What are the consequences of long-term painkiller use?

Medication simply “fools” you — while the problem keeps growing inside.

Author: Dr. Elfana Suleymanova Medically reviewed

Do you often have pain in your head, lower back or neck, and reach for a painkiller every time? Long-term and improper use of painkillers can pose serious risks to your health.

  • Kidney damage. Especially at high doses or with long-term use, some painkillers can result in impaired kidney function.
  • Liver damage. Many painkillers can have a negative effect on the liver and, with long-term use, can lead to liver damage.
  • Dependence. Some high-dose painkillers can cause the patient to become dependent on the medication.
  • Stomach bleeding. The use of painkillers can result in heartburn and gastritis, and, at high doses and with regular use, in stomach bleeding.

At our center, drug-free treatment methods are provided by professional internists and osteopaths.


We look not at where the pain is, but at where it comes from.
— Dr. Elfana Suleymanova, Center Director · Internist and osteopathic physician

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