Understanding Long-Term Use of Everyday Medications

When we experience some sort of pain, troubles falling asleep at night, allergies, or general discomfort, most of us either visit a doctor or reach to over-the-counter medicine.

The thing is that while these medicines often work fast and feel like a lifesaver, they usually only provide short-term relief.

So, if we decide to stick to them long term, such as day after day, month after month, or even for years, they come with risks that aren’t always obvious.

Doctors stress that while these medications are helpful, long-term use should be handled with care.

If we understand the reasons behind doctors monitoring for possible side effects, and even becoming aware of better and safer alternatives, can help us use any medicine more wisely.

According to a number of scientific studies and medical guidelines, a number of common and widely used medications affect the functioning of the body if used over a long period of time. This includes vital organs such as the stomach, kidneys, or bones and can increase the risk of other health problems, particularly among older people or those suffering from chronic health conditions. This is why doctors are trying to balance the risk: they want people to feel better without causing unnecessary harm.

Why Long-Term Medication Use Calls for Extra Attention

When a patient asks for medical assistance because of certain issues they experience, it’s not uncommon for doctors to prescribe them medicine. Most times, however, doctors shy away from advising taking medicine not because of the side effects but because they are aware the context of use, such as how long and how often a medicine is being taken and at what dose, is very important.

Many short-term medicines are safe and effective if used exactly as directed, but the same medicines can behave differently if they become part of someone’s daily routine. In the end, the combined effect of a drug over time may stress the organs, change normal body function, or interfere with other drugs.

Medical guidelines such as the Beers Criteria, developed by the American Geriatrics Society, specifically call attention to medications that may pose heightened risk if used regularly in certain populations, especially adults over 65. These criteria help clinicians identify drugs with a higher likelihood of adverse effects so that they can recommend safer alternatives or closely monitor patients when ongoing use is necessary. For example, the Beers Criteria cautions against routine, long-term use of certain pain relievers, acid blockers, sleep aids, and sedating antihistamines, among others.

The main point is to be aware, because when people are aware about possible long-term risks, it can help them ask the right questions, notice side effects, and have better communication with their doctors.

The goal is not to stop using helpful medicines altogether, but to make sure they are used carefully and in the right way.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Drugs people often purchase for body pain and headaches are NSAIDs. It sounds like a big word, but it just refers to drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. Most of these drugs don’t require a prescription and are used for headaches, sore muscles, or arthritis. When you are in pain, they are life savior.

The thing is, if you start taking them regularly for months or years, they can affect more than just your pain. NSAIDs prevent certain body chemicals that tell you you’re in pain from doing their job, but those same chemicals also protect your stomach and kidneys. That means if you are a heavy user of these medications, your stomach lining can become weakened, your kidneys can become strained, and you may be suffering from that without even being aware of it yet. Some research suggests many longtime users have stomach changes without any symptoms. For some, those changes can become ulcers or bleeding, particularly at older adults or those suffering from digestive issues.

NSAIDs can also increase your blood pressure and the workload on your heart. Even the new NSAIDs that are touted as being gentle on your stomach, such as celecoxib, can potentially have a negative effect on your heart if you’re taking them frequently over time.

It is because of these risks that doctors usually recommend taking NSAIDs at the lowest dose that works and only for as long as you really need them. When the pain sticks around or happens a lot, it would be for the best to turn to other options with your doctor’s approval. Things like physical therapy, exercise, pain creams, or even small changes to your daily habits can be of great use. That way, you won’t have to just keep taking more pills every day.

Some easy ways to use NSAIDs more safely are to only take them for short flare-ups, keep track of how often you need them, and talk with your doctor about other ways to manage your pain.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs are powerful drugs that many people rely on. You might have heard of them as omeprazole or esomeprazole. They effectively dial back how much acid your stomach produces, which relieves heartburn, acid reflux, ulcers, and just about any other type of stomach pain. The problem is they’re so effective that some folks wind up taking them every day for weeks, months, or even longer.

The hard part is that long-term use can create problems you won’t notice right away. Stomach acid is involved in helping your body take in good stuff like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12. That’s because if you suppress it for too long, your bones can weaken and your risk of fractures can increase. Some research suggests it can affect your gut bacteria and even make you a bit more susceptible to certain infections.

