Also, taking pain medications above the recommended dosage increases the risk of seizures. While taking medications to relieve the side effects of pain therapy may offer temporary relief, it could also disguise a serious medical problem. But masking gastrointestinal symptoms can lead to critical delays in detection and treatment of emergency complications, such as ulcers. In most cases, these symptoms can be avoided through gradual withdrawal based on increasingly smaller doses. It's important to understand that physical dependence does not mean abuse or addiction.
Addiction is a psychological problem that compels people to abuse pain drugs.
Don't let any misunderstandings of the difference between physical dependence, abuse, and addiction prevent you from getting the most effective relief for your pain. Sometimes, people have intensified bouts of pain that are not controlled by otherwise effective pain therapy. If this happens, you may be tempted to take nonprescription drugs for added relief. But first ask your doctor or pharmacist if it's safe. Combinations of certain pain relievers could cause serious problems.