Side Effects of Common Prescriptions

With millions of prescriptions written in the United States, the potential for side effects is a serious concern. In this article, we will explore the side effects of some of the most popular prescription drugs and how they sway the lives of their users. The more drugs a patient is taking, the more chances he or she will of have of drug interactions between the prescriptions. These interactions can manifest in many different forms of symptoms and outcomes.

Each drug has its own unique set of negative end results from usage, either properly or improperly.

Side Effects of Antidepressants

Lexapro, an antidepressant, have a lot of side effects including: dry mouth, headache, nausea and insomnia. Not everyone will experience these side effects, but one should be aware of potential problems.

Zoloft, a very popular antidepressant, is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It has been reported to have the following drug side effects: dry mouth, dizziness, headache, and diarrhea. Care must be exercised when administering this medication to adolescents and adults alike. It has been noted that patients under Zoloft therapy can have a greater incidence of suicidal behavior and close monitoring is essential in the care of these patients. This is true for most of the antidepressants.

Side Effects of Antibiotics

Amoxicillin, the broad-spectrum antibiotic, is used to treat infections. These infections are usually of the skin, ears, nose and throat. It can also be used for treatment of the urinary tract system and for treating peptic ulcers. Amoxicillin is generally prescribed only for b-lactamase-negative organisms.  This antibiotic is not effective for viral infections.  The over-prescribing and overuse of antibiotics appears to lead to drug-resistance strains of disease. If you have had a previous reaction to other penicillins, then you should avoid taking this medication. 

Side effects of Amoxicillin are identified as: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rashes have been reported as well. Anemia and agitation are other side effects.

Side Effects of Lipitor and Prednisone

Another popular drug, Lipitor, is a antilipidemic agent, meaning that it decreases the cholesterol levels in humans.  Although many do not suffer from side effects, there are some known effects including nausea, chest pain, insomnia and arthritis.

Prednisone, which is used to decrease inflammation, is a steroid. It is used for treatment of arthritis. Some of its known side effects are: muscular weakness, sodium retention, peptic ulcers, and increased intracranial pressure.

What To Do if Experiencing Side Effects from Prescribed Medication

If you experience any side effect upon taking a prescription, it is vital that you contact your MD or call 911 immediately.  Some side effects are life-threatening.