This is a continuation from part 3 of the Medication Side Effects series. Please read part 1 , part 2 and part 3 before reading this part so this particular blog entry will make sense.
In the part 1, we showed what the top 15 medication prescriptions were and how they ranked. In part 2, we discussed Hydrocodone, Simvastatin, Lisinopril and Levothyroxine. Part 3, we discussed Azithromycin, Metaformin, Lipitor, Amlodipine, and Amoxicillin. In part 4, today, we will discuss Hydrochlorothiazide, Omeprazole, Alprazolam, Furosemide, Metoprolol tartrate and Atenolol. This is not a complete source of information and should not be construed to be an official source. In part 5, I will conclude this series with some of my own overall comments.
10) Hydrochlorothiazide (high blood pressure) - 47.1 million prescriptions
Commonly used as a first-choice blood pressure or edema treatment.
- - Side Effects
Please see drugs.com for the side effects of this drug.
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/hydrochlorothiazide-side-effects.html
- - Comments
Refer to #3 regarding high pressure
11) Omeprazole (heartburn) - 45.4 million prescriptions
The purple pill for heartburn, a.k.a. AstraZeneca's Prilosec, was once the bestselling drug in the world. It is still widely prescribed even though it is also now available without a prescription.
- - Side Effects
Diarrhea; gas; headache; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting. Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); bone pain; chest pain; dark urine; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe diarrhea; severe stomach pain or cramps; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or sudden weight increase; unusual tiredness; vision changes; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- - Comments
How often have you had hearburn after something you have eaten. Yet, you continue to eat these same type of foods over and over. Or how often have you had heartburn when times have been very stressful for you and there is very little you can eat that won't give you heartburn. Of course, I'm sure you stop there and change your life habits, right? According to the number of prescriptions, we obviously aren't getting the message and listening to our bodies. If we did, much of this could change. Just think, there might be a way without all the constant medication. Of course, until a person begins to explore lifestyle changes and habits, there won't be an ounce of hope.
12) Alprazolam (anxiety) - 44.4 prescriptions
Originally manufactured by Pfizer under the name Xanax, this anxiety drug surpassed Valium in popularity in the late '80s; it has been generic for more than a decade.
- - Side Effects
Changes in appetite; changes in sexual desire; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; increased saliva production; lightheadedness; tiredness; trouble concentrating; unsteadiness; weight changes. Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; decreased urination; fainting; hallucinations; loss of coordination; memory problems; menstrual changes; muscle twitching; new or worsening mental or mood problems (eg, depression, irritability, anxiety); overstimulation; red, swollen blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe dizziness; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; suicidal thoughts or actions; trouble speaking (eg, stammering, stuttering); yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- - Comments
I remember a time in the not so distant pass that I suffered so badly from anxiety. At that time, I thought the entire world was crashing in on me and if it wasn't for Xanax, than I don't know if I would have made it through those times. However, here's where the difference comes in. I never accepted that this was the only way I could deal with anxiety. I had doctors and psychologists tell me that this is what my life would come to expect. I never bought into that. In addition, Xanax and many of these drugs are so addictive that you often go through serious withddraw symptoms when you stop taking them. Since this time, I've found many ways to deal with the anxiety and heal from it. I no longer am bound to anxiety attacks like I once was. Meds are not the answer to all the problems of life. Yes, they can help but it should be a temporary stop gap measure, not a cure all.
13) Furosemide (high blood pressure) - 42.8 million prescriptions
The diuretic, or water pill, was sold under the name Lasix because it lasts six hours.
- - Side Effects
Please see drugs.com for the side effects of this drug.
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/furosemide-side-effects.html
- - Comments
Refer to #3 regarding high pressure
14) Metoprolol tartrate (angina, high blood pressure) - 40.5 million prescriptions
Best known as Toprol, an AstraZeneca brand, used for treating chest pain and heart failure.
- - Side Effects
Please see drugs.com for the side effects of this drug.
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/metoprolol-tartrate-side-effects.html
- - Comments
Refer to #3 regarding high pressure
15) Atenolol (angina, high blood pressure) - 38.6 million prescriptions
Used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, and heart failure.
- - Side Effects
Please see drugs.com for the side effects of this drug.
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/atenolol-side-effects.html
- - Comments
Refer to #3 regarding high pressure
Please come back tomorrow for part 5 in this series about medication side effects.
Part 1 (Posted 4/22/11)
Part 2 (Posted 4/23/11)
Part 3 (Posted 4/24/11)
Part 4 (Posted 4/25/11)
Part 5 (Posted 4/26/11)
Further Information:
1) Drugs.com
2) Forbes.com - The Most Popular Prescription Drugs
3) High Pulse Rate and Heart Disease
4) KaiserEDU.org - US Health Care Costs
Disclaimer:
This blog post series is not meant as medical advice nor is it meant for you to stop taking medications prescribed by your doctor. You should always make those decisions with a qualified medical doctor. I am merely pointing out information my own study of a different way to view the body. Remember, the more you understand about how your body works, the more impact you can have upon your life. Just to make this crystal clear, consult your medical professional before making any changes with your medications and health. This is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.
