An 18-year-old girl from Trichy died after an overdose of painkillers. As per news reports, the teen girl used to experience severe period pain, and to ease pain and cramps, she ended up overdosing on painkillers.
The incident took place in the Pulivalem area of Trichy, Tamil Nadu, in southern India. Shortly after, she began vomiting and was rushed to a local primary health center by her parents for treatment. And she was treated and sent home.
However, upon arrival, she fainted, and her parents quickly took her to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital (MGMGH) for further treatment. But despite the efforts made by the doctors to revive her, she passed away due to complications from the overdose.
This incident highlights the importance of health knowledge and a doctor’s prescription regarding the usage of painkillers. Many girls unknowingly suffer from conditions like endometriosis or fibroids, causing severe period pain. They often turn to painkillers without realizing the real cause. Which can hide serious health problems, and lead to overuse, putting their health at risk.
Period pain can be intense, but it can also be too much. If your period is causing excruciating pain, and discomfort, know that it is not normal. It is important to seek a doctor’s advice regarding over-the-counter medications and in this case, painkillers.
Sadly, what happened to her could have been prevented if the right steps were taken. Self-medication with over-the-counter painkillers without addressing the root cause, can lead to further complications.
Risks of taking too many painkillers
Many women switch to painkillers to ease pain during menstruation. Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are usually the go-to for managing period cramps. However, using these medications in excess can lead to various health risks:
Such as:
1 . Gastrointestinal issues: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers, bleeding, and gastrointestinal perforations if they’re taken in excess.
2 . Kidney and liver damage. It would be best if you didn’t use painkillers without the advice of a doctor. Because the over use of NSAIDs is also linked to kidney damage and the liver. Acetaminophen found in medications such as Tylenol or paracetamol, is the most common over-the-counter pain medicine that’s linked to kidney damage. According to the National Kidney Foundation, the excessive use of NSAIDs can lead to chronic kidney disease, especially if you have pre-existing kidney conditions or are dehydrated. What’s more, it can also overwhelm the liver, which could lead to liver damage or failure.
3 . Cardiovascular risks: Some painkillers, especially NSAIDs, can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke when used in high doses, or over long periods. A study published by Cureus states that painkillers like ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and diclofenac can be linked with increased high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and palpitations. It’s even higher in people with pre-existing heart issues or high BP. Additionally, NSAIDs can cause fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and headaches.
4 . Addiction and dependency: If a person uses Opioid painkillers excessively or without medical supervision, it can lead to physical dependency and addiction. Which poses a significant risk to the person’s overall health. It’s a scary situation to be in.
How to use painkillers safely
Here are 5 precautions to remember when you are using painkillers for menstrual cramps:
1 . Follow the dosage guidelines
It might seem like a no-brainer but always stick to the recommended dosage on the label or as your doctor prescribes. Taking more than advised can lead to unwanted side effects and long-term health consequences.
Remember Following the rules won’t make you lose.
2 . Limit duration of use
On a normal basis, painkillers are meant for short-term relief. So, if you need medication for more than a few days each month, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
3 . Take your health conditions into consideration
If you have health conditions like liver disease, kidney issues, or cardiovascular problems, be extra careful when using painkillers. I will continue to advise you, to always check with your doctor to ensure the medication is safe for your specific health status.
4 . Don’t mix meds
Avoid mixing medications.
Combining different pain relievers can be very risky, in fact, you’d be playing a very dangerous game. For instance, taking NSAIDs and acetaminophen together can increase your risk of liver and kidney damage. If one medication isn’t effective enough, consult your doctor instead of adding another one.
5 . Monitor for side effects
Be alert to any unusual feelings or side effects while taking painkillers. If you experience any reactions like severe stomach ache or unusual bleeding, seek medical attention immediately.
Signs of severe period pain and When you must seek immediate attention
If you’re experiencing severe symptoms like:
- Extremely heavy bleeding ( soaking through pads/ tampons every hour)
- Severe cramps (interfering with daily activities)
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Passing large clots
- Prolonged bleeding that lasts more than 7-10 days
Or unusual symptoms like:
1 . Sudden, severe pain
2 . Abdominal tenderness or swelling
3 . Fever over 38.6 C
4 . Difficulty urinating or painful urination
5 . Unusual vaginal discharge or odor
Other Red Flags
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheartedness or dizziness
- Increased pain over time
- Difficulty moving or walking
- Pain radiating to the back, thighs, or legs
Causes of severe period pain and its relationship with painkillers
Severe period pain can be caused by the following health conditions:
- Pre-menstrual syndrome
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
It’s very important to pay attention to what is causing such an intense period of pain. Because knowing the cause and addressing it, is what will make things better. While it is true that period pain can be very discomforting, it can be “too discomforting”. And when it is accompanied by unusual symptoms like the ones mentioned above, overdosing on painkillers wouldn’t cut it.
Painkillers can be used to relieve all types of pain, including period pain, but it’s not a long-term solution. Especially in the case of menstrual cramps. It may be a better alternative to use natural remedies for menstrual cramps to avoid situations like an overdose of painkillers. It’s so sad that she had to die, if only some steps were taken, she wouldn’t be gone.
5 Natural ways to manage period pain
1 . Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to your lower abdomen, it can help relax uterine muscles which alleviates cramps.
2 . Acupuncture and acupressure can bring relief. It involves stimulating specific points in the body to improve energy flow and reduce pain
3 . Herbal remedies such as drinking teas like chamomile or ginger tea may provide relief from cramps.
4 . Making changes in your diet can go a long way in reducing menstrual cramps. Reducing your intake of caffeine and sugar while adding foods like ginger, fatty fish, and turmeric can lessen the cramps.
5 . Exercise regularly to increase blood circulation and stimulate the release of endorphins, which act as natural painkillers.
These articles will provide more information about menstruation care.
Period care : Tips on how to have a less-intense menstrual cycle.
How to prepare for your next menstrual period.
Pre-menstrual breakouts : Causes, treatments, prevention & more
