Making the Decision on NSAIDs
Should you take anti-inflammatory pain relievers regularly? Here are pros and cons to help you make your decision.
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Making Your Decision on NSAIDs
Use this worksheet to help you make your decision. After finishing it, you should have a better idea of how you feel about using NSAIDs on a regular basis. Discuss the worksheet with your doctor.
For each question, circle the answer that best applies to you.
| I am in chronic pain that restricts my life and activities. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| NSAIDs help me control my pain. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| I only get relief if I take NSAIDs in high doses. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| I have high blood pressure. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| I have had a heart attack, stroke, or heart surgery. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| I have angina. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| My doctor has told me that I am at a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| I have kidney or liver disease. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| I have a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| I am over 60 and am at higher risk of developing an ulcer. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| I have asthma. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| I have asthma as well as nasal polyps or sinus problems. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| I have had an allergic reaction to an NSAID in the past. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| I have to take steroids, like prednisone, for a medical condition. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| I take anticoagulants or "blood thinners." | Yes | No | Unsure |
| I have more than one alcoholic drink a night. | Yes | No | Unsure |
What Is Your Overall Impression About NSAIDs?
Your answers in the above worksheet may give you a general idea of where you stand on this issue. You may find that you have one overriding reason to use or not to use NSAIDs on a regular basis.
Check the box below that represents your overall impression about your decision.
| Leaning toward using NSAIDs regularly | Leaning toward not using NSAIDs regularly | |||
If you are leaning toward using an NSAID, which type and why?
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