As we’re getting into party season, it’s time to ensure that you’re prepared for the worst of the worst: the holiday party hangover.
Web Watch was talking with a parent of a 17-year-old teenager the other day about their preparations for heading off to college. According to the mother, teenagers today are concerned about drinking, to the point where many are purchasing breathalyzers to use on their driving friends as a way to convince them to stay off the road.
Kids really are smarter than we were at their age. The discussion continued as to the best way to teach a teenager about the perils of college life, perhaps by treating them to their first hangover, or teaching them how to throw-up gracefully. We were assured by the parent that their child is all to familiar with these, having witnessed their friends in various stages of pain and embarrassement.
But if you do end up with a nasty hangover — or really, any pain that you need to address — the question often comes up as to WHAT’S THE BEST OVER-THE-COUNTER PAIN RELIEF MEDICATION TO USE?
As always, it all depends on the type of pain you’re experiencing. If it’s just general pain:
- Aspirin: a single dose (2 tablets, 600mg) will reduce pain by 50% less than 1/4 of the time
- Acetaminophen: a single dose (2 tablets, 1000mg) will reduce pain by 50% about 1/4 of the time
- Ibuprofen: a single dose (2 tablets, 400mg) will reduce pain by 50% about 40% of the time.
But if you’re looking for something more specific:
- Sprains and strains, if inflammation is present: aspirin or ibuprofen are preferred. Pain, but no inflammation, go with whatever of the three you prefer.
- Back pain: nothing over the counter will be as effective as prescription drugs. Hey, didn’t say this would be comprehensive.
- Dental pain: go with the ibuprofen
- Headaches: migraines are better treated by aspirin or ibuprofen. Tension headaches can be treated with any… but don’t overuse the acetaminophen if this is what you’re experiencing.
- Cramps: ibuprofen
Long story short, based on the linked article – acetaminophen isn’t as effective as you may have been lead to believe. But it is a better choice to use with children, as aspirin and ibuprofen have side effects that could affect children more than with adults.