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?
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