Prescription Drugs and Side Effects
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Consumers must carefully research prescription drugs and side effects, as the decision to take prescription drugs is a big decision that one should carefully consider and discuss with your doctor. Not everyone can take certain prescription drugs, and some can have adverse reactions to them. Often times a doctor will prescribe a low initial dose to minimize side effects, and adjust dosage depending on an individual’s reaction. There's no magic potion or drug that works the same for everyone, without any risks or side effects.
A side effect is any accompanying or consequential (and usually detrimental) effect. When you pick up a prescription at a pharmacy, you will also receive a list of common side effects. Regardless of the drug, there are many common side effects, such as vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, heart problems, and dependence. However, there are some prescription drugs and side effects that are entirely unique.
Adverse Instances of Prescription Drugs and Side Effects
When confronting the problem of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, the first suggestion of your doctor will probably be to take an antidepressant. A very common antidepressant, paroxetine, has very unique side effects. Suicidal ideation, attempted, and successful suicide have all been associated with paroxetine. In 2003, the FDA advised that children under the age of 18 shouldn’t take the drug. On a more colorful note, literally, it has been known that some prescription drugs have been known to change the color of urine to include all colors of the rainbow, just by passing through your system. Red urine can be caused by the drug phenazopyridine (used to treat urinary tract infection) and deferoxamine (used to treat iron poisoning). Black urine can result from taking metronidazole, (an antibiotic) or methyldopa (high blood pressure medication). Purple urine can be caused by taking phenolphthalein, which has been used for a long time as a laxative. Blue urine can be caused by tariamterene, a diuretic, and green urine is caused by taking amitriptyline hydrochloride (an anti-depressant also used to treat bed wetting in children). As you can see, these are colorful prescription drugs and side effects.
There are a few drugs in particular that can produce strange sleep behaviors. One of the side effects of generic prescription drugs named varenicline, which is used to aid in smoking cessation, is nightmares and night terrors. The drug eszopiclone is prescribed for sleeplessness, with directions to take only when necessary. Eszopiclone is also known to cause night terrors, but also has a very unique effect: performing activities during sleep. Not just sleepwalking, but making phone calls, having sex, eating, and driving. Warnings about these side effects are emphasized, and should always be taken seriously. In all cases with prescription drugs, alcohol should be avoided, which can increase known side effects, or present new side effects.
Advice For Prescription Drugs and Side Effects Prevention
In general, prescription drugs and side effects will greatly vary from person to person. It should be noted that there will always be some reaction to any drug while your body’s system is adapting, and prescription drugs are absorbed by the body at different rates. Safe adaptation of the body to a new medication is the reason for incremental dosage increases and dosage adjustments for particular medications. You should always consult your doctor before taking a prescription drug, regardless of the source. Prescription drugs come in many forms; different shapes, doses, and brands. The only safe way to consume a prescription drug is with a doctor’s permission. For information on particular prescription drugs side effects, please consult our drug directory.
