Drug and side effects
Side effects are undesirable effects of taking a particular medication aside its therapeutic uses. All drugs including OTC, complementary drugs; herbal medicines and vitamins and prescription medications come with side effects. Side effects differ from individual to individual and commonly depend on factors like the nature of the sickness, the individual’s age, body weight, sex, background and overall health.
Side effects can emerge when an individual is starting a medication or minimizing the dosage. It can as well occur when the individual is increasing the dosage and when the patient wants to go off the medication.
When a drug comes with side effects, it may make the individual skip the prescribed medication. If you have severe side effects, the dosage may be altered by your doctor or you’d be offered an alternative medication.
Proper lifestyle or dietary habit may help to lesson occurrence of side effects. However, in practice all drugs come with side effects starting from the simplest ones like aspirin to more complicated ones. Some side effects may be minor while others may be average and others very serious.
The side effects caused by oral medications mostly affect the gastrointestinal system. Roughly all types of oral medications can cause nausea or stomach upset. For external drugs the most frequent side effects experienced are different forms of skin irritations.
If you are concerned about possible side effects of any medication, it is advisable to seek medical advice. Using complementary medicine and prescription drugs at the same time can result to drug interactions and undesirable side effects. To stay safe, tell your doctor all the medicines you are taking prescription, OTC and complementary medication for a better professional advice. It is also good to take annual evaluation of all the medications you are taking.
Side effects by prescription medications
All medicines can result to unwanted side effects. For instance, antibiotics like the sulfonamides and penicillin may trigger allergy in roughly five percent of their users. Other side effects that are common with prescription medication are skin rashes. It is however, difficult to know whether it is occurs as a result of the drug itself or the conditions that are normally treated.
Also, this is complicated due to the fact that interactions can result from concurrent intake of prescription medication and complementary medication.
Complementary drugs and side effects
Alternative medicines like herbal drugs can also result to dangerous side effects contrary to popular belief. A number of herbs have powerful side effects which can affect the body as much as the traditional medicine.
Forms of medication Side Effects
There are different categories of side effects. Some of these are allergic reactions. These usually include such experiences as itching and rashes and debilitating anaphylactic reaction.
A number of drugs cause side effects due to their chemical structure. A paradigm of this drug is diphenhydramine known by the brand name, Benadryl. It commonly helps to reduce allergic symptoms and reduce the effects of acetylcholine on the body; it has side effects like lethargy and dry mouth.
A number of drugs may not result in side effects if the individual takes the recommended dose. Examples of such drugs are Warfarin, like Coumadin and Jantoven, which are usually taken to prevent blood clots. These drugs are commonly well accepted but may result to acute internal bleeding. Side effects can as well occur when some medications are combined with other substances like alcohol. This is normally referred to as drug interactions. Intake of alcohol together with narcotic painkillers can result to accidental deaths due to overdose.
Grapefruit juice can affect levels of different drugs in the blood like drugs used in the regulation of blood pressure and blood cholesterol.
You can obtain information about the side effects of any drug by checking the information that is on the label of your OTC medications. These medications are normally sold with a label showing a number of possible side effects they contain. You can as well discuss with a pharmacist or doctor for clarifications about these side effects.
What role does FDA play about drugs and side effects?
All drugs must be approved by FDA before they are marketed to the general public. All pharmaceutical companies launching specific medications must submit New Drug Applications (NDAs) to the FDA. The application needs to include clinical studies that show that their drug has effectively treated what the manufacturers are claiming. This study must initially be conducted on animals and eventually on human beings.
As soon as FDA has confirmed that the product is safe; first on animals and then in humans, it will approve the drug if the benefits are more than the risk associated with it. Irrespective of this, some side effects are not known till after the FDA approval and the product launch.
For these instances, the MedWatch programs seeks to inspect medications after their approvals by requiring the health care professions to voluntarily report any side effects caused by their drugs to users. Occasionally, enough information is gathered that helps the FDA to take regulatory actions on the drug. Some of the action they take is to add warnings to a drug’s label if it comes with serious health risk.
This is the case with the drug Raptiva which is commonly used in the management of psoriasis. The FDA asked the manufacturers to include warnings of side effects like brain infections and meningitis after it was discovered by patients taking the drug. This resulted to the eventual withdrawal of the drug from the market.
The FDA as well requires consumers of medications to report side effects they experience from such medications. Again, the FDA requires that all prescription medication to come with a toll-free number for individuals using them to ring and report any side effects they experience from taking such medications. This is referred to as “adverse events.” Individuals can report a potentially fresh and serious side-effects by ringing MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088 or contacting the FDA through their web site at: www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/HowToReport/default.htm.
Occasionally, the side effects reported about a drug after publishing is strong enough that the drugs are removed out of the market. This was the case with drug for the management of cholesterol known as Baycol. After launch, it was discovered to be associated with deadly breakdown of the muscles and this made the drug to be withdrawn out of the market after four years.
Drug manufacturers must as well report side effects witnessed by individuals who use their drug to the FDA. They can be prosecuted if they fail to do so. The staffs of drug manufacturer Oraflex and Selacryn were made to pay some fines or served prison terms for failing to report the adverse effects caused by the drug to users in 1985. The two drugs were withdrawn from the market as a result.
Interaction between Complementary medicines and prescription medications
When you take complementary drugs and prescription medicines concurrently, it can result to drug interactions. This usually boosts the risk of side effects of these drugs because the active ingredients they contain can interrelate negatively.
These different medications may have similar active ingredients and these may have equivalent effect. Some complementary medications may boost or minimize the efficiency of prescription drugs.
Interactions between alcohol and medications
Drinking alcohol when you are taking some medications may result to undesirable and adverse side effects. For instance, when you are on antihistamines, antidepressants, sleep or anxiety medications, you should not drink alcohol otherwise, you’ll experience lethargy or faintness.
Again, taking antibiotics metronidazole and tinidazole together with alcohol can result to adverse reactions like nausea, vomiting, skin blush, headache and increase or unequal heart rate.
Safety precautions with any adverse drug effects
If you observe adverse side effects from any medication you are taking, you must consult your doctor. Your doctor may either reduce the dosage or change the medication for you. If your body is sensitive to a specific medication, and there is no substitute available, your doctor may recommend a therapy that can desensitize you.
What you can do to lessen the occurrence of side effects
A few things you can do to minimize the risk of experiencing side-effects:
• Take your medications exactly according to the prescription.
• Take only medication prescribed for you and not prescriptions meant for others
• Get information about any medication you are taking. Every prescription medicine comes with information leaflet that contains every detail about the drug including uses and its side effects.
• Before you buy any OTC medication, ask the pharmacist for advice on its side effects and interactions.
• Give your doctor the list of every medication you take; prescription, OTC and complementary medicines.
• Find out from your doctor if you can improve your condition through a lifestyle change like dieting and exercise.
