Aspirin is just as effective as paracetamol in the treatment of trivial acute pain (e.g. headaches, dental pain, or colds). However, it is also used for chronic states of pain, e.g. for cancer patients and (in high doses) for rheumatic fever. For other rheumatic diseases (chronic polyarthritis, osteoarthritis, etc.) and for dysmenorrhea aspirin is not as efficient or not as well tolerated as other prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors such as ibuprofen.
Aspirin does not become habit-forming when taken for a long time or in large doses, but it may cause other unwanted effects if too much is taken. It slows the ability of the blood to form clots, which means it can reduce the chances of dangerous blood clots causing heart attacks and strokes. However, the same action means it increases the risk of serious bleeding, such as bleeding of blood vessels in the brain or gut. And in some cases, this type of bleeding can be as life-threatening as a heart attack or stroke.
Another possible complication is that of medication overuse headaches. If a person takes pain medicines for headaches too often, they may no longer help as much, and he may also get headaches more often. This worsening of headache is called “medication overuse headache.” Some medications can also make the individual more sensitive to pain.
If you are concerned about your use of aspirin, do discuss with a healthcare professional. There are alternatives that can be considered. For instance, in the treatment of chronic headaches, cognitive behavioural therapy and stress management can also be used.
