The Real Risks of Using Painkillers Daily

When your head aches, your muscles throb, or your period cramps come in hot, it’s easy to reach for an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. After all, medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are conveniently available at pharmacies and even gas stations. But how safe is it really to pop a painkiller every day?

It turns out that a lot of people do it. Around 15 percent of Americans use OTC pain meds regularly, and the global market for these drugs is expected to skyrocket to $24.4 billion by 2027. But as common as they are, taking these medications without fully understanding their risks especially long-term is a slippery slope.

What Exactly Are You Taking?

Most of the popular OTC painkillers, including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin, belong to a class of drugs called NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications reduce pain, inflammation, and fever, and are generally considered safe when used short-term, in the correct dosage.

The problem? Many people don’t follow label instructions. A 2018 study found that 11 percent of ibuprofen users exceeded the daily recommended dose often unknowingly. That’s a big deal, because overusing these medications increases the risk of side effects that range from stomach ulcers to heart and kidney complications.

Side Effects You Need to Know About

Let’s break down some of the key risks of long-term or high-dose NSAID use:

• Stomach Ulcers and GI Bleeding: NSAIDs work by blocking prostaglandins compounds that cause inflammation but also protect your stomach lining. When levels drop, the risk of bleeding or ulcers increases. Symptoms can include black stools, vomiting blood, and stomach pain.

• Heart Attack or Stroke: Except for aspirin, NSAIDs may raise your risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes even within the first few weeks of use, according to the FDA. This risk climbs the longer you take them.

• High Blood Pressure: NSAIDs can cause the body to retain sodium, increasing blood pressure. If you already have hypertension, you may want to steer clear or speak to your doctor first.

• Kidney Damage: Long-term use may impair kidney function. The danger is that kidney disease is often symptomless until it’s advanced. In rare cases, NSAIDs can also cause allergic reactions that damage kidney tissue.

• Rebound Headaches: Using pain meds too often for headaches can backfire. This condition called medication overuse headache (MOH) can develop from taking NSAIDs or acetaminophen more than 15 days a month.

And if you’re pregnant, the stakes are higher. NSAID use around 20 weeks gestation and later has been linked to fetal kidney problems and low amniotic fluid.

The Risk of Accidental Overdose

Even if you stick to a single painkiller brand, you might not realize you’re doubling up. Many combination cold and flu medications include NSAIDs as ingredients. Taking ibuprofen along with a product that also contains it or even aspirin can increase the likelihood of stomach bleeding, heart problems, and more. Always check labels and avoid taking more than one NSAID at a time.

Are NSAIDs Addictive?

Not in the traditional sense. Unlike opioids, NSAIDs don’t cause physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms. But that doesn’t mean daily use is harmless. Relying on these meds to push through pain, particularly for athletes or anyone with a high physical load, can mask underlying injuries and delay healing.

Healthier Ways to Manage Pain

If you're reaching for NSAIDs regularly, it’s time to dig into the root cause of your discomfort. Here are expert-backed, drug-free strategies that may offer relief:

1. Use PRICE for Injuries: Protect, Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate minor injuries like sprains or strains.

2. Try Physical Therapy: Evidence shows PT can ease back, neck, and joint pain and help you avoid meds altogether.

3. Reduce Menstrual Cramps Naturally: Light exercise, heat therapy, or even acupressure may help ease pain during your period.

4. Hydrate and Rest: Dehydration and poor sleep are often behind headaches. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep and drink water consistently throughout the day.

5. Tune Into Your Triggers: Keep a journal to track when pain flares up. You might discover it’s linked to posture, stress, or skipped meals.

When to Use Painkillers And Which Ones Are Safest

If you do need to take a pain reliever, consider acetaminophen (Tylenol), especially if you’re concerned about your heart, gut, or kidneys. Acetaminophen doesn’t carry the same gastrointestinal or cardiovascular risks as NSAIDs, though it does pose a risk of liver damage in high doses. Stick to 3,000 mg or less per day unless directed by your doctor.

“Pain is a messenger,” says Ankur Shah, MD, of Brown Medicine. “If you’re reaching for NSAIDs daily, your body is trying to tell you something. Ignoring that message by masking it with medication may delay the treatment you really need.”

So, How Bad Is It Really to Take NSAIDs Every Day?

If you’re under a doctor’s care and being monitored for side effects, daily NSAID use might be appropriate. But for everyone else, it’s not something you should DIY. NSAIDs were never meant for daily, long-term use without guidance.

If you're regularly treating pain with OTC meds, make an appointment with your healthcare provider to investigate what's really going on. From blood work to imaging, they can help identify and treat the root cause and guide you toward safer, sustainable relief.

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