They can also hurt the kidneys. The most powerful painkillers are narcotics. Dependency means that if the drug is suddenly stopped or tapered off too fast, the person experiences withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and nausea.
Severe withdrawal can even cause a person to collapse.
Anyone who has been using painkillers for over a year should speak with their doctor about the potential side effects, and about alternative medicines that might be used instead. Always consult your own doctor about any opinions or recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical condition. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center .