Published on Jun 13, 2025 | 7:48 AM
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Taking someone else’s pain medication—just one pill—might seem harmless. But is it really safe? A medical expert breaks down the real risks and why you should think twice.
If you’ve ever had a splitting headache, thrown out your back, or been desperate for relief after surgery, you’ve probably been tempted—or offered—a prescription painkiller from a friend or family member. It’s a common scenario, and it usually comes from a place of care.
But as a medical professional, I need to be honest with you: taking someone else’s prescription medication, even just one pill, can be dangerous—and in some cases, deadly.
Let’s unpack why.
Prescription medications, especially pain relievers like opioids, are tailored to each patient. When I prescribe something like hydrocodone or oxycodone, I consider a person’s weight, medical history, allergies, other medications they’re taking—even their liver and kidney function.
That “one pill” might be too strong for you, interact with something else in your system, or cause a reaction you wouldn’t expect.
Let’s be clear—opioids are powerful and addictive. Even one dose can cause:
You don’t build up tolerance the same way the person it was prescribed to might have. What’s “normal” for them could be way too much for you.
And if alcohol or other sedating medications (like anxiety meds or sleep aids) are also in your system? You’re playing with fire.
You might think something like muscle relaxers, gabapentin, or prescription-strength ibuprofen is harmless. But these can still:
In short: even “non-opioid” doesn’t mean “no danger.”
Let’s talk legal risks. Using someone else’s prescription drug is technically illegal. And if you share your meds? That’s considered drug distribution in many states.
Even if no one gets hurt, it can be enough to cause trouble at school, work, or in a legal setting. It’s just not worth it.
Pain is real. But so is safe, personalized treatment. Whether it’s short-term or chronic, pain should be managed in a way that puts your health first—not just masks symptoms.
If you’re hurting, don’t rely on someone else’s leftover meds from two surgeries ago. Reach out to your doctor, urgent care, or a telemedicine provider. Relief is possible—and it can be done safely.
If you're in pain and thinking about borrowing meds, try this instead:
Final Thought from the Doc:
I get it. When you’re hurting, it’s tempting to take what’s in reach. But trust me—as someone who’s seen what even “just one pill” can do—it’s not worth the risk. Your body, your life, and your peace of mind are too valuable for shortcuts.
If you’re in pain, get the help you actually need. The right care is out there—and it starts with the right decision.
Bailey is a healthcare communications specialist at Call-On-Doc with over three years of experience helping patients access reliable, high-quality care. A Texas Tech University graduate with a BA in Electronic Media and Visual Communications and a minor in English, Bailey is passionate about patient education and creating clear, compassionate content that supports every step of the care journey.
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