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Consumers need to do a little research when they get a prescription. Physicians don’t always know whether the drug is good for you. Perhaps they don’t have time to check, but they should.
Drug overdoses are the major cause of accidental deaths in the U.S. Nonetheless, pharmaceutical companies lobby physicians and lawmakers to keep certain drugs on the market. They want to make money at patients’ expense. A drug can interact with another medicine you’re taking. Likewise, a prescription may not be healthy for your medical condition. Consumers who’ve been hurt by a prescription should consult with an injury lawyer. Here’s a look at 10 drugs, or categories of drugs, to be wary of.
#1 Cold and Flu Medicines
This category includes aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and decongestants. These medicines are sold over-the-counter (OTC), but stronger versions are prescribed. They can cause major health problems. Indeed, acetaminophen is the leading cause of inquiries to Poison Control Centers. These products can cause liver damage if taken in large quantities. Finally, some of the medication suppresses the immune system.
#2 Anti-Depressants
This category includes Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, and Luvox. The drugs are commonly used to fight depression. They alter the mood by changing the levels of serotonin in the body. There are 15 side effects, including weight gain, increased depression, and suicidal thoughts in some patients. Unfortunately, the medicines may increase anxiety.
#3 Bromocryptine
Bromocryptine is used to alter some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. The medicine is dangerous because it can cause circulatory collapse. Further, the drug is associated with sudden onset of sleep, which can cause traffic accidents, etc.
#4 Semi-Synthetic Opioids
These prescriptions are used to treat pain and include Percocet, Vicodin, and Oxycontin. These drugs are used as painkillers and can be highly addictive. Some persons can’t help but mix them with alcohol and other substances. They become very dangerous when breathing is suppressed.
#5 Anticoagulants
Patients must be careful using drugs to prevent blood clots. Some of the most popular include warfarin, xarelto, and heparin. This class of drugs contributes to serious health issues like strokes, pulmonary embolisms, and deep vein thrombosis.
#6 Clarithromycin
This antibiotic treats some bacterial infections. However, the FDA issued a warning that the antibiotic can cause heart problems. Using clarithromycin increases the risk of cardiac death later in life by 27 percent.
#7 Clozapine
This antipsychotic is prescribed for patients with schizophrenia. However, clozapine contributes to heart issues such as myocarditis. It’s even more dangerous when combined with alcohol. It’s also associated with serious intestinal problems.
#8 Benzodiazepines
This class of drugs is used to treat anxiety. Lorazepam, valium, and xanax are included in this group. The drugs can depress breathing when used improperly. They’re particularly dangerous when combined with opioids and alcohol.
#9 Calcium Channel Blockers
This category of drugs is prescribed for hypertension. The drugs cause less muscle contraction in the heart. A recent study shows people taking higher doses of calcium channel blockers have a greater chance of death than someone taking beta-blockers.
#10 Methotrexate and other Chemotherapeutic Agents
Methotrexate is used to fight certain types of cancer. Further, it’s commonly prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Methotrexate causes liver and kidney toxicity, lung disease, and other health issues.
Consumers should investigate a drug before using it. There are many sites online that check for drug interactions. Be your own health advocate.
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