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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
The following is a list of 10 harmful and potentially deadly side effects of commonly prescribed medications.Adverse drug reactions are unwanted side effects that have considerable clinical and economic costs, as they can lead to increased emergency department visits and prolonged hospital stays.1Each year, an estimated 4.5 million Americans visit a physician’s office or emergency room because of side effects related to their prescription medications. Although it may be hard to pinpoint a reaction to one specific medication, the FDA requires drug manufacturers to list all side effects that have been reported in clinical studies in their product’s labeling.The following is a list of 10 harmful and potentially deadly side effects of commonly prescribed medications.1. HallucinationsHallucinations occur when sensing something that is not really present. Types of hallucinations include visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, gustatory, and general somatic.Hallucinations are a common symptom of schizophrenia, but they can also be caused by excessive alcohol intake, drug abuse, depression, sleep deprivation, dementia, or certain prescription medications.2 A number of psychiatric medications such as olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), and haloperidol (Haldol) have all been associated with causing hallucinations, in addition to zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), ropinirole (Requip), and some seizure medications.3Finally, cephalosporins and sulfa drugs, which are 2 common classes of antibiotics, have been associated with causing hallucinations in rare cases. 2. Memory LossAlthough memory loss is a natural part of getting older, it may also be a side effect of certain medications.The most notable medication class that can result in memory loss is the nonbenzodiazepine sedative hyponotics, which include Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata. These medications can sometimes cause amnesia and trigger potentially dangerous behaviors, such as cooking a meal, having sex, or driving a car with no recollection of the event upon awakening.Other medications that may result in memory loss include benzodiazepines, statins, certain seizure medications, opioids, and incontinence drugs.3. PriapismPriapism is an unwanted, painful, persistent erection that is not caused by sexual stimulation or arousal. If left untreated, tissue damage can occur, resulting in the inability to get or maintain an erection.Causes of priapism include certain medical conditions, trauma, alcohol use, and prescription medications. Medications reported to cause priapism include trazodone (Desyrel), clozapine (Clozaril), hydroxyzine (Atarax), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), prazosin (Minipress), warfarin (Coumadin), testosterone therapy, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and paroxetine (Paxil).44. Blood ClotsBlood clots form in the body under many normal circumstances in response to injury. However, some prescription medications have been associated with blood clot formation. If left untreated, blood clots can break away from their original source and travel to other parts of the body, which can sometimes be fatal.Female oral contraceptives and hormone therapy drugs all carry an increased risk for blood clot formation. Additionally, all testosterone replacement products share the same risk for blood clots.5. Compulsive BehaviorsCompulsive behavior involves repeatedly performing an act without control, which interferes with an individual’s life.Requip and pramipexole (Mirapex), which are dopamine agonists indicated for Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome, can cause
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