Pain medications can be a double-edged sword. People in pain need help. Too much of a good thing, however, can cause addiction and endanger health.

In many cases, pregnancy and opioids don't mix. Still, many women may be prescribed these medications.

Medications intended to ease pain can sometimes cause more when an overdose occurs. People in certain US states may be at a greater risk for overdoses based on the prescription practices in those states.

An estimated 43 million Americans use pain medicine on a daily basis. Men taking daily doses of pain medicine may experience an unwanted side effect: low testosterone. 

Many Americans battle chronic abdominal pain, which may be a symptom of serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, or gallstones. However, experts are worried that doctors are over-prescribing opioid painkillers for the pain, especially if another medication is a better option.