• Review the medications you take every year especially if you are an elderly person because more side effects are usually associated with age. You should cease taking any medication that is no more essential.
1. Adderall
Adderall is a blend of two stimulant drugs of the central nervous system (CNS). These two medications; amphetamine and dextroamphetamine belong to the classes of drugs known as phenethylamine. Adderall is just the brand name given to these two prescription medication blended together. It is used in the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall XR is an active form of the medication.
Adderall may assist individuals with ADHD to manage their day to day chores and boost their concentration. This medication as well helps to eliminate the symptoms of narcolepsy like undue drowsiness and unexpected harassment of day drowsiness.
Adderall was approved by the FDA in early 60’s. FDA as well standardized the mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine as the generic form of Adderall. The brand-name drug is produced by DSM Pharmaceuticals while the generic forms of it are produced by other drug manufacturing companies.
The mechanism by which it functions is by boosting the levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain which stimulates the brain and makes individuals suffering from ADHD to be calmer and more focused.
Excessive use and Abuse of Adderall
The number of people who make use of Aderall is recently starting to grow more and more. It was found by study that between 2002 to 2010 children of roughly forty-five percent were placed under ADHD medications. Among the medications prescribed, Aderall ranked the second most prescribed drugs for children suffering from ADHD. As a result of this, the number people who bought Adderall increased to three thousand percent between 2002 and 2006.
The number of cases of Adderall prescriptions reached up to eighteen million in 2010. A good reason for the boom in the purchase and use of Adderall is that many more children and teens are diagnosed for ADHD. However, doctors also prescribe the drug to children and adults who do not have ADHD. This heightened access to Adderall has also resulted to the misuse and abuse of the drug. Due to the fact that Adderall boosts dopamine levels, it can initiate a euphoric feeling in the body of individuals who take it for pleasure instead of for the therapeutic use for which it was meant.
Due to the stimulating effects of Adderall to boost alertness and attention, an increasing number of individuals make use of Adderall to boost their thinking and focusing ability. This is a worrisome trend among high school and college students who take it for the purpose of helping them focus for their exam preparations and mainstream examination. Irrespective of the erroneous use of this medication to boost academic performance, it doesn’t boost the concentration ability of people who are not suffering from ADHD. Therefore, individuals who take Adderall may risk suffering from dangerous side effects.
Adderall is as well used for Weight Loss
Aderall as well act as an appetite suppressant. Adderall is as well abused by people who want to lose weight. Nevertheless, individuals who make use of Adderall or Adderall XR for weight loss can suffer from serious adverse side effects like psychosis, addiction, stroke, heart attack and death.
Adderall Warnings
Adderall can boost risk for heart conditions like high BP and paralysis. If the individual on Adderall is suffering from longtime heart conditions, it could result to unexpected death. Before the medication can be prescribed for children, doctors ought to check if the children are suffering from any form of heart issue. Adderall may as well boost peoples risk to suffering from mental disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. It can as well result to antagonistic behavior or aggressiveness.
It can as well result to dangerous side effects of psychosis on children who take it like illusions and fantasies. Adderall abuse mostly result if you take it against the recommendation of your doctor. Although, taking larger dose of the drug can help you to manage symptoms, doing that boost your risk for heart and mental health issues.
Adderall is not safe for children less than three years old while Adderall XR is not recommended for children below the age of six. Speak to your doctor how Adderall can impede your child’s growth if your child is taking the medication. You need to take your child to the doctor to be regularly checked while he or she is on this medication for proper monitoring to see if there is any adverse effect resulting from the use of the drug. The child must as well be fully examined to check if he or she has DHD before placing him or her on this medication.
ADHD is not the only cause of poor academic performance. Conditions like shock, dyslexia, or mental disability can make an individual to perform poorly in school.
It is not yet certified by health experts that Adderall is safe for the aged. If you are over 65 years old, inquire from your doctor if there is a substitute drug that may be safer for you. Also, if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding, check with your doctor before taking Adderall.
Side effects commonly experienced by users of Adderall are:
• jumpiness
• faintness
• restiveness
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Repressed appetite
• insomnia
• Dry mouth
• vomiting
• loss of weight
• digestive problems
• Low libido
If you experience severe side effects, get in touch with your doctor straight away. Severe side effects you may experience while using Adderall are:
• Impairment of vision
• Spasms
• Upper body pain
• Breathing difficulty
• Faintness
• Extreme fatigue or lack of sensation
• Unrestrained motions or speech
• Fantasy or mirages
• Aggression
• Disorderly behavior
• Acute skin rash
• Inflammation of face, lips, or tongue
• Trouble swallowing or speaking
• Lopsided heartbeat
Adderall Interactions
Adderall can interact with specific medications including illegal drugs, OTC medications, herbs or supplements. If you are on any antidepressant known as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) you should not take Adderall till after two weeks intervals.
Examples of such MAOIs are:
• Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
• Phenelzine (Nardil)
• Selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar)
• Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Other medications that have interaction with Adderall and may lead to complications are:
• Medications that are used to manage blood pressure like adrenergic blocker or alpha blockers. Examples of these are alfuzosin (Uroxatral) and prazosin (Minipress)
• Drugs used for the management of seizure like phenobarbital(Luminal, Solfoton) and phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Blood thinners, like warfarin (Coumadin) and many others
2. Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Zovirax is the brand name for the generic drug Acyclovir. It is a drug that is normally prescribed for the treatment of viral infection caused by varicella and genital herpes. Varicella is a virus that results to chicken pox and shingles. The medications are as well occasionally prescribed for the treatment of infection of herpes in individuals with HIV. Zovirax works by inhibiting further division and multiplication of the virus.
The generic form of the drug is made by different drug manufacturing companies, while the brand form is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. The drug is available in tablet, capsule or liquid variety. Acyclovir is a time honored medication used in the management of this infection. Irrespective of this, a 2013 research shows that over a long period of use, the individual could develop resistant herpes strains no matter the strength of the immune system.
Acyclovir cautions
Acyclovir doesn’t get rid of the viral infections. What it does is to lessen the effect. For instance in individuals suffering from genital herpes, it minimizes the seriousness or inhibits further eruption of herpes. For chicken pox or shingles, the medication only minimizes the seriousness of the infection. Acyclovir works best when you use it to manage your condition as soon as the rashes start to manifest, i.e. three days after the occurrence of shingles and within a day after the appearance of a chicken pox. Little children who are healthy with chicken pox rash don’t usually require treatment but older kids and adults.
You need to take plenty of water when you take the medication. It must not be given to children who are below two years old. It is also not recommended for individuals with kidney disease or any sickness that minimizes the immune system. Taking this medication when you suffer from these conditions could result to serious side effects. Find out from your doctor if it is safe to engage in sex if you are infected by genital herpes. It is not sufficient to just take acyclovir. It can be transmitted to your partner during sex.
