Common Drug Side Effects

A side effect is a secondary and sometimes adverse effect caused by a drug. All drugs are capable of causing side effects, though the symptoms and severity are determined by the drug in question, the unique body chemistry of the patient and related factors.

Drowsiness and sedation are common side effects of many drugs.

Gastrointestinal Effects

Nausea and other gastrointestinal side effects are among the most common adverse reactions caused by drugs. Because most drugs must bypass the GI tract in order to be absorbed, they are capable of causing stomach irritation, diarrhea, nausea and other GI symptoms.

Drugs notorious for causing nausea include cancer chemotherapy medications, antiretroviral HIV drugs, birth control medications and other hormone-containing drugs. GI symptoms can be prevented or lessened by following the directions regarding how and when to take the medication and supplementing with anti-emetic herbs like ginger or peppermint. According to PubMed.gov, ginger is as effective as Dramamine for treating some types of nausea and often causes fewer side effects.

Drowsiness

Drowsiness is a feeling of lethargy or sedation that can make everyday tasks like driving a car dangerous. Many medications cause drowsiness due to their effects on parts of the brain responsible for sleep and alertness, while others cause a slowing of metabolism that results in low energy.

Drugs known to cause drowsiness include antihistamines like Benadryl, tricyclic antidepressants, opiate pain relievers and benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium. Getting plenty of sleep and avoiding heavy meals can help prevent drowsiness, as can timing your doses to coincide with your natural sleep patterns.

Pain

Many drugs list various types of pain as a side effect. Symptoms may include headache, muscle and joint pain, intestinal cramping or other types of pain. It can by caused by a drug's effect on areas of the brain responsible for pain perception or, more rarely, by physical damage caused by the medication.

Drugs capable of causing pain include antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin or Levaquin, decongestants like pseudoephedrine and SSRI antidepressants. The best method of preventing pain is to take the medication exactly as directed and, if possible, with an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Some herbs such as willow bark also have painkilling properties, but shouldn't be taken with certain drugs.

Skin Reactions

Skin reactions are a common side effect of many medications. They include itching, rash, hives, redness and swelling that may be painful. Some drugs cause skin reactions by triggering the body's histamine response, while others cause sun sensitivity that leads to pain and irritation.

Opiates are well known for causing skin reactions. Users often report extreme itching as well as redness and other symptoms. Other drugs capable of causing skin reactions include cancer chemotherapy drugs and the atypical antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin).

Warning

While all drugs can cause side effects, certain symptoms may signal a medical emergency. If you experience swelling of the throat, rapid heart beat, severe pain or extreme changes in mood or behavior, seek medical help immediately to prevent life-threatening consequences.

References

• Pub Med

Resources

• Medicine Net