Types of drugs and their related side effects
No matter what medications you take, you should be vigilant any physical, mental or emotional changes. These changes include sudden unexplained mood swings, changes in hygiene, confusion or memory loss, speech impairment, significant weight gain or loss, unsteadiness in balance or gait and increased numbers of bruises and falls. If you notice any new differences after taking a drug, let your doctor and pharmacist know right away so they can adjust the dosage level properly.
Why both, you might be wondering? Pharmacists tend to be more knowledgable about side effects and how to safely adjust medication dosages.
Here are some examples of commonly prescribed drugs and symptoms of their adverse reactions.
Sleep medications
Examples:
benzodiazepines such as Ambien, Halcion and Restoril, Benadryl, Unisom
What to watch for:
Long term use (4+ months) of psychoactive tranquilizers are associated with:
excessive drowsiness
loss of coordination
slower reaction time
irritability and rage
confusion
memory loss
tremors and shakes
falls and fractures
Side effects should be short term, and these drugs should only be taken long enough to restore normal sleep as dependency can become an issue. For most people, 2 weeks is long enough. There can be dangerous interactions with alcohol and other central nervous system depressants - remember what happened to Marilyn Monroe.
Anti-anxiety drugs
Examples:
benzodiazepines such as Valium, Xanax and Ativan
What to watch for:
drowsiness
unsteady gait
cognitive impairment
memory loss
Side effects should be short term. As mentioned above, they should never be taken in conjunction with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants because of dangerous interactions.
Anti-depressants
Examples:
SSRIs such as Prozac and Zoloft, MAOIs such as Parnate, Tricyclics such as Elavil, NDRIs such as Wellbutrin and SNRIs such as Effexor and Cymbalta
What to watch for:
Anti-depressants often inhibit the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, thus inhibitng activation of the sympathetic nervous system. This can lead to:
confusion
disorientation
hallucinations
delirium
palpitations
constipation
Wellbutrin is associated with increased blood pressure. Tricyclics are associated with urinary and memory problems, constipation and blurred vision. It may be potentially dangerous to older adults. SSRIs are newer drugs with fewer side effects.
Chronic pain medications
Examples:
Vicodin, Oxycontin, Tylenol with codeine, acetaminophen, NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen, Celebrex
What to watch for:
increased heart attack risk
increases in blood pressure
stomach problems
constipation
urination difficulty
confusion
drowsiness, dizziness and weakness
Sources:
Sweetman, Sean C. (2002) Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. London: Pharmaceutical Press.
Heart drugs
Examples: diuretics, digitalis (digoxin), antiarrhythmics
What to watch for:
nausea
loss of appetite
mood swings
fatigue
numbness
slurred speech
One can safely withdraw from digitalis; it's a good idea to start off on small doses. Regularly have your blood pressure checked if you're on diuretics.
Anti-coagulants
Examples: warfarin, coumadin, heparin and aspirin
What to watch for:
bleeding stomach ulcers
longer-bleeding internal injuries
Bruises and cuts will take longer to heal as these drugs slow blood clotting. Those who have diabetes/blood clotting disorders such as hemophilia, a history of ulcers or are susceptible to falling should take these with caution.
Disclaimer:
Please note that though educational in nature, this website does not substitute for professional medical advice and should not be used as a sole guide for making decisions. Medications are constantly being developed and tested for their long term effects, so the information provided here should not be assumed to be the most current. When in doubt, always talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If you or a loved one are experiencing a health emergency, call 911. I avow all legal responsibility for your outcome.
