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.