The medicines you take for pain, depression, high cholesterol and more might lead to other unwanted symptoms, but help is here
As we get older, it’s easy to blame aches and pains on things like arthritis or past injuries. But you don’t have to grin and bear it. If you’re taking any medications, ask your doctor to give them a closer look. That includes common over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications.
The reason: Some medications have been linked to pain in the joints, back, stomach, head and more. That is according to pain management specialist Medhat Mikhael, MD. He’s an anesthesiologist at the Surgical Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast medical center in Fountain Valley, California.
Sometimes the fix is as simple as talking to your doctor. They might suggest changing your dose or switching to another similar treatment. Some simple lifestyle changes may also help.
But first, look at the list below. See if any of those medications are in your medicine cabinet and learn about their links to pain. Then you can work with your doctor to find relief.
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Statins are drugs that can help lower cholesterol. They can help reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. But as with all medications, there are sometimes side effects. One of them can be muscle pain.*
“We think this is due to muscle inflammation,” says Dr. Mikhael. “Usually, it’s mild and gets better on its own.” If it doesn’t, you have a few options to talk with your doctor about:
Remember that statins can be a very important part of managing your heart health. Be sure to work with your doctor to find the right solution for you. You can also review your formulary (drug list) with your doctor. This is the list of both generic and brand-name prescription drugs that your health plan covers.
These OTC medications are sold in the form of ibuprofen and naproxen. They help ease inflammation and pain. But they can also affect your gastrointestinal tract if you use them long term, especially if you’re an older adult, says Christina Lasich, MD. She oversees the medication-assisted treatment program at the Mendocino Community Health Clinic in CA. In fact, up to 30 percent of long-term NSAID users go on to develop ulcer disease. This can cause bleeding and pain.*
To avoid this, Dr. Lasich suggests that you try nondrug therapies to treat common conditions like arthritis. For example, try eating an anti-inflammatory diet and getting regular exercise.
If you do need something stronger, Dr. Lasich advises that you talk to your doctor. They might suggest prescription drugs that are much easier on the stomach than NSAIDs.
Opioids are a class of drugs used to treat pain. They can be addictive. “I see a lot of people in their 60s, 70s and even 80s who have been on short-acting opioids like oxycodone for several years and now take them around the clock,” says Dr. Lasich. “Because when they stop, it causes withdrawal symptoms like pain and anxiety.” When she sees this, she temporarily switches the patient to a long-acting opioid.
“It’s almost impossible to taper off of a short-acting opioid. It’s like stepping off a roller coaster,” says Dr. Lasich. “But long-acting opioids promote more chemical stability in the brain. It’s actually easier to taper.”
A class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can sometimes cause headaches, says Dr. Lasich. Some examples: sertraline and fluoxetine. That’s because they activate the same brain receptors that can also bring on a headache.
Do you take an SSRI and have frequent bad headaches? If so, Dr. Lasich suggests asking your doctor about the medication duloxetine. It’s an antidepressant that can also treat chronic pain.
These drugs are very effective at helping your body build back bone if you have osteoporosis. It's a medical condition in which bones become brittle and are more likely to fracture or break. One example is teriparatide. Taking these medications can help save you from going through the pain of a broken wrist or a hip fracture.* But joint pain can be a side effect for some people, says Dr. Mikhael.
Still, “most patients decide to stay on these medications because they provide so many benefits,” says Dr. Mikhael. But what if the pain gets to be too much? Your doctor may recommend another type of osteoporosis medication.
These products usually contain an OTC pain reliever. They can help ease an occasional headache. But if you take them too often, you run the risk of having rebound headaches. Or you may get a headache from your medication. That’s especially true if they also contain caffeine, says Dr. Mikhael.
If you find that you’re reaching for OTC headache medicines more than a couple of times a week, talk to your primary care provider (PCP). They can refer you to a headache specialist who can help you find less pain-inducing options.
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*FOR SIDE EFFECTS OF STATINS SOURCE: Cleveland Clinic. Statins giving you achy muscles? Ask your doctor about these 4 potential fixes. February 25, 2020. Accessed December 7, 2023.
*FOR SIDE EFFECTS OF NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS SOURCE: Clinical Medicine. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the gastrointestinal tract. March 2021. Accessed December 7, 2023.
*FOR SIDE EFFECTS OF INJECTABLE OSTEOPOROSIS MEDICATIONS SOURCE: Mayo Clinic. Osteoporosis treatment: medications can help. August 13, 2020. Accessed December 7, 2023.
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