnt take aspirin because a serious condition known as Reyes syndrome can occur.

Taking large amounts of Tylenol can harm your liver.

NSAIDs may increase your risk of stomach bleeding, heart attack, or stroke.

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Talk to your doctor about these risks.

Some people also become addicted to opioids.

Talk to your doctor if this is a concern.

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If you suspect an overdose of an analgesic, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

you’ve got the option to get in touch with apoison control center at 800-222-1222.

Analgesics and Alcohol

Alcohol can worsen certain side effects of analgesics.

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Youll have to discuss the risks and benefits of taking the medicine with your doctor.

She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine and completed a residency at Maine Medical Center.

Her goal is to compose helpful articles that readers can easily understand and use to improve their well-being.

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She is passionate about healthy living and delivering important medical information through her writing.

Prior to her freelance career, Marks was a supervising producer of medical programming for Ivanhoe Broadcast News.

She is a Telly award winner and Freddie award finalist.

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