AIIMS Neurologist Cautions Against Excessive Painkiller Use, Highlights Risks

Pain relief is often sought through medications, yet a neurologist from AIIMS is sounding alarms about the overuse of painkillers. Dr. Rahul Chawla, affiliated with AIIMS in New Delhi and a consultant at IBS Hospital in Lajpat Nagar, advises that individuals reliant on these drugs for more than 10–15 days per month need to halt their use and consult a healthcare professional.

Dr. Chawla's guidance was shared on Instagram on November 15, where he emphasized that many resort to painkillers like Dolo at the first sign of a headache, neglecting the underlying causes. This reactive pattern can inadvertently exacerbate the very issue it aims to alleviate.

The doctor warns that frequent painkiller consumption can lead to dependency, as the brain grows accustomed to these medications, necessitating higher doses over time just to achieve baseline comfort. This results in medication overuse headaches, where the frequency and severity of headaches actually increase.

In his practice, Dr. Chawla has encountered numerous patients who self-medicate with painkillers daily for extended periods. Many avoid seeking expert advice, flitting from one doctor to another, or relying on unreliable social media insights, which prevents them from receiving accurate diagnoses and treatment options.

While common conditions like tension headaches and migraines are prevalent, Dr. Chawla notes that patients may also suffer from less common issues such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension or central nervous system vasculitis. Prompt medical attention can effectively manage these conditions, yet many hesitate to consult professionals due to apprehensions about long-term medication.

The neurologist underscored the potential for long-term painkiller use to inflict harm on vital organs, especially the liver and kidneys. Overconsumption of paracetamol ranks among the leading causes of drug-induced liver damage, while NSAIDs are linked to kidney dysfunction, ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and elevated blood pressure. Chronic use can also lower the brain's pain threshold, leading to recurrent headaches.

Frequent medication usage amplifies activity within the brain's pain pathways, which in turn diminishes the pain threshold, resulting in patients becoming more pain-sensitive. Once the medication effect subsides, rebound headaches may arise, initiating another round of pill reliance.

Dr. Chawla reports that between 20–30% of chronic headache sufferers in neurology clinics experience overuse headaches. Fortunately, this cycle can be reversed with appropriate interventions and discontinuation of excessive medication.

He implores individuals to understand the nature of their headaches rather than resorting to mindless treatment. Consulting a neurologist, undergoing recommended tests, and adhering to a structured treatment regimen could lead to sustainable headache management and overall health.

His concluding advice is clear: If you find yourself using painkillers for more than 10–15 days monthly, it’s time to seek professional help. A journey to optimal health begins with informed guidance rather than habitual self-treatment.