Acyclovir and Pregnancy
It has not been shown through research that the use of Acyclovir is safe for a woman during pregnancy. It can as well be transferred through breastfeeding to your baby. It is not recommended for use during these periods. Speak with your doctor to understand what best action to take.
Side Effects that are common with Acyclovir
When acyclovir is used for the treatment of genital herpes, it results to side effects like nausea, queasiness, and diarrhea.
To treat shingles with acyclovir, you need to take higher doses of acyclovir. The side effects that are frequently experienced when patients take higher dose of this medication are tiredness and malaise. Contact your doctor if you start to experience any form of side effects due to use of the medication.
Side effects experienced by all individuals who take acyclovir are as follows:
• Feeling sick
• Diarrhea
• Faintness
• Weariness
• Vomiting
• Joint pains
• Headache
• Impairment of vision
• Inflammation or retention of fluid
• Loss of hair
• Puzzlement
• Attitude change
You could as well experience dangerous side effects like:
• Brutal rash, hives, or a rash that results to blisters and flaking
• Yellowish eyes or skin
• Strange bleeding or bruises
• Convulsion
• Unconsciousness
• Inflammation of face, lips, or tongue
• Inhalation difficulty
• Reduction of your urine quantity or bloody pee
• Excessive drowsiness or confusion
• Figment of the imaginations
• Stinging, lack of sensation, or precariousness
The side effects of acyclovir get worse with age. Individuals who are over 65 years old suffer added side effects due to the inability of their kidney to get rid of the drug as fast as younger ones.
Acyclovir Interactions
A number of medications may interact and affects the functionality of your acyclovir. Acyclovir may as well affect other medications you take. To stay safe, you must tell your doctor all the medications you are taking whether they are OTC medications, prescription medications or herbs.
Acyclovir may have interactions with medications like:
• Drugs for the treatment of bacterial or fungal infections. Examples are including amphotericin B (Fungizone) and many antibiotics like, gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex) and tobramycin (Tobi, Nebcin)
• OTC pain relief medications like Advil, Motrin and Aleve.
• HIV/AIDS medications like zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT)
You don’t need any dietary change when you are taking acyclovir but you need to keep adequately hydrated. So, ensure you take enough fluid when you are on acyclovir.
3. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Cipro is a brand name of an antibiotic with Ciprofloxacin as the generic name. It is a prescription medication utilized for the treatment of or prevention of bacterial infections. The medication functions by inhibiting the reproduction of the bacteria. Ciprofloxacin is classified under a group of antibiotics referred to as fluoroquinolones. It was approved by the FDA in 1987. The company producing the brand name is the Bayer Healthcare. The generic form was approved in 2004 for a lot of pharmaceutical companies.
These days, ciprofloxacin is as well produced by drug manufacturers under the brand names like Cipro XR Extended-Release Tablets and Proquin XR Extended-Release Tablets.
Physicians prescribe ciprofloxacin for the treatment of a number of bacteria infections which includes the following:
• Enterococcus
• Staphylococcus
• Streptococcus
• Proteus
• Pseudomonas
• Salmonella
• Shigella
• Klebsiella
• Anthrax
Infections that are broadly treated with ciprofloxacin are:
• Skin infections
• Sinusitis
• Urinary tract infections (UTI)
• Prostatitis
• Pneumonia
• Bone and joint infections
• Diarrhea caused by bacteria
• Gonorrhea
• Typhoid fever
Ciprofloxacin is not effective for the treatment of infections caused by viruses like colds and the flu. Prescribing it for these conditions will make your body resistant to them and when you have bacterial infections, it’ll no longer work.
Caution you need to exercise when you are on Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin may boost your risk for inflammation and scratching of the tendons that attach muscles to bones of your hands, ankles and shoulders.
You will likely damage your tendon the more if you are above 60 and are as well on a steroid drug. You must contact your doctor if you witness pain, inflammation, or inflexibility while on ciprofloxacin.
A few individuals will experience alteration of brain function by taking ciprofloxacin. This is especially the case with individuals suffering from seizures. Potential symptoms of this alteration of the brain function are giddiness, hallucinations, trembles, seizures, mystification, gloominess, and suicidal behaviors.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms while taking ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin may result to a serious allergic reaction like inflammation of the throat, and breathing difficulty. It’s significant to finish your complete dose of ciprofloxacin. Even when you start to feel better, you must finish the entire course.
If you stop it earlier than the recommended time, your infection may re-surface and become stronger. It can as well make the bacteria resistant to the medication.
Ciprofloxacin is not recommended if you suffer from myasthenia gravis. Taking Ciprofloxacin may boost the frailness of muscle that results from the condition.
You should as well be cautious about taking ciprofloxacin if you have the following conditions:
• Heartburn or reflux
• gloominess
• Seizures
• Asthma
• Tendon wound
• Heart disease
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
Taking Ciprofloxacin when you are carrying a baby
It is not yet known whether it is safe to take this medication during pregnancy, so speak with your doctor before taking ciprofloxacin. It has been established that ciprofloxacin is transmitted to the baby through breast milk so breastfeeding mothers should stay away from the use of ciprofloxacin. It should only be taken by individuals 18 years and above. It must never be used for younger children except those suffering from particular serious infections.
Side effects of the drug Ciprofloxacin
The most widespread side effects that are witnessed by users of ciprofloxacin are queasiness, diarrhea, vomiting, and hives. Contact your doctor as soon as you notice any side effect.
Side effects that are less widespread are:
• Headache
• Tummy ache
• indigestion
• Body twinges
• Irritations
• Sensitiveness of the skin to sunlight
• Loss of craving for food
The drug can as well result to serious side effects. You need to call the emergency service or consult your doctor right away if you experience e any of these symptoms:
• Seizure
• Bizarre thoughts or hallucinations
• Giddiness
• Bewilderment
• Dejection or suicidal behaviours
• Tremors
• Lack of feeling, stinging, or weakness
• Swelling or twinge near a joint
• Chest pain
• Severe or bloody diarrhea
• Skin rash, hives, or blistering of the skin
• Inhalation difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Inflammation of the face, throat, or body
• A reduced urinating ability
• Unconsciousness
• Bizarre bruising or bleeding
• Yellowish skin color or eye color (jaundice) or dark pee.
Ciprofloxacin Interactions
Ciprofloxacin may interact with specific medications. It is thus essential to let your physician know all the medications you are taking whether they are OTC antacids, vitamins or supplements. A number of antacids, vitamins, and supplements that includes magnesium, calcium, aluminum, iron, or zinc as an active ingredient can interact with ciprofloxacin. Other over the counter medications used in the management of pain and fever like Advil, Aleve, and Motrin, may as well interact with this medication.
