Head throbbing? Back aching? Arthritis flaring up? People in such plights ― and countless others ― almost universally respond the same way: pop a painkiller. Indeed, recent surveys show 1 in 3 Americans take over-the-counter pain medication daily and as many as 8 in 10 report reaching for it routinely. But how much do people really know about these seeming wonder drugs found in practically every home or office first-aid kid? In this episode, we explore the different types of painkillers, how to know which to take for your condition and when they do more harm than good. 

Expert: Dr. William McGee, Internal Medicine 

Interviewer: Todd Ackerman 

Notable topics covered: 

• The history of painkillers 
• Acetaminophen, NSAIDs — which is right for your pain 
• Interaction issues involving painkillers and prescription drugs 
• Do some people just respond better to a certain type of painkiller? 
• Side effects: The dangers of over-the-counter painkillers 
• Are generics just as effective? 
• Topical painkillers: All the benefits without the potential harms 
• When are prescription painkillers appropriate?

If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.