Neurologist from AIIMS Issues Caution on Painkiller Overuse, Highlights Health Risks

Post by : Saif Nasser

Pain relief is often sought through medications, yet an AIIMS-trained neurologist urges caution regarding their frequent use. Dr. Rahul Chawla, affiliated with AIIMS New Delhi and serving at IBS Hospital in Lajpat Nagar, emphasizes that individuals relying on painkillers for over 10–15 days per month should cease usage immediately and consult a specialist.

On November 15, Dr. Chawla conveyed his concerns via Instagram, pointing out that many resort to medications like Dolo at the onset of headaches without addressing underlying causes. This reliance can foster a harmful cycle whereby the intended remedy exacerbates the issue.

He elucidates that frequent painkiller intake leads to dependency, causing the brain to require increasingly higher doses for relief. This dependency may culminate in medication overuse headaches, a condition characterized by intensified and more frequent headaches attributed to the same painkillers intended for relief.

According to Dr. Chawla, he observes numerous patients in his outpatient department who consume painkillers daily over extended periods. Many neglect to consult neurologists, while others oscillate between various doctors or take advice from social media without proper verification. Consequently, they miss out on a definitive diagnosis and a remedial treatment plan.

While many of his patients face common issues like tension headaches or migraines, some present with rarer conditions like idiopathic intracranial hypertension or central nervous system vasculitis. These require timely medical attention and can be effectively managed if detected early. However, the apprehension regarding long-term medication dissuades patients from seeking evaluation, leading to worsened conditions.

Dr. Chawla cautions that chronic painkiller use can be detrimental to liver and kidney health. Overconsumption of paracetamol is a leading cause of drug-induced liver injury, while NSAIDs can result in kidney complications, stomach ulcers, gastric bleeding, and increased blood pressure. Prolonged usage can heighten brain sensitivity to pain, making recurrent headaches more prevalent.

He mentions that excessive painkiller consumption amplifies brain signaling pathways related to pain. This lowered pain threshold makes individuals more susceptible to discomfort, resulting in rebound headaches when the medication effects diminish, perpetuating a continuous cycle.

Dr. Chawla indicates that nearly 20–30 percent of chronic headache patients encountered in neurology clinics are affected by overuse headaches. The good news? This condition can be reversed with proper medical guidance and cessation of excess medication.

His message is clear: Understand your headaches instead of masking them with medication. Seeking a neurologist's expertise, undergoing appropriate assessments, and adhering to a structured treatment plan is vital in managing the true source of pain, thereby safeguarding both mental and physical health.

If you find yourself relying on painkillers for over 10–15 days a month, it’s time to stop and seek professional intervention to uncover the root cause of your discomfort. Optimal health begins with informed guidance over self-medication.