Again ciprofloxacin may worsen the effects of caffeine. If you take caffeinated drinks or use over the counter medications with caffeine input while on ciprofloxacin, you could experience some side effects of caffeine like jumpiness, insomnia, or fretfulness.
Missing your required Dose of Ciprofloxacin
You need to take ciprofloxacin precisely the way it is prescribed by your doctor. You must not stop the medication by your own judgment. If you skip doses or stop taking the drug sooner than the required time period, you could experience serious infection that would not go away easily. If you skip a dose, take it as soon as you recall it and if the time you remember it is close to the time you’d take the next dose, pass over the missed dose. Taking a double dose would amount to overdose.
4. Ambien (Zolpidem)
Ambien is a brand name of a prescription medication used in the treatment of insomnia. It is known by the generic name zolpidem. Ambien is classified among drugs known as sedative-hypnotics. They function by slowing down the activity in the brain, which helps you to sleep better. The brand name drug, Ambien, is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis. The generic form of the medication is made by a number of drug manufacturing companies.
Additionally, Ambien and zolpidem are marketed in the following form:
• Edluar, a sub lingual pill
• Zolpimist, usually spewed orally.
• Intermezzo, a fast action sublingual pill
• Ambien CR, an extended release pill with dual function. One film assist you to go to sleep and a second layer to assist you stay asleep.
Cautions to exercise when you are making use of Ambien
• You should not take Ambien if you have allergy for zolpidem or is sensitive to its inactive ingredients.
• You should consult your doctor immediately for treatment if you experience breathing difficulty, inflammation of the tongue, throat, or face, or queasiness and vomiting when you are on Ambien.
• You must not engage in activities that need mental alertness or synchronization like driving and operating a machine seven to eight hours after taking Ambien. Ambien can be addictive. It is recommended not to take it above the recommended dosage or take it for a period that extends beyond the recommendation of your doctor. Ambien is a proscribed drug. You must keep it in a safe place to avoid exploitation and abuse.
• You should never sell or place Ambien on bargain, because it may cause damage to others, and is illegal.
You must tell your doctor if you are suffering from any of the following conditions before you take Ambien:
• Depression
• Mental illness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Drug or alcohol abuse or addiction
• Kidney, liver, or lung disease
• Sleep apnea
Ambien can make people to drive, walk while feeling drowsy, cook and eat food, make telephone calls, engage in sexual activities without being fully awake or have the ability to recall these activities afterwards. If you experience these consult your doctor for medical attention.
When you are on Ambien, get in touch with your doctor if you experience anomalous thoughts or behaviors. This may include abnormal outgoing or aggressive conducts, bewilderment, disturbance, hallucinations, despair, or suicidal behaviors.
If your insomnia got worst or didn’t get better after seven to ten days, it is possible that your lack of sleep is as a result of other health condition. Contact your doctor for immediate attention.
Ambien Addiction
It has been reported severally that ambient is habit forming and can be abused by people to get effect similar to narcotic “high.”
Apart from this, Ambien can cause:
• Hallucinations
• Unsettled stomach and vomiting
• exhilaration
• Memory loss
• Poor coordination
• weariness
Only take Ambien as recommended by your doctor, and keep it away from all individuals that this drug has not prescribed for including children, teens and even adults.
Stopping Ambien
Ambien can result to addiction; you should not cease taking the medication suddenly without consulting with your doctor.
Doing so can lead to Ambien withdrawal symptoms which include the following:
• Sleeplessness
• Tetchiness or agitation
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Hankering
• Seizures
Taking Ambien during Pregnancy
Ambien is unsafe for the baby in womb. It is not recommended for use by pregnant mothers. Before you take Ambien, inform your doctor if you plan to get pregnant or are pregnant. You should as well tell your doctor if you are a breastfeeding mum since it can be transferred to the baby through breast milk. It has not been certified that Ambien can safely be used by individuals younger than 18 years old.
Ambien and Side Effects
The following are common side effects caused by Ambien. You should consult your doctor for emergency medical attention if you experience any of them.
• Rashes or reaction
• Inhalation difficulties breathing
• inflammation of the tongue, throat, or face
• Nausea
• Vomiting
Severe side effects you might experience when you are taking Ambien are:
• Waking up in the morning and getting out of bed not fully awake, engaging in activities without taken notice of them or remembering them afterwards.
• Anomalous thoughts or behaviors, like ferociousness, atypical conviviality, confusion, anxiety, hallucinations, deterioration of your gloominess, or suicidal behaviors
• Loss of memory
• Nervousness
• Drowsiness during the day
Widespread side effects of Ambien include the following:
• Sleepiness
• Weariness
• Feeling drowsy during the day
• Lightheadedness
• Feelings of being drugged
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
Taking Edluar (zolpidem sublingual tablets) can cause side effects like:
• Reddish and tender outgrowth under your tongue
• itchy, tickly, prickly, pricking, or burning of the tongue
You should always consult your medical team when you have any of these side effects for immediate medical attention.
Ambien and Drug Interactions
Ambien can interact with other medications like:
• Antidepressants. For example, Tofranil and Zoloft
• Antipsychotics like Thorazine
• Fungal medications drugs like Itraconazole (Sporanox)
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Drugs for treating cold and allergies
• Drugs for treating seizure
• Sedative drugs
• Sleeping tablets
• Tranquilizers
• Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
• Pain-relief drugs
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Interaction of Ambien and Alcohol
Alcohol may make the side effects of Ambien worst. So, do not drink while you are on Ambien or other forms of zolpidem.
5. Cymbalta (Duloxetine)
Cymbalta is the brand name of prescription antidepressant medication used in the treatment of depression. The generic name is duloxetine. Cymbalta is as well prescribed for the treatment of anxiety that doesn’t go away for six months and more, irritation caused by diabetic nerve injury, fibromyalgia, and long-term muscle or bone pain.
Cymbalta is classified under group of drugs known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It functions by boosting the levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, which assist in mood regulation and may obstruct pain signals reaching the brain.
Additionally, it is prescribed for the management of osteoarthritic pain. It was discovered through a 2012 study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice to contain fewer side effects than the conventional medicines used for the treatment of the condition like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, and opioids.
Suicidal warning about the use of Cymbalta
The FDA mandates manufacturer of Cymbalta to inscribe a black-box warning of possible suicidal risk among individuals who make use of antidepressant. Cymbalta may boost the risk for suicidal actions in individuals who are not above twenty-four years of age. It is only prescribed for individuals who are eighteen years and above.
The risk is more when the individual is starting to take the medication or increasing the dosage. If you take the medication, it usually worsen the medication before you start to feel better.
