New studies show that concurrent use of painkillers, including NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as Tylenol, Advil, and naproxen with anti-depressant medications like Prozac actually decreases the effectiveness of the anti-depressant medication. This is bad news for psychiatric patients that depend on anti-depressant medications to lead a normal day-to-day life, and for other patients who suffer from pill addiction due to chronic, daily pain. While it may be safe for a patient taking an anti-depressant to take the occasional NSAID to relieve mild headaches or muscle pain, studies have not yet determined what dosage of painkillers will begin to have an effect on the way the body and mind interpret anti-depressant medications.
For some people, anti-depressants are not very effective – and this new research identifies one of the reasons that treatment may be more effective for some than others. By eliminating painkillers, a patient may be able to determine if that is a contributing factor to the reason their anti-depressants seem to have a lackluster effect. This can also help to stave off pill addiction, which can be developed after extended use of even over-the-counter painkillers like Tylenol. The body becomes used to a certain amount of pain relief, and will eventually require a higher amount of the medication in more frequent intervals.
There are a multitude of other options for those who suffer from chronic pain to explore as an alternative to painkillers, and the possibility of developing a pill addiction. Consistent, holistic therapies have often proven to be more effective in the long-term sense, rather than relying on medication to treat pain symptoms. Options such as massage therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, meditation, and even hypnotherapy have provided thousands of sufferers with natural relief, without feeding their bodies with a variety of chemicals that are found in painkillers.
For more information on the different types of therapy available to naturally heal your body from pill addiction, contact the caring staff at Vista Taos Addiction Center in Taos, New Mexico.
