Which is better on your body, for a painkiller, pills or alcohol?

Question

I hurt my back. The doctor wanted me to take 800mg of Ibuprofen 3x a day...2400mg of Ibuprofen, plus 1000mg of Vicodin a day. I thought that was A LOT. I read to warnings on the Ibuprofen - pretty serious stuff... So I was wondering....would alcohol almost be 'safer' that all of those pills? This is a serious question....I usually do not drink or take any other meds...I was just curious...I know you can get hooked on anything - I am aware of that - but health wise...could alcohol have less serious side effects (without not drinking enough to get drunk)...it seems like alcohol has been around much longer and used as a painkiller...

Just wondering....

Answer 1

Go with pills. Alcohol is not an effective painkiller, and its horrible for your liver. Just don't get addicted.

Answer 2

Good point about the length of time alcohol has been around, but it's not exactly designed to be a pain killer. Ibuprofin I think was invented as an alternative to asprin, which was itself I believe originally used as an alternative to alcohol. They all have side-effects and all work in different ways to numb pain.

Generally speaking the newest "drug" is usually the most effective because the technology improves and can be focused on doing just what is needed. That said, many people have been turning back to the more natural cures assuming they are not as harmful as manufactured products. But alcohol isn't really any more natural than asprin or ibuprofin.

Overall, I think the vicodin is the medicine you most have to worry about. I'm not a doctor, but I've had it and I know it is STRONG. I'm also pretty sure it can be very addicting, and it should not be taken with alcohol.

I agree that today's medical community is far too dependant upon medications, but as far as we know this is the best they can do. Hopefully someday something better will come along. Until then I'd suggest you do what the doctor recommends.

Answer 3

Both will effect the liver. IBUProfen should not be taken with Alcohol. I'm guessing you're prescribed Norcos which are the yellow 1000 mg Vicodin. You Lucky dog. Anyways, anything taken in excessive amount is dangerous. Vicodin technically has been around just as long as Alcohol. It is derived from Opium which is the stuff that makes herion. Except it's made by drug companies in safe, clean facilities with a lot more additives and is a lot less pure. I'd just stick to what the doctor says to do.

Answer 4

With alcohol you would possibly overload your liver with toxins resulting in a major hangover. This would lead to a serious head ache, nausea, and possibly vomiting and the runs.

If your doctor prescribed you pain killers I would take them as prescribed and avoid alcohol. Both can mess you liver up if you take them for a long period of time, however the vicodin is tested for safety and FDA approved. If you find yourself experiencing negative side affects from it you might ask for Darvocet. It is a milder pain killer and does not contain hydrocodone. Another option that is milder, but also very affective would be either a mild muscle relaxer, or another pain med such as ultram.

Answer 5

Personally, I react badly to most medicines, usually because they contain ingredients I am allergic to. I do treat pain with alcohol, when necessary. Although both pills and alcohol are bad for your liver, I think alcohol is more easily assimilated, if you consume it in moderation. There are too many ingredients and side effects in those meds. The side effects of alcohol are often just stupidity and a little hangover. All things in moderation

Answer 6

Get a second opinion on your meds.A lot of times doctors over do it on prescribing meds.I have to ask my play mom on advice for the meds I take because they will prescribe too many.

Sometimes it is a way for the pharmacy and the doctor to make their money.If the doctor prescribe you too much then you will have other side effects and you wil have to pay to see the doctor again.Sometimes doctors will make their money by prescribing medicine that is not really good for patients but their are trying to increase the number of people that it works for bonuses.

Alcohol is not the answer for you pain.You can easily become a alcoholic if you start.I know you are worry about becoming addicted to you meds but the same thing with me and my anti depressants.I learned that it is good for me but only when needed.I lowered my dosages because of the side effects.I take it maybe 2 to 3 times a week.YOU HAVE TO USE YOUR OWN JUDGMENT ON TAKING ON MEDICINE.

Answer 7

Ok I had back surgery, in 2003. and I'm sure you mean 10 mg of hydrocodone and 1000 mg of acetaminophen. It is Vicidon and If you do take Vicodin, don't drink alcohol with it because it will slowly destroy your liver. However if you do need Vicodin take it only when needed because it is a narcotic, and will become addictive..I mean seriously addictive..Alcohol is not going to get rid of any pain you may be having.

Answer 8

Yikes!!! Thats alot of pills! I generally try to avoid pills and all that kinda junk.

My advice, drink lots lots lots of water, if you're dehydrated it'll make your back worse.

Homeopathy, It'll work just as good, if not better then those pills you're taking, without the side effects. See a good homeopathist.

Go to a good chiropracter. Here's the website of the chiropracter I go to. http://www.palmerdc.com/ Go to "About us" then click "History" and it'll explain the method. We're probably not in the same area, lol, but the method she uses is really good. Find someone who does the same method is what I would recomend.

Good Luck! Feel Better! XOXO

Answer 9

Alcohol will rot your liver out and once you have no liver, then say goodbye. Time will heal your body along with proper rest.

Answer 10

Definitely not A (way too skinny). B is at a weird angle and her thighs still look like twigs. I think C looks the best. She has some actual meat on her, but still isn't super fat. -Adriana :)