Common Side Effects Of Prescription Drugs

By Allan Tan

The side effects of prescription drugs are undesirable physical effects of the medication. When prescription medication is ingested, it often affects the body in more ways than treating the condition that is prescribed to treat.

Prescription medication may affect multiple organs. Even though a prescription drug was designed to improve the functioning of one organ or system, the medication may have a negative effect on other parts of the body that can be mildly uncomfortable to dangerous.

When doctors prescribe medication, the doctor weighs the risk of side effects with the need for the medication's desired effect. People should ask their doctors about the possible side effects and what to do if the side effects do not subside or are bothersome.

Gastrointestinal problems are common side effect. Gastrointestinal side effects can include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, or flatulence. The gastrointestinal side effects can be abnormal gastrointestinal functioning such as anal leakage.

Some of side effects of prescription drugs are caused by the medication affecting the brain and nervous system. Headaches, blurred vision, muscle spasms, tremor, lack of coordination, and difficulty sleeping are examples of nervous system side effects.

The skin can also be adversely affected by prescription medication. Some possible side effects that affect the skin are hives, rash, skin discoloration, hair loss, and skin dryness.

When prescription medications are filled, they often come with fact sheets that include information about possible side effects. People seeking more information about possible side effects can often find such information on prescription medication websites.

Drug interactions are not actually side effects, they only occur when two or more drugs taken during the same time cause physical problems for the individual. Like side effects, drug interactions can range from mild to potentially fatal.

The patient should inform the doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication and supplements that the person is taking before the doctor prescribes any new medication. As a safeguard, some pharmacies check for possible interactions of the prescriptions that the customer is taking.

A patient who is suffering from side effects from medication should discuss this problem with their doctor. A change in medication or dosage may help alleviate the side effects and still benefit the patient. - 29929

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