Painkillers

[purpose]

Does anyone know how long it takes for painkillers to work? I'm talking about your average Paracetamol, Nurofen etc types.

Like Sam i have really bad period pains today and took some paracetamol earlier and the pain has calmed a great deal, but other times the tablets seem not to work.

I just wondered if there is an 'ideal' state for your body to be in (fed/ hungry/ not tired/ hot/ cold etc) for them to work and whether there is a sort of 'time limit'... if they are going to work, they will within half hour, for example, but if they haven't worked by then, will they definitely not?

[leanne2006]

Hi, have you tried taking paracetamol and ibuprofen together??

[chazza]

Usually they take about 20 minutes, but this is less if taken on an empty stomach

[abilicious]

What really works for me is paracetamol first, with a cup of tea, then a couple of slices of toast and honey, then ibuprofen.

I suffer from the occasional severe headache, and this combo will usually numb things. Takes about 15-20 mins.

I used to take just paracetamol, but it never really touched a bad headache.

[alijangra]

Have you ever tried mefenamic acid (ponstan)? Its good for heavy painful periods. Some people get bad gastric side effects but I must say I never had any. This is available on prescription only.

[sharon27]

Hi, my sis in law is a pharmacist and she recommends you take with some form of caffeine to speed up the effects.

[purpose]

Thanks all.

Appreciate all the advice :0)