You must inform your doctor if you start to experience any of the following when you are on Cymbalta:
• Suicidal thoughts
• Sign of aggressiveness
• Tetchiness
• Panic attacks
• Intense worry
• Restiveness
• Impulsive behaviors
• Over excitement
Stopping your intake of Cymbalta
To stay safe, you must use Cymbalta according to the recommendation of your doctor. Don’t go off the drug without doctor’s approval as doing this when you are not supposed to could result to withdrawal symptoms.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms you may experience are:
• Feeling sick and vomiting
• Nervousness
• Faintness
• Headache
• Stinging and lack of sensation
• Sleeplessness
• Sweating
• Nightmares
Cymbalta and Weight fluctuation
One of the side effects of Cymbalta is suppression of appetite. Research found that as a result of these effect users of the medication experience weight loss in the short term. However, in the long run, they experience weight gain of roughly sixteen percent of their original weight. According to the researchers, the result obtained was related to the result obtained when people suffering from depression was treated with the medication.
Additional warnings about the use of Cymbalta
Cymbalta is not recommended for individuals suffering from hysterical narrow-angle glaucoma. Cymbalta can deteriorate the symptoms of this glaucoma Cymbalta can cause injury to the liver. If you are a chronic drinker or have liver condition, you should not take Cymbalta. These could boost your side effects. Avoid the medication if you are suffering from any type of eye problem.
Cymbalta can cause drowsiness. It is better not to drive or engage in any activity that requires concentration like operating a machine if you are on the medication. Cymbalta could result to high blood pressure, lightheadedness or faintness, particularly if you get up very fast from your sitting or lying position. Cymbalta comes with a number of side effects and have interactions with lots of medications. Before taking this medication, you need to tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drug which can include antidepressants.
Take your doctor any side effect you are experiencing if you are on Cymbalta. Also tell your doctor any medication you may be taking including a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). MAOI medications have the following brand names; Marplan, Nardil, Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar, and Parnate.
If you are suffering from the following medical conditions, you should tell your doctor:
• Liver conditions
• Eye sicknesses
• Recurrent alcohol usage
• Heart conditions
• High blood pressure
• Seizures
• Abuse of drugs
• Bipolar disorder
• Kidney condition
• Atypical bleeding
• Suicide in the family
Side Effects of Cymbalta
The most widespread side effects of Cymbalta are:
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Repression of appetite
• Sweating
• Drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Constipation
It can as well result to the following side effects:
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Diarrhea
• nausea
• indigestion
• tummy ache
• Low libido
• Frequent urination
• lightheadedness
• Weakness
• Tremor
The medication can as well cause serious side effects like the following. Contact you doctor for immediate attention if you experience any of them.
• Bizarre bruising or bleeding
• Loss of appetite
• Tummy ache
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
• Dark-color urine
• Sweat and feverishness, disorderly thoughts and behaviors, increased heart-rate, and muscle inflexibility
• Exhaustion
• Inflammation of the face, lips, or tongue
• puffiness in the rest part of the body
• Breathing and swallowing difficulty
• A scorching or peeling rash
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Worsening depression
• Panic attack
Medications that can interact with Cymbalta:
• MAOIs like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and phenelzine (Nardil)
• Blood thinners like warfarin)
• Antidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine and specific selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• OTC drugs for pain like aspirin and ibuprofen
• Medications for the treatment of mental conditions like lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
• Diuretics (hydration pills)
• Drugs for heart conditions and blood pressure like amiodarone (Cordarone) and flecainide (Tambocor)
• Pain relief pain prescription medications like fentanyl (Abstral and Onsolis)
• Heart burn medications like lansoprazole (Prevacid), and omeprazole (Prilosec)
• Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and enoxacin (Penetrex)
• Drugs for managing migraines
• St. John’s wort
6. Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Gabapentin is a prescription medication sold under the names Neurontin and Horizant and utilized in the treatment of epilepsy. The medication is usually prescribed for treatment of individuals who are above twelve suffering from epilepsy and for the treatment of convulsion in kids around three to twelve years.
Gabapentin may as well be prescribed for the treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS), to alleviate lack of sensation and tickly feeling connected to diabetes. It is as well prescribed for the treatment of hot flashes, and to alleviate shingle pains.
Gabapentin, was approved in 1993 by the FDA under the brand name Neurontin. The producer of the medication was Pfizer. However, the generic form of the medication was approved in 2003. This form of the medication is currently being manufactured by a lot of drug manufacturing companies. There is as well a generic form of the medication. It is sold under the brand name Horizant.
It was found by a 2013 study published in the Canadian Journal of Anesthesia that gabapentin can assist to mitigate medium to extreme degree of nervousness for individuals going through surgical operations.
It was noted by the researchers that the medication is widely used by physicians to manage after-surgery pains and mental disorders like chronic anxiety disorders.
Precautions to take while taking the medication
Gabapentin may boost your risk for suicidal actions and thoughts. This risk may start after seven days of using the medication. It is essential to let your doctor know if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Also, inform your doctor if you feel any of the following:
• Hostility
• Symptoms of depression
• Touchiness
• Panic attacks
• Severe anxiety
• Agitation
• Impulsiveness
• Atypical exhilaration
Try as well to inform your friends of these symptoms so they can help you to ensure you remain safe.
Gabapentin drug Abuse
Many studies have found that this medication is habit forming and can be addicted. A number of abuses of this medication have been recorded with people trying to use it to create the effect of a euphoric “high.” It was found by a study conducted in 2014 that practically one-fourth of individuals in substance-abuse clinics were found to suffer from the abuse of gabapentin. Abuse of the medication can result to severe side effects as well as serious withdrawal symptoms.
How safe is it to take Gabapentin during Pregnancy?
It has not yet been confirmed through research that the medication is safe for pregnant women. If you are planning to get pregnant or are pregnant, discuss with your doctor before taking gabapentin. Again, breast feeding mothers should also avoid taking the medication as it could easily be transmitted to the baby through breast milk.
Speak to your doctor before you use the medication if you are breastfeeding to weigh the advantage and the disadvantage of taking gabapentin as a nursing mother.
The side effects that are most widespread among the users of gabapentin are:
• Drowsiness
• Wooziness
• Runny nose
• Exhaustion
• Painful throat
• Awkwardness as you walk
• Visual impairments like double vision
• Trembling
• Increase in weight
• Dyspepsia or vomiting
• Anxiety
• Muscle pain
• Dry mouth
• Loss of memory
• Headache
• Bizarre thinking
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Enlargement of hands or feet
• Fever
• Prickly eyes
Severe side effects can as well arise. If you experience any of the side effects listed below, you should consult your doctor immediately:
• Fever or puffiness of lymph nodes
• Suicidal thought or thought of self harm
• Serous rash
• Inflammation of the face, lips, or tongue
• Trouble breathing or ingesting
• Seizure
Interactions of Gabapentin with other drugs and substances
Gabapentin can interact negatively with many drugs. It is therefore essential for you to let your doctor know all the medications you are taking OTC, recreational drugs, prescribed medications, supplements and helps together with illegal drugs.
