Many people rely on medication to treat health conditions that may be debilitating. However, there are some medications that everyone should avoid taking unless necessary because they can cause severe harm or even fatal reactions. This article will look at some of those harmful medications and why you should avoid them.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are commonly known by their commercial names, such as Valium and Xanax. These drugs exist to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, sleep disorders, and other conditions. Unfortunately, benzodiazepines are highly addictive. Anyone who takes them for more than a few months is at risk of developing an addiction to the drug. More importantly, these drugs are hazardous when combined with alcohol and other sedatives such as opiates because they slow breathing significantly, leading to a potential overdose or death.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID)
NSAIDs include medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Doctors often recommend these medications for those who have arthritis, muscle pain, and other conditions which cause chronic or intense pain. The problem with these drugs is that they can be highly harmful to the lining of your stomach and intestines if taken over a long time; indeed, some people develop peptic ulcers due to taking NSAIDs. People who have had gastric bypass surgery are especially at risk of severe complications related to their use of these medications.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers are often prescribed to treat hypertension, heart conditions, migraines, and glaucoma. The most severe side effect of beta-blockers is the possibility of inducing heart failure if abruptly stopped after taking them for some time. People who take beta-blockers for extended periods will often find their sex drive severely reduced or eliminated. Beta-blockers can also cause depression-like symptoms in some people.
Statins
Statins are drugs that inhibit cholesterol synthesis within the body and are often prescribed to prevent cardiovascular disease or treat existing conditions caused by it. The problem with statins is that the effects on lipid profiles do not significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and can precipitate other health issues. Statins can cause muscle problems such as myopathies and rhabdomyolysis; these symptoms are worsened with alcohol use or physical activity, which will often be limited or prohibited for people taking this drug.
Psychoactive Drugs
Psychoactive drugs are medications that alter the functions of neurotransmitters in the brain and can be used to treat several mental illnesses. While psychoactive medications are often recommended for people suffering from depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other conditions, they can also cause adverse reactions such as psychosis or delusions if taken with certain foods or alcohol. Psychoactive drugs are even more dangerous when used with other psychoactive medications.
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants, also known as “blood thinners,” work to reduce blood clotting and minimize the risk of stroke or heart attack. However, people who take anticoagulant medications such as warfarin should only be doing so under medical supervision because they can cause internal bleeding if taken improperly. Patients must monitor their blood clotting times and other health indicators closely while taking anticoagulants, as a slight miscalculation can lead to severe or fatal results.
Opioid Painkillers
Opioid painkillers such as codeine and hydrocodone are often prescribed for people who suffer from acute pain, arthritis, injuries, migraines, and other conditions. These drugs are intended for short-term use and should not be taken except under the supervision of a doctor, as they can cause addiction and dependency when used over long periods. Like all opiates, opioid painkillers slow down breathing and reduce heart rate; if someone taking these medications has an increased dose or suffers from multiple medical issues, they can quickly lose consciousness and stop breathing altogether.
Steroids
Steroids are very effective in rapidly reducing inflammation and swelling, but this benefit comes with a long list of side effects. Taking steroids over a long time can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, depression, fatigue, insomnia, cataracts, other eye problems, increased risk for infection and cancer, hormonal imbalances, and even aggressive behavior. For this reason, steroids are only ever prescribed in the short term to treat illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are medications that reduce allergic reactions by blocking histamine receptors in the brain; however, they can also produce drowsiness and affect one’s ability to drive or operate machinery. Antihistamines can cause blurred vision, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation; they can make pre-existing conditions such as glaucoma worse by increasing pressure in the eye. People taking antihistamines should avoid alcohol because it intensifies these side effects.
Antihistamines are also dangerous for people with certain other health conditions because they can maintain or worsen these medical issues. These include heart disease, depression, high blood pressure, allergies to the antihistamine itself, and kidney problems. There are both prescription and over-the-counter types of antihistamines, so patients should be aware of the active ingredients present in any medications they’re taking.
Diuretics
Diuretics are medications that cause an increase in urination which can reduce the risk of hypertension and alleviate swelling/bloating by reducing fluid retention. When taken as directed, these drugs are safe for most people. However, some individuals should never take diuretics because they can cause side effects such as dehydration, decreased blood pressure, kidney disease, cardiac arrest, irregular heartbeat, and heart failure. Diuretics are also dangerous when taken improperly or with other medications because of the risk of electrolyte imbalance, leading to life-threatening results.
Conclusion
These are only a few examples of harmful medications that many people should never take. People taking any medication should always read the label for side effects and interactions. Anyone taking multiple drugs or has a pre-existing medical condition should be particularly careful to follow all directions. If you have any questions or concerns about taking any of the medications on this list, be sure to speak with your doctor about them and continue following his guidelines for what medications you should be taking and how often until you speak to a licensed medical professional.