Blog Post & Images (c) 4/7/11 Don Shetterly - use by permission only
http://www.donshetterly.com
In the part 1, we showed what the top 15 medication prescriptions were and how they ranked. In part 2, we discussed Hydrocodone, Simvastatin, Lisinopril and Levothyroxine. Part 3, we discussed Azithromycin, Metaformin, Lipitor, Amlodipine, and Amoxicillin. In part 4, today, we will discuss Hydrochlorothiazide, Omeprazole, Alprazolam, Furosemide, Metoprolol tartrate and Atenolol. This is not a complete source of information and should not be construed to be an official source. In part 5, I will conclude this series with some of my own overall comments.
10) Hydrochlorothiazide (high blood pressure) - 47.1 million prescriptions
Commonly used as a first-choice blood pressure or edema treatment.
- - Side Effects
Please see drugs.com for the side effects of this drug.
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/hydrochlorothiazide-side-effects.html
- - Comments
Refer to #3 regarding high pressure
11) Omeprazole (heartburn) - 45.4 million prescriptions
The purple pill for heartburn, a.k.a. AstraZeneca's Prilosec, was once the bestselling drug in the world. It is still widely prescribed even though it is also now available without a prescription.
- - Side Effects
Diarrhea; gas; headache; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting. Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); bone pain; chest pain; dark urine; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe diarrhea; severe stomach pain or cramps; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or sudden weight increase; unusual tiredness; vision changes; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- - Comments
How often have you had hearburn after something you have eaten. Yet, you continue to eat these same type of foods over and over. Or how often have you had heartburn when times have been very stressful for you and there is very little you can eat that won't give you heartburn. Of course, I'm sure you stop there and change your life habits, right? According to the number of prescriptions, we obviously aren't getting the message and listening to our bodies. If we did, much of this could change. Just think, there might be a way without all the constant medication. Of course, until a person begins to explore lifestyle changes and habits, there won't be an ounce of hope.
12) Alprazolam (anxiety) - 44.4 prescriptions
Originally manufactured by Pfizer under the name Xanax, this anxiety drug surpassed Valium in popularity in the late '80s; it has been generic for more than a decade.
- - Side Effects
Changes in appetite; changes in sexual desire; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; increased saliva production; lightheadedness; tiredness; trouble concentrating; unsteadiness; weight changes. Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; decreased urination; fainting; hallucinations; loss of coordination; memory problems; menstrual changes; muscle twitching; new or worsening mental or mood problems (eg, depression, irritability, anxiety); overstimulation; red, swollen blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe dizziness; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; suicidal thoughts or actions; trouble speaking (eg, stammering, stuttering); yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- - Comments
I remember a time in the not so distant pass that I suffered so badly from anxiety. At that time, I thought the entire world was crashing in on me and if it wasn't for Xanax, than I don't know if I would have made it through those times. However, here's where the difference comes in. I never accepted that this was the only way I could deal with anxiety. I had doctors and psychologists tell me that this is what my life would come to expect. I never bought into that. In addition, Xanax and many of these drugs are so addictive that you often go through serious withddraw symptoms when you stop taking them. Since this time, I've found many ways to deal with the anxiety and heal from it. I no longer am bound to anxiety attacks like I once was. Meds are not the answer to all the problems of life. Yes, they can help but it should be a temporary stop gap measure, not a cure all.
13) Furosemide (high blood pressure) - 42.8 million prescriptions
The diuretic, or water pill, was sold under the name Lasix because it lasts six hours.
- - Side Effects
Please see drugs.com for the side effects of this drug.
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/furosemide-side-effects.html
- - Comments
Refer to #3 regarding high pressure
14) Metoprolol tartrate (angina, high blood pressure) - 40.5 million prescriptions
Best known as Toprol, an AstraZeneca brand, used for treating chest pain and heart failure.
- - Side Effects
Please see drugs.com for the side effects of this drug.
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/metoprolol-tartrate-side-effects.html
- - Comments
Refer to #3 regarding high pressure
15) Atenolol (angina, high blood pressure) - 38.6 million prescriptions
Used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, and heart failure.
- - Side Effects
Please see drugs.com for the side effects of this drug.
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/atenolol-side-effects.html
- - Comments
Refer to #3 regarding high pressure
Please come back tomorrow for part 5 in this series about medication side effects.
Part 1 (Posted 4/22/11)
Part 2 (Posted 4/23/11)
Part 3 (Posted 4/24/11)
Part 4 (Posted 4/25/11)
Part 5 (Posted 4/26/11)
Further Information:
1) Drugs.com
2) Forbes.com - The Most Popular Prescription Drugs
3) High Pulse Rate and Heart Disease
4) KaiserEDU.org - US Health Care Costs
Disclaimer:
This blog post series is not meant as medical advice nor is it meant for you to stop taking medications prescribed by your doctor. You should always make those decisions with a qualified medical doctor. I am merely pointing out information my own study of a different way to view the body. Remember, the more you understand about how your body works, the more impact you can have upon your life. Just to make this crystal clear, consult your medical professional before making any changes with your medications and health. This is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.
Blog Post & Images (c) 4/7/11 Don Shetterly - use by permission only
http://www.donshetterly.com
Due to our fast lives and not wanting the responsibility to care for our own selves, it is easier to get on a medication for a quick fix..but, for how long..and how does this really effect the body and organs in the long run..I also would love to see the break down of ethnicities to different drugs, personally I have seen more minority kids and lower socioeconomic group of kids on psychotropic medications in US. Maybe it is my imagination, I do hope so..
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