Some medications that interact with gabapentin include:
• Opium related pain medicines like Vicodin and morphine.
• Naproxen as well sold through the following brand names- Aleve, Naprosyn, and the rest.
• Drugs utilized for the treatment of indigestion like Mylanta, Maalox, and cimetidine
• Also, try to inform your doctor if you do dipstick tests to examine the percentage of protein in your urine. Gabapentin may influence the results you obtain through these tests.
7. Naproxen (Aleve)
Naproxen is classified under classes of medication referred to as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This group of medication functions by blocking the synthesis of prostaglandins which are substances that helps to reduce pain and inflammation in the body. The active ingredient in the medication is known as Naproxen sodium. Naproxen started to be used in the US in 1980 as a prescription medication. However, in 1994 after fourteen years of its launch it was approved by the FDA as an OTC medication for the management of pain. The popular brand name of OTC naproxen is Aleve, which is produced by the Bayer Healthcare.
Naproxen is sold under many other brand names like Anaprox DS, Naprelan, Anaprox, EC-Naprosyn, and Naprosyn. As a prescription-strength medicine, naproxen is available in tablets or liquid form. Tablets may contain coating to keep your stomach safer or it could be in the form of extended-release tablets which you can take just one each day.
Prescription-strength naproxen is commonly utilized in the management of joint pain, menstrual pain, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis. OTC naproxen is frequently used as pain relief medications, for treating inflammation, fever, cold and symptoms of flu and headaches.
Precautions you need to take while taking Naproxen
Naproxen may boost your risks of suffering from heart attacks and stroke. Your risk to these two debilitating illnesses will increase if you have any risk factor to heart disease. Naproxen may result to ulcers and gastrointestinal tract bleeding. Older people are at more risk for suffering from ulcer and bleeding.
Due to the fact that the older people risk more side effects, you need to take the smallest probable efficient dose to stay safer if you are more than sixty five years old.
Kids that are less than two years should not take this medication. You need to tell your physician if you are on naproxen prior to any surgical operation together with dental surgery.
You must as well tell your doctor or medical team if you are allergic to NSAIDs before you start to take the medication. In addition to stroke, heart disease, and gastrointestinal bleeding, other health issues as well have warnings in connection to the use of naproxen.
Therefore, let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are suffering from any of these sicknesses:
• High blood pressure
• Anemia
• Retention of fluid in the body
• Kidney condition
• Diseases of the liver
• Asthma
• Blockage of nose or nasal polyps
• Ulca of the tummy
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Use of Naproxen by pregnant women
Naproxen may not be safe for the unborn child. A pregnant woman should not take the medication during her third trimester. There are a numbers of evidence that show naproxen can harm the unborn child and as well boost the risk bleeding by the woman during delivery.
Taking Naproxen while Breastfeeding
Studies that show use of naproxen by nursing mothers are conflicting.
Some of the studies show that average doses of naproxen are safe for the nursing mothers if the baby is at least as month old.
Irrespective of this, the American Academy of Family Physicians cautions that naproxen can build up in an infant if the nursing mother makes use of the medication for an extended period of time. Check with your doctor if you can safely make use of the medication during breastfeeding.
Side effects caused by the use of Naproxen medication
Use of naproxen for an extended time period is associated with more side effects. The most common side effects of the medication are connected to the use of naproxen.
Other side effects that can be experienced by users of naproxen are:
• Indigestion
• Tummy ache
• Constipation
• Headache
• Lightheadedness
• Sleepiness
• Scratching
• Rashes and bruises on the skin
• Buzzing of the ears
• Retention of fluid
• Shortness of breath
If you experience any side effects, quit the drug and get in touch with your doctor.
Naproxen can result to sever side effects. You should call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these severe side effects below:
• Symptoms of allergy like rash, itching, breathless, inflammation, or inhalation difficulty
• Digestive symptoms, like serious tummy ache, vomiting blood, or blackish or bloody poop
• Stroke symptoms like weakness on one side of your body, alterations of your balance or eyesight, or having problems maintaining balance, talking, or thinking
• Heart issues, like pain on the chest, inhalation difficulty, anomalous heartbeats, or rapid fluid upsurge
• Other issues dark-colored urine, appetite loss, yellowish skin or eyes (jaundice), serious headache, seizure, less urine output, bruising or bleeding, serous back pain, or colds and fever
Interactions of Naproxen with other medications
Naproxen just like other medications may interact with some medications. So, ensure you tell your doctor all the drugs you are taking before using this medication to stay safe.
Some of drug interactions reported by the use of the medication are:
• Naproxen may interact with many types of medication for the treatment of blood pressure and minimize their effects.
• Some forms of antacids medicines may reduce the effects of naproxen.
• You should be cautious about taking Naproxen at the same time with other NSAIDs, together with aspirin.
• Naproxen may lessen the effects of a few diuretics.
• Naproxen may increase the toxicity of lithium and the risk for the side effects.
• Naproxen may boost the level of the medication methotrexate and boost the risk for methotrexate side effects.
• The blood thinner warfarin may result to Gastrointestinal bleeding if taken together with naproxen.
• Naproxen may possibly result to stomach bleeding if it is taking together with antidepressant medications known as SSRIs.
8. Lipitor (Atorvastatin)
Lipitor is the brand name of statin drug known as atorvastatin. It is a prescription medication used in the treatment of high blood cholesterol and triglycerides which can boost an individual’s risk to suffering from cardiovascular diseases like heart disease or stroke.
Lipitor helps to increase the levels of good (HDL) cholesterol in the blood. It is occasionally prescribed for individuals who have heart conditions to prevent their risk of suffering from heart attack or other cardiac occurrence.
Lipitor can as well be prescribed as a preventive medication for individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), smoking history, or any issue that complicates heart condition.
Caution to take about the use of Lipitor
You must tell your doctor if you are suffering from any of the following before you start to take Lipitor: thyroid disorder, muscle ache or weakness, if you have suffered from liver or kidney condition in the past and if you take more than two alcoholic beverages daily.
Lipitor may not be very effective at minimizing the levels of your blood cholesterol of your diet are not low on food with bad cholesterol. While you are taking the medication, you should as well limit your intake of foods that lowers your level of cholesterol.
It’s essential to also follow a workout routine, and to maintain normal weight while on the medication. Kids and individual who have liver diseases should stay away from taking Lipitor. Taking Lipitor with liver conditions can result to hepatitis, alterations to the fat contents of the liver and cirrhosis.
Symptoms that are connected to the damage to the liver caused by Lipitor include the following:
• Exhaustion
• Cessation of hunger
• Upper stomach ache
• Darkish urine
• Jaundice or yellowish skin or eyes
Lipitor can occasionally result to the collapse of skeletal muscle tissue which in turn results to kidney failure.
