Always Packing

I once picked up a guy on the tennis court because I had a ton of drugs in my bag. Not the illegal ones, but truth be told I was carrying as many pain relievers as CVS stocks. I overheard him ask someone for Tylenol because he had a headache. I was packing.

I always carry Aleve, Tylenol and Advil in my gym bag (I'm usually touting a banana in case one of my students crashes from a lack of sugar and a screwdriver for spin shoes but that's besides the point). As an instructor, a trainer and an admitted-klutz, Im constantly injured or sore. Because all pain relievers are not the same, based on what ails me, I appropriately medicate.

So what are the differences between Advil, Tylenol and Aleve and how do I know which pill to pop? If inflammation is involved (i.e. swelling and redness), I use Aleve (naproxen). Aleve is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) and works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain. Many Orthopedists recommend this to reduce swelling for sprains, tendinitis, bursitis and breaks, as do Rheumatologists for the treatment of Arthritis. The standard dose is one tablet, caplet, gelcap, or capsule every 8 to 12 hours while symptoms last (though 2 doses are recommended for the first treatment) with a full glass of water.

Aleve can be used in conjunction with Tylenol which functions principally as a fever reducer (antipyretic) and pain reliever (analgesic). "It works quickly to relieve pain caused by conditions such as headache, osteoarthritis, and muscle pain and to reduce fever caused by infection. Unlike acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, Aspirin), which is also an analgesic and antipyretic, acetaminophen does not reduce inflammation." Tylenol is often used in hospitals as the side effects are milder than other over-the-counter pain relievers. This is especially true for individuals who suffer from ulcers or acid reflux as it is less irritating to the stomach lining. The usual adult dose of Tylenol for pain or fever is 325 – 1000 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed (maximum 4 g/day).

For general muscle aches and minimal swelling, I use Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen). Advil is a pain reliever which reduces inflammation, but not as effectively as Aleve. It is, however, less irritating on the stomach which makes this a great second-line treatment if you need to reduce swelling and have a sensitive stomach. The typical dose of Advil for pain or fever is 200 – 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed (maximum 3.2 g/day), though some doctors prescribe 600mg or 800mg doses.

For most exercise-induced pain, the best remedy of course, is to give your ailing body part a break and make sure you are well-hydrated. If that doesn't work, look for me carrying my gym bag and I'll hook it up.