There may also be other problems, such as stress on your kidneys or possibly even heart complications in some individuals, but researchers are still determining the full extent of the risk.

It’s why doctors frequently recommend taking breaks after a few weeks or months. If they determine you do need to continue using it, the aim is to take the minimum dose that is effective. Some people manage symptoms by incorporating slight lifestyle changes, including having smaller portions, avoiding foods that trigger heartburn, shedding a few pounds if necessary, elevating the head while they sleep, or taking antacids from time to time. If these changes help taking less meds, that’s never a bad thing.

Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)

Acetaminophen (known in the United States under the brand name Tylenol, among others) is a commonly used medication to treat pain and fever; it is sometimes regarded as a safer alternative to NSAIDs by the general public due to its lack of effect on the stomach and blood clotting. It is usually well tolerated when taken as directed for the short-term treatment of mild pain or fever.

Yet with acetaminophen, the primary safety risk is the liver. Acetaminophen is metabolized primarily in the liver, and overdosing, whether intentional or accidental, can cause damage to liver tissue. This is a real concern, particularly when people use multiple products that contain acetaminophen, such as cold and flu preparations, without realizing it, doctors say. Chronic high-dose use, even if each individual dose appears harmless, can build up in the liver and increase the risk of liver damage.

To be safe, experts say don’t exceed the maximum daily dose on the label (usually 3,000 to 4,000 mg for adults, though that may be different if you have health issues), don’t drink alcohol if you’re taking acetaminophen for a period of time, and be mindful of all the sources of the drug if you’re taking more than one product.

It can also be useful to check with your doctor on a regular basis to ensure your dosage is still safe and appropriate.

Benzodiazepines and Prescription Sleep Aids

When they are anxious or have a hard time falling asleep, some people take drugs such as Valium or Xanax, also known as benzodiazepines. These types of medications relax your nerves and make you feel more at ease or help you sleep. There are also other drugs that achieve the same result.

They can be great if that’s all you need them to do. Yet long-term use might be dangerous. They’re something you can build up a tolerance to, and then start needing more to get the same effect, and they can make you tired during the day, they can make you forgetful, or wobbly on your feet. The older you are, the more likely you are to fall or get hurt. That’s why doctors typically advise using these medicines only for a brief interval and then reassess if the use needs to be extended.

Before you take medication, try to fix the sleep problem by changing your lifestyle. Try going to bed at the same time every night, reduce caffeine and screen time, do some relaxation exercises, or talk to a therapist.

Certain Antihistamines and Other Common Medications

When people suffer from allergies, they usually turn to medications. Most of the over-the-counter allergy drugs work by blocking histamine, but they can also make you sleepy, cause a dry mouth, make you feel drowsy, or cause difficulty urinating. And these side effects sometimes can be more pronounced in older adults, and long-term use can impair memory and balance, and increase the risk of falls.

Some of the newer allergy medications like loratadine and cetirizine are considered safer compared to the older ones such as diphenhydramine.

Other drugs people might take for long periods,such as some antidepressants, muscle relaxants, antipsychotics, and even some heart drugs, also have to be monitored. Doctors want to know if the drugs are still helping more than they’re causing harm. Resources like the Beers Criteria guide physicians in these decisions for older adults.

Practical Tips for Safer Medication Use

If you take any medications regularly, here are some simple steps to help you get the most from them safely.

Check your medications with your doctor

Once in a while, review all your medications. Ensure you still need the medication, that you are taking the right dose, and that it is the safest option for you.

Maintain a brief journal

Note the times when you take each medication and for what purpose. That can be useful for you and your physician to determine if the drug is still appropriate, or if something else might be better.

Pose questions

You can ask about things like: “Do I still need this long term?’ or ‘Is there a safer alternative I could try first?”

Make lifestyle changes

Basic things like eating better, dealing with stress, following a sleep schedule, exercising, and other drug-free treatments can at times be more effective than medication.

Be alert to the sneaky sources

Some combination drugs such as cold drugs already contain acetaminophen or antihistamines. Read the labels so you don’t take too much inadvertently. Taking control of your own health and doing these things often means using fewer medications and getting better results.

*Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider before adjusting any medications or health routines, as individual needs may differ.

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