Common side effects of prescription medications
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Common Side Effects of Prescription Medications
Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Prescription Drugs
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are among the most frequently reported side effects of prescription medications, especially in older adults. These can range from mild discomfort, such as drug-induced diarrhea, to severe and potentially fatal complications like GI hemorrhage or perforation. Constipation, nausea, and vomiting are particularly common, especially with opioid medications and in patients with chronic conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD) 1237.
Opioid-Related Side Effects
Opioids, widely prescribed for pain management, are associated with a high incidence of side effects. The most common include constipation, nausea, drowsiness (somnolence), dizziness, vomiting, and itching (pruritus). More serious but less common effects include respiratory depression and cardiovascular complications. Studies show that up to 79% of patients using opioids for acute pain report at least one side effect, with constipation, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and weakness being the most prevalent. There is also a dose-response relationship for constipation, and certain opioids like oxycodone may cause more nausea and dizziness than others 235.
Oral and Nutritional Side Effects
Many commonly prescribed drugs can cause oral side effects such as dry mouth (xerostomia), altered taste (dysgeusia), and inflammation of the mouth (stomatitis). Xerostomia is particularly widespread, affecting over 80% of patients on certain medications. These oral side effects can impact nutritional status, especially in patients with chronic illnesses like CKD, where medications that cause nausea or dry mouth are linked to poorer nutritional outcomes 79.
Emotional and Psychological Side Effects
Long-term use of prescription medications, especially those that affect the brain, can lead to emotional side effects such as depression, anxiety, mania, panic disorder, and even suicidality. Even drugs not primarily intended to alter mood can contribute to emotional distress, particularly in patients dealing with chronic illness, which may further complicate their overall well-being .
Polypharmacy and Increased Risk in Older Adults
Older adults are at higher risk for adverse drug events due to polypharmacy—the use of multiple medications simultaneously. This increases the likelihood of serious side effects and hospitalizations. In the United States, a significant proportion of older adults take five or more prescription medications daily, greatly increasing their risk of negative drug reactions 410.
Importance of Patient Education and Communication
Many patients are not fully aware of the potential side effects of their medications. Educating patients about common and serious side effects is crucial for safety and adherence to treatment. However, this process can be challenging and requires clear communication and individualized approaches from healthcare providers. Patients should be encouraged to report any adverse effects and have easy access to their healthcare team for support 58.
Conclusion
Prescription medications can cause a wide range of side effects, with gastrointestinal, oral, emotional, and neurological symptoms being among the most common. The risk is especially high in older adults and those taking multiple medications. Effective patient education, careful monitoring, and individualized care are essential to minimize harm and ensure safe medication use 12345678+2 MORE.
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