Contact your doctor straight away if you witness any of the following while taking the medication:
• Inexplicable aching of your muscle, softness, or flaw
• Feverishness
• Abnormal weariness
• Dark urine coloration
Lipitor and other statins are not safe to be used during pregnancy as it can harm the unborn child. Also, the use of the medication should be avoided if you are breastfeeding since it can easily be transferred to your child through the breast milk.
Common Side Effects of Lipitor includes the following
Lipitor can result to sever side effects. When you experience any of these, you must quit the medication and get in touch with your doctor immediately:
• Inexplicable muscle pain, softness, or flaw
• Bewilderment, poor memory, or other cognitive problems
• Fever, abnormal weariness, and darkness of urine.
• Puffiness, weight gain, reduction of urine output
• Amplified thirst, improved urination, appetite, dry mouth, fruit-like breath odor, sleepiness, dry skin, distorted vision, loss of weight.
• Vomiting, pain in the upper tummy area, scratching, appetite reduction, clay-like poop, jaundice or yellowish skin or eyes.
Common Lipitor’s side effects that are usually less severe including the following: gentle muscle pain, diarrhea, or mild form of unsettled stomach.
What to do if you are allergic to Lipitor
Call your medical team for emergency attention if you take Lipitor and witness signs of serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) like hives, trouble breathing, or inflammation of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Interactions of Lipitor with other substances
Lipitor Interactions with Alcohol
Alcohol intake when you are drinking Lipitor can boost the levels of triglyceride and increase your risk of damaging your liver. Therefore, you should not drink alcohol while taking Lipitor.
Interactions between Lipitor and other medications
There are a number of medications that have been shown to interact with Lipitor. To avoid any adverse effect on your health, let your doctor know every medication you are taking both OTC, prescription medication, recreational drugs, food supplements, herbal therapies and so on.
Lipitor may interact with the drug lists below:
• Diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia, Dilacor, Diltia, Diltzac, Taztia, Tiazac)
• Gemfibrozil (Lopid), fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix), or fenofibrate (Antara, Fenoglide, Lipofen, Lofibra, Tricor, Triglide)
• Telaprevir (Incivek)
• Antibiotics like clarithromycin (Biaxin) or erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole)
• Antifungal drugs like fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Drugs for the management of HIV like darunavir (Prexista), ritonavir (Norvir), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), nelfinavir (Viracept) or tipranavir (Aptivus)
• Any drug that is made up of niacin like Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, Simcor, Slo-Niacin, and the rest. Medications that reduce your immune function like steroids, drugs for treating cancer, or medicine that prevent rejection of organ during transplanting sirolimus (Rapamune), or tacrolimus (Prograf)
• Warfarin
• Oral contraceptives
• Antacids
Interactions of Lipitor and Grapefruit
You should not take Lipitor with grape fruit juice or any food product that contains the grape fruit juice. The combination can increase your blood levels of Lipitor to unsafe levels.
9. Prednisone (Sterapred)
Prednisone is an artificial steroid that mimics the one produced naturally by the body known as corticosteroid. It helps to protect the body from sicknesses and harm. Prednisone boosts the level of cortisol for individuals who have low levels of cortisol which is the natural form of the steroid hormone. This medication is as well effective at minimizing inflammation and redness.
This medication can be prescribed by physicians independently or in conjunction with other medications for the treatment of conditions like:
• Some types of arthritis
• Specific types of types of cancer
• Serious allergic reactions
• Multiple sclerosis
• Lupus
• Sicknesses of the lung
• Skin conditions
• Eye issues
• Kidney conditions
• Diseases of the Thyroid gland
• Stomach and intestinal issues
• HIV associated pneumonia can be treated with prednisone and antibiotics.
Prednisone was originally launched in 1955 under the brand name Meticorten by Schering Corporation, currently the Schering Plough.
The generic form of the drug is being manufactured today by a lot of drug companies. It is now available through the following brand names Sterapred, Sterapred DS, and Prednisone Intensol.
Precautions to take while taking Prednisone
Prednisone can disorganize and weaken your immune system and prevent it from properly fighting infection. Again, when the individual get infected, the symptoms of the infection will not manifest completely. To remain safe, when you are taking the medication, stay clear from sick people and people suffering from chickenpox or measles.
Prednisone can impede growth in children taking it and so such children should be closely monitored by their pediatrician. Prednisone may boost your risk of suffering from osteoporosis which results to weak and feeble bones.
It was found by study that individuals on prednisone or related drug may suffer from a form of cancer known as Kaposi’s sarcoma. Individuals suffering from this condition form patches of anomalous tissue beneath the skin, in the inside layer of the mouth, nose, and throat, or in other body organs. Let your doctor know if you are suffering from any type of eye infection before taking the medication.
You are as well required to inform your doctor if you are suffering from any of the following conditions:
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Emotional problems
• Mental illness
• Weakness of the muscle
• Seizures
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Ulcers
• Any form of diseases of the liver, kidney or heart
• A disorder of the intestine
• A thyroid condition
If you intend to use prednisone, consult your doctor for advice before taking any form of vaccination.
The use of Prednisone by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers
It is not safe for mothers who are expecting to take Prednisone. It affects the unborn child. Also it should not be taken if you are breastfeeding as it can be transferred to your child through breast milk.
A study published in MedPage Today discovered that high-dose steroids like prednisone used for management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) boosted the risk of organ damage.
Prednisone Side Effects
The side effects that are commonly experienced by users of prednisone are:
• Headache
• Faintness
• Insomnia
• Unsuitable cheerfulness
• Serious mood swings
• Behavior change
• Stuffed eyes
• Pimple
• Skinny, delicate skin
• Red or purple blemishes or lines beneath the skin
• Delayed healing of cuts and bruises
• Improved hair growth on the body
• Alterations in the manner fat is spread round the body
• Excessive weakness
• Weak muscles
• Irregular or cessation of menstruation
• Reduced libido
• Indigestion
• Bizarre sweating
Taking the medication can as well leads to severe side effects and when you witness any of the following you should cease to take prednisone and contact your doctor for immediate medical attention:
• Impairment of vision
• Eye problem, redness, or tearing
• Infections with symptoms like sore throat, fever, chills, and cough
• Seizures
• Depression
• Being out of grasp with reality
• Perplexity
• Muscle jerking or thinning
• Spontaneous hand shaking
• Lack of feeling, smoldering, or tickly feeling in the face, arms, legs, feet, or hands
• Stomach upset or nausea
• Dizziness
• Uneven heart rate
• Gaining weight abruptly
• Shortness of breath, especially at night
• Dry and lacerating cough
• Inflammation or tummy ache
• The eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs get puffed up.
• Breathing difficulty or difficulty gulping food down
• Rash
• Hives
• Itching
Interactions of Prednisone with other medications and substances
Prednisone can interact with a number of medications and substances. It is, therefore, essential that you tell your doctor every medication you are taking to stay safe.
