Many prescription drugs today help manage health issues caused by disease, injury, or other physical conditions. But not all medications are safe, and some can be very dangerous. This article discusses the dangers of a few common prescriptions that you should avoid taking to stay healthy and improve your quality of life.
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Digoxin (Lanoxin)Â
Digoxin is a medication to treat heart problems such as irregular heartbeat, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure. Side effects of Digoxin include nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain or weakness, slow or difficult speech, confusion, vision changes, including seeing a double or blurred vision. In more severe cases, these symptoms can develop into yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), unusual bleeding or bruising, chest pain on breathing deeply, or coughing.
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
This prescription medication helps to prevent and treat ulcers. Side effects of Omeprazole include nausea, stomach pain or burning, diarrhea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, or lightheadedness, as well as yellow eyes and skin. In some cases, this medication links with infection from resistant bacteria known as Clostridium, which causes fever and severe abdominal pain, and diarrhea that may be watery or bloody.
If you are taking Omeprazole, it is essential to take the medication exactly as directed, not to skip any doses, and to use caution when driving or performing other tasks that require coordination until the effects of this drug are known.
Celexa (Citalopram)
This prescription medication helps to treat depression and anxiety disorder. Side effects of Celexa include nausea, weight loss or gain, constipation, vomiting, muscle pain, weakness, and confusion, and restlessness. One of the risks of this medication is Serotonin Syndrome which includes shaking or trembling of the hands along with dizziness or lightheadedness along with changes in blood pressure. If you have been taking this medication and seeing any of these side effects, it is essential to inform your doctor immediately to prescribe another course of treatment for you.
MiraLax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350)
This prescription medication helps treat constipation from various causes, including medications or conditions that affect bowel function. Side effects of MiraLax include dizziness, stomach cramps, nausea, frequent urge to urinate, along with diarrhea. In rare cases, this drug links to liver damage, which can be painless at first but develop into jaundice and light-colored stools or dark urine. If you have been prescribed MiraLax, it is essential to drink at least eight glasses of water a day in addition to following your usual diet so you can avoid becoming constipated.
Ativan (Lorazepam)
This prescription medication can help treat anxiety from various causes, including substance abuse, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or panic disorder. Side effects of Ativan include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, and lightheadedness, which can increase the risk of falls and accidents, especially if taken with other medications that cause similar side effects. In some cases, this drug links with acute liver failure, which occurs suddenly and can be fatal; however, it is unclear whether the drug caused this condition or if it would have happened even without taking Ativan. If you are taking Ativan, it is essential to avoid driving or performing any other activities that require concentration until the effects of this drug are known.
