Medicines are considered one of the most significant inventions in human history that altered life as we know it. Of course, we take prescription drugs when we are in pain or have caught an infection. For example, penicillin, the first antibiotic, saved millions of lives worldwide.
At the same time, medical inventions like robotics, artificial hearts, defibrillators, etc., have altered the way we live. For various individuals, medicine has become a part of their daily lives.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), every medicine contains benefits but has serious side effects, as well. The ones listed in this blog have many proven risks, so it would be best to stay away from them.
#1. Paracetamols Like Tylenol
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Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, was used for bodily pain, headaches, and mild fever during pregnancy. However, a 2018 study proved that 20%-30% of children whose mothers took this paracetamol are at a higher risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It can also cause issues with the child’s kidney because of low amniotic fluid.
Due to misinformation, affected families filed lawsuits, giving rise to the Tylenol autism lawsuit. It was a multidistrict lawsuit that held manufacturers and distributors responsible for this.
According to TorHoerman Law, affected individuals with proof can expect settlement amounts worth USD 50,000 to USD 500,000. Hence, throw away the Tylenol in your medicine cabinet if you have decided to have a baby.
#2. Painkillers Like Vicodin
Vicodin is a pain reliever that contains opioids called hydrocodone. Once ingested, these affect your brain and alter your perception of the pain and how the body feels. At the same time, some Vicodin containing a non-opioid called acetaminophen reduces fever.
Doctors consider these painkillers to be America’s most dangerous medications. Studies have shown that a mixture of such opioids combined with acetaminophen can cause overdoses. Did you know that dependence on opioid drugs can occur within two days of usage and turn into an addiction in four weeks?
It can also make you feel drowsy and fatigued. Moreover, it leads to weight loss, insomnia, slower heart rate, high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety.
#3. Stimulants Like Adderall
Stimulants that help treat clinical depression. Adderall is a type of stimulant drug prescribed by doctors for patients who show signs of depression, ADHD, and narcolepsy. These work by enhancing your brain’s neurotransmitters, which increase serotonin and noradrenaline secretion.
Due to this, your mood and emotion alleviate. Moreover, it can also disrupt the nerve’s pain signals to reduce any physical discomfort.
Stimulant drugs alter the user’s alertness, attention, and energy levels. But, overuse of stimulants can cause paranoia and psychosis. For many users, these drugs have caused anxiety, damage to the nervous system, heart failure, strokes, high blood pressure, and seizures.
What Are the Risks of Medicine and How to Manage Them?
According to the FDA, a medicine gets approved once the benefits outweigh its side effects and risks. However, that does not mean you should blindly trust over-the-counter drugs without knowing the risks.
Some of the most significant risks include:
- An allergic reaction because of medication and diet interaction
- Long-term use can cause physical and emotional ailments
- Medication might not work as expected or prescribed
- You can find yourself getting addicted or relying on the medicine
That is why, before choosing a medication, you should think about the helpful effects and weigh them with the unwanted risks.
To do that, you should talk to your doctor and share your concerns with them. For example, tell them about your allergies and thoughts about the drug. At the same time, try and research the medication you are being prescribed. For example, learn about the brand, how to store them, etc.
To manage the side effects, you need to follow the dosage requirement provided or the directions shown on the label. Remember to avoid certain food items that can cause issues with the medication you are taking.
In the end, it would be best if you could monitor your progress and inform the healthcare professional about any side effects that you might have faced.
The Bottom Line
When you buy medications, try to weigh the positives and negatives. While prescription drugs offer unparalleled benefits, they can also be dangerous for your health.
For example, Tylenol can induce ADHD in unborn children if a pregnant woman uses it. At the same time, Vicodin can be severely addictive if not taken in a controlled dose. Adderall can cause paranoia and psychosis after prolonged use.
That is why it is best to research the medication, talk to your doctor about it, and keep a check on any side effects. Doing so will help you determine whether it is safe for you to continue the treatment.
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