Drug side effects

Every medication consists of chemicals. These chemicals cause side effects. A 'side effect' is some symptom that isn't intended by the use of the drug but which is unavoidable due to the drug's chemical makeup. You can't escape the side effect if you take the drug. There are diverse side effects ranging from nausea to mood alteration and even much more serious effects. Some people are affected very mildly by side effects, and others have systems that react quite violently to the exact same drug. It is very individual according to each person's physical and emotional makeup. A drug may cause the same side effect in everyone, but it may differ in severity from person to person, or a drug may give different people very different combinations of side effects.

There are certain medications that actually increase the symptom that they are supposed to control. In such a situation, the patient takes a different medication to suppress it. If the side effect of the drug is known initially, the primary medicine can be discontinued. Some of the drug side effects of popular categories of medicines are mentioned here.

Analgesics (or pain killers): There are two types of analgesics – narcotics and non-narcotics. The common acetaminophen is a non-narcotic drug but it should still be used with caution. An overdose of more than 4000 mg/day or a continuous use can affect the liver function. Acetaminophens are found in over 600 different types of drugs. Before taking it, ensure that you have read the label provided with it. In the narcotics category, opiates and opioids are found. These are usually found in the stronger analgesics. In case of wrong usage or over usage they may produce side effects like nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, miosis, urinary retention and constipation. The serious side effects include respiratory depression or death. 

Expectorants like guaifenesin are generally safe drugs, but side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, rash and itching.

The medicines for anti-inflammation may cause agitation.

Antidepressants, decongestants, sedatives and cholesterol reducers can instigate anxiety. Anti-nausea and anti-itching drugs can trigger Catatonia. Drugs for Arrhythmia control are known to produce delirium as a side effect.

Drugs like anticonvulsants, migraine relief, fertility drugs, drugs for cancer treatments and oral contraceptives may trigger depression.

Most of the recreational (illegal) drugs cause emotional disturbances, but even legal drugs can have similar effects. Hallucinations and hangovers are common side effects of sedatives and tranquilizers. Fatigue is a side effect of the antipruritic and cold/cough drugs. Tranquilizers, diuretics, androgens and anti-hypertension drugs may cause impotence.

With such a variation in the side effects, it is much safer for you to first discuss any medication with your doctor.