A few medications that interact with prednisone are:
• Blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin)
• Some antifungal medications like fluconazole (Diflucan) and ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• A drug for treating nausea known as aprepitant (Emend)
• Aspirin
• Medication for managing seizure like carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol) and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)
• Medication for indigestion or heartburn like cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Some types of antibiotics like clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpak), troleandomycin (TAO),
• Immunosuppressant medications like cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
• Corticosteroids like dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexpak)
• Diuretics or medications for maintaining body hydration
• Medications for treating HIV like atazanavir (Reyataz) and lopinavir (Kaletra)
• Hormonal contraceptives which include birth control pills, patches, rings, implants, and injections
• Medication for treating depression and anxiety like sertraline (Zoloft) and Phenobarbital
• Drugs for managing heart conditions like diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac), and amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone)
• The medication for treating asthma like zafirlukast (Accolate)
• St. John’s wort
Prednisone and interaction with alcohol
You should not take alcohol if you are on prednisone. Taking the two together would boost your risk to such health conditions like liver issues, gastrointestinal conditions, kidney disorders, and other health problems.
Additional reactions of Prednisone
Prednisone also reacts with other substances. When you are taking the medication, your doctor may advise you to eat foods that are high potassium or calcium with low salt content. You may be asked to take a calcium or potassium supplement together with it. You need to inquire from your doctor whether it is safe to take grapefruit or drink the juice when you are taking the medication.
10. Prozac (Fluoxetine)
Prozac is a prescription medication used for the treatment of depression. Prozac is the brand name of a generic medication known as fluoxetine. Prozac is classified among antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These group of drugs functions by boosting the quantity of brain serotonin.
Apart from depression Prozac can be used for the treatment of:
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Binge eating disorder
• Vomiting in individuals suffering from medium or serious cases of bulimia
• Panic disorder which may include the fear of open spaces.
Fluoxetine pills branded as Sarafem can be used in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Prozac are sold in various forms which includes capsules, tablets, liquid, and delayed-release capsules.
The producer of Prozac is Eli Lilly and Company. They are as well the manufacturer of the delayed release form of Prozac. The FDA approved the medication in 1987.
The generic form of the medication is sold as fluoxetine, fluoxetine delayed-release capsules, and Sarafem.
Cautions about the use of Prozac
Antidepressants including Prozac carry a black box warning sign because they can boost suicidal risk. Prozac boost suicidal behaviors or thoughts in kids, teens and young adults while on the medication or when the dosage is increased.
You should always contact your medical team if you experience any side effects including attitudinal changes like:
• Suicidal thoughts or desire to die
• A fresh occurrence of depression or aggravation of your depression
• Agitation and restiveness
• Panic attacks
• Insomnia
• New occurrence or aggravated case of irritability
• Aggression, irritation, or violent behaviors
• Impulsiveness
• Intense boos in activity and chatting
• Lesser sleep requirement
You must tell your physician if you suffer from any of the following before you start to take the medication.
• Bipolar disorder;
• Liver condition;
• Heart conditions, like heart rate issues
• Diabetic condition
• Glaucoma;
• Suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide.
The effect of the medication starts to manifest after about 6 weeks into the use of it. Don’t stop the medication without speaking to your doctor. Doing so can result to withdrawal symptoms and severe side effects.
Your doctor will guide you on the safest procedure to follow to stop the medication.
If you allergic to Prozac or other forms of fluoxetine, you should not take the medication. Severe allergic reaction to the medication can boost mortality.
Again if you are on a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) you should not take the medication till after two weeks of stopping the intake of such drugs. It could result to severe drug interactions which might culminate in death.
You should also stay away from handling heavy duty machine when you are on the medication. Driving is also not recommended when you are on this medication. The medication can make you to feel drowsy may result to impulsive thinking or behaviors.
Prozac is not safe for the unborn child. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, you must inform your doctor before taking this medication. During your third trimester, the risk of the medication and benefit ought to be carefully examined. It usually results to serious side effects to both the mother and the baby during this period. Also, if you are a nursing mother tell your doctor before you start the medication because it could be transferred to your baby through the breast milk.
Your body weight and Prozac
Prozac has been found through a study published in 2014 in the journal JAMA Psychiatry to result to weight gain. If you are concerned about weight gain, contact your doctor before starting this medication.
Side Effects of using Prozac medication
Prozac use has a lot of side effects. Serious side effects can result to death. You need to contact your doctor for emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following side effects.
The following symptoms may signify serious allergy to the medication:
• Inhalation difficulty
• Inflammation of the tongue, throat, mouth, face, or eyes
• Hives
• Rashes of the skin which may come with fever and joint pain or not.
You also need to contact your medical team immediately if you experience any of the following for emergency attention:
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Depression which can be new or aggravation of the old one
• Agitation or restlessness
• Panic attacks
• Aggression, rage or vicious behavior
• Impulsiveness
• Excessive talking or hyperactivity
• Hallucinations
• Poor synchronization ability
• Fast heartbeat
• Overactive reflexes
• Fever
• Inflexibility of the muscle
• Vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea
• Excessive or odd bruising or bleeding
• Exhaustion
• Loss of memory
• Convulsions
The side effects that are frequently experienced by users of Prozac are:
• Atypical dreams
• Diarrhea
• Abnormal ejaculation
• Appetite loss
• Fretfulness
• Lethargy
• Indigestion
• Flu-like symptoms
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sleeplessness
• Dry mouth
• Low libido
• Vomiting or feeling sick
• Jumpiness
• Painful throat
• Itchiness
• Inflammation of the sinuses
• Sleepiness
• Sweating
• Trembling attacks
• Flushing of the skin
• Constant gaping
How Prozac can intact with some medications
Prozac can interact with lots of medications including the following: OTC, prescription drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements or herbs.
• You should not take the medication if you are MAOI or within 14 days of taking Prozac. It can cause severe interactions that can lead to death.
• Take Prozac after 5 weeks of taking MAOI to stay safer. Examples of MAOIs are Nardil, selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and Parnate.
Tell your doctor if you are on any of these medications. He may prescribe alternative medication or monitor you closely for any side effects.
• Medications to treat abnormal heart rates, like Tambocor (flecainide), quinidine, procainamide, Pacerone or Cordarone (amiodarone), and Betapace or Sorine (sotalol)
• Benzodiazepines
• Anti-seizure medications, like Tegretol (darbamazepine) and Dilantin (phenytoin)
• Diuretics,
• Some antibiotics like Ery-Tab (erythromycin)
• Plus many more medications. Check with your doctor to see what interaction the medication you are taking may have with Prozac
Inform your patients that if they are receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), the use of Prozac has been infrequently associated with seizures when taken by those receiving ECT.