Popular painkiller creating more headaches: study
An Australian study has found popular pain medication codeine could actually be making pain worse in the long run.
It is believed using regular doses of codeine increases a sufferer’s sensitivity to pain, building an addiction to the drug.
The results come from a study by Adelaide University researchers on those who regularly use the drug.
“They tend to get pain more often and it is more resistant to treat,” headache specialist Prof Paul Rolan
“Codeine is worse than morphine for pain worsening.”
It is estimated more than 3 million Australians use it on a regular basis.
Experts said the findings are concerning because while morphine requires a doctor’s script, codeine is readily available off the shelf.
Researcher Jacinta Johnson said it is best used sparingly.
“A lot of patients using codeine in Australia are self medicating,” she said.
“Just because you don’t need a prescription to buy the medication, it doesn’t mean that it is without long term effects.”
Experts said those who only use it occasionally should not be alarmed, but frequent users are advised to consult their general practitioner.
