There are few things more convenient than having ibuprofen or aspirin handy for whenever a headache sets in. Unfortunately for many who rely on over-the-counter painkillers for relief from common aches and pains, there are numerous side effects that can be developed after continued reliance on them over time.
While purchasing over-the-counter painkillers may be a choice that’s second nature to many adults, there are alternatives. Ever since medical marijuana became legal in Ohio, the list of conditions qualifying patients for a card has continued to expand.
Anyone who has developed a reliance on over-the-counter painkillers over time would likely benefit from finding out whether or not they have a condition that qualifies them for Ohio’s medical marijuana program.
Doing so would provide them with access to products capable of relieving their pain, without any of the long-term negative side effects of the painkillers found over the counter. Skepticism around medical marijuana is fair, but there are also more than enough reasons to carry that same skepticism to some store bought medications. Even though they may provide temporary relief, the damage over-the-counter painkillers can inflict in the long-run may not be worth it.
Types of Over the Counter Pain Relief Medications
The two most common types of pain relief medications that can be found over-the-counter are acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). NSAIDs include aspirin and ibuprofen while acetaminophen consists of drugs like Tylenol.
The main difference between acetaminophen and NSAIDs is the fact that acetaminophen lacks anti-inflammatory properties that are present in drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen. Those drugs work as anti-inflammatories because they stop the creation of the body’s chemicals that cause inflammation. Even though their medicinal properties can’t be disputed, over-the-counter pain relief medications still present side effects after long term use any regular consumer should be cautious of.
Negative Effects of Over-the-Counter Painkillers
Continued reliance on over-the-counter pain relievers could eventually lead to some devastating health failures. That’s especially the case if over-the-counter pain relievers are taken in conjunction with other prescriptions or with alcohol. A few examples of the ways over-the-counter pain relief meds can damage the body over time include:
Organ Damage Both the use of NSAIDs and acetaminophen can contribute to serious organ damage. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) reports that more than 100,000 Americans are hospitalized annually due to bleeding stomach ulcers. Long-term use of NSAIDs has also reportedly contributed to kidney damage. As far as acetaminophen goes, one of the biggest risks for continued consumption is potentially fatal liver damage. Similarly to NSAIDS, acetaminophen use has also been associated with kidney failure.
Blood Clots Along with the risks of liver failure, stroke, and heart attacks, studies have also linked NSAIDs to an increased risk of blood clots. After conducting several studies, researchers found an increased risk of blood clots forming in patients who had previously taken NSAIDs. Blood clots are formed when certain parts of a person’s blood thickens to the point of becoming semi-solid. A big enough blood clot could potentially get stuck in an artery in the long, preventing blood flow from accessing that part, which is known as a pulmonary embolism. These are serious conditions which can be life threatening at times. Early detection is the key to overcoming them.
High Blood Pressure
NSAIDs can have a detrimental impact on a consumer’s blood pressure. Painkillers like Aspirin and Ibuprofen for example can offset many of the effects of common blood pressure medications. Making matters worse is the fact that there are no symptoms for rising blood pressure, so taking over the counter pain relief medications could have a negative effect without a person even realizing it. That’s why it’s vital for any patient taking high blood pressure medication to consult their doctor before taking painkillers like Aspirin or Ibuprofen.
Medical Marijuana as an Option for Pain Relief
For anyone used to treating their chronic pain with over-the-counter medications, the idea of making the transition to medical marijuana could seem far fetched, but the reality is that the Ohio Medical Marijuana program has successfully relieved the pain of thousands of patients since its inception.
That means thousands of Ohioans have been able to break their reliance on pain relief drugs with damaging long-term side effects in exchange for a natural, proven pain relief method free of the side effects found in the pain relief meds you’re likely used to taking. Making matters even better is the fact that more and more dispensaries are opening across the state, making access to new pain relief methods even easier.
The idea that your only option for pain relief is at your local drug store is false. There’s no reason to subject yourself to the negative effects of over-the-counter-pain relief any longer thanks to Ohio’s medical marijuana program.
Since the program is still relatively new, it’s completely normal to have questions about using medical marijuana as an option for pain relief, which is why we have experts who are available to answer them at your earliest convenience. Now’s a better time than ever before to change the way you treat your pain. It’s time to stop doing irreparable damage to your body by scheduling an appointment with a certified physician who can prescribe you with your own medical marijuana card today.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Here at Ohio Marijuana Card, our goal is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (866) 457-5559, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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