‘Analgesics, a silent killer’

‘Analgesics, a silent killer’

A Pharmacist, Mr Osaretin Asowata, has urged
Nigerians to desist from long-term use of painkillers
or analgesics to avoid increased risk of depression
and more complicated diseases.
He said this in Abuja on Monday.
According to him, analgesics are a class of drugs that
relieves pain, which have different types, and are
effective and safe at prescribed doses.
According to him, intake of analgesics increases
brain functions and elevates the ability to
experience pleasure of food and sex naturally.
Asowata explained that when taken in high doses,
analgesics could lead to several complications that
are detrimental to the body.
“Analgesics taken in excess can cause intestinal
bleeding and liver damage. It can lead to stomach
ulcer, dry mouth, urinary retention and addiction.
“It increases the risk of testosterone, estrogen and
vitamin d deficiencies. It leads to constipation,
nausea, vomiting and loss of concentration
“It causes abdominal discomfort, haemorrhage and
esophageal ulcerations,’’ he explained.
The pharmacist stressed that the use of painkillers
everyday was harmful due to the risk involved.
“Long-term use of analgesics can cause pancreatic
cancer, fluid retention and heart failure. It can
result to bloating, dizziness, heartburn, nervousness
and coloured urine.
“It increases tightness of the chest, shortness of
breath, as well as a rash that spreads quickly.
“It causes dehydration, wrinkling of the palms and
could lead to hepatitis.
“It aids fatigue, kidney failure, heart failure and
stroke,’’ he said.
Asowata, however, mentioned that it was important
to increase the intake of water in administering of
analgesics to help flush out toxins that could be
introduced.