Recognizing the difference between a mild, temporary effect and a serious issue could quite literally save your life
As you know, I’m a big believer in the power of making good dietary choices, using natural remedies, and adopting positive lifestyle habits to achieve good health. They’re the best “prescriptions” I write. And I truly believe they’re the foundation of long-lasting health and wellness.
But I also know there may come a time when you NEED to take medication. (It’s a decision you and your trusted physician should land on together.)
And yes, I will prescribe a drug when it’s absolutely necessary to manage a health condition that could otherwise reduce longevity or quality of life. But I always do so with extreme care and caution, closely monitoring my patient’s reactions along the way.
This is just one reason why it’s so important to work with a physician you trust. Because let me be clear…
All drugs can cause side effects. Even the ones you can get over-the-counter (OTC). And while some reactions to drugs are mild and temporary, others can signal something more serious.
Let’s talk about those effects, including the 10 reactions to medications you should NEVER ignore.1,2,3
It’s a thin line we walk
It’s not uncommon to experience a minor physical or mental reaction when you start a new drug or adjust the dosage of a drug you’ve been taking for a while. New symptoms can also appear suddenly, even after you’ve been taking a drug for an extended period of time.
And while these reactions are often mild, short-lived, and manageable, they can lead to more serious issues. That’s why it’s essential to monitor their intensity and duration.
Some of the most common side effects include:
Rashes or itchy skin. Rashes are relatively common reactions to drugs, but they can range from mild to severe. So, if you notice a blistering, itchy rash that causes swelling and pain after starting a new drug, consult with your prescribing physician.
But if you develop a rash after starting a blood pressure medication, especially a beta blocker, it could signal a serious allergic reaction. It’s also a serious reaction if the rash is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as shortness of breath or fever. Never wait to call your physician or emergency services.
Diarrhea. Antibiotics are notorious for causing diarrhea. But nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidepressants, cancer treatments, and other medications can cause gastrointestinal (GI) distress, too.
If diarrhea is mild, staying hydrated and taking probiotics might work well enough to manage it. However, if diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by blood or pain, reach out to your healthcare provider right away.
Nausea and vomiting. Medications such as antibiotics, NSAIDs, and pain relievers often cause nausea and vomiting. But if it lasts for more than a few days or prevents you from eating, drinking, or maintaining your normal routine, it’s time to take action. You should also seek help immediately if vomiting lasts over 24 hours or comes with severe abdominal pain or blood.
Dizziness, drowsiness, or fatigue. These symptoms often accompany blood pressure medications, antidepressants, or sleep aids. However, if they lead to falls, confusion, or difficulty completing daily tasks, it’s time to talk to your doctor. Likewise, fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest could be a sign that your medication needs adjusting. Don’t shrug it off.
Anxiety. Many drugs, even those used to treat anxiety and depression, can cause you to feel unsettled or panicked. If you experience a sudden onset of severe anxiety that affects your sleep or decision-making, bring it up with your doctor.
Muscle pain. Some of the most prescribed drugs on the planet, statin drugs, can cause intense muscle pain. It rarely turns life-threatening, but if you notice a sudden worsening of the pain in your muscles, make sure to consult with your doctor.
As you can see, these common reactions all range from mild to severe. And no matter the intensity of your reaction(s), you should always make your doctor aware.
Now, let’s talk about the 10 reactions you should NEVER ignore—as they could be life-threatening.
Watch out for these 10 SERIOUS drug reactions
Some side effects are too serious to overlook. So, if you experience any of the following, seek medical help immediately:
1.) Chest pain, palpitations, elevated heart rate, or shortness of breath. While chest pain, palpitations, elevated heart rate, and shortness of breath can all stem from existing heart issues, they can also result from medications, especially NSAIDs, stimulants, asthma medications, or antibiotics. If you experience any of these reactions after taking a medication, don’t wait—seek medical attention immediately.
2.) Seizures. Some medications, including certain antidepressants, can and do cause seizures. If you or someone you know experiences a seizure after taking a drug, call 911 immediately.
3.) Hallucinations. Some medications can and do cause hallucinations—especially in older adults who take multiple drugs (see the sidebar about this phenomenon, called polypharmacy). If you or a loved one starts seeing or hearing things that aren’t there, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
4.) Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). This is often a sign of liver damage and could be caused by medications like antibiotics or anti-seizure drugs. The most common offender is acetaminophen (Tylenol), which, when taken in excess, can cause severe liver damage and even liver failure. If you notice a yellow tint in your skin or the whites of your eyes, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider right away.
5.) Severe drowsiness. Some medications, such as antihistamines, muscle relaxers, and certain sleep aids, can cause drowsiness. But if the drowsiness is so severe that it interferes with your ability to perform everyday tasks—such as driving or preparing meals—it’s time to reach out to your doctor. Severe drowsiness can also increase the risk of falling, especially in older adults, which is a major cause of disability and death.
6.) Suicidal thoughts. Any medication that causes thoughts of self-harm or suicide should be addressed immediately. Call your doctor or 911 if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts.
7.) Facial, tongue, or airway swelling. It’s always a medical emergency when you experience severe or sudden facial, tongue, or airway swelling. Call 911 immediately.
8.) Cognitive changes. Sudden mental confusion or memory lapses raise significant red flags. While many people may mistake them for normal aging, cognitive changes can also happen when an older person starts taking multiple drugs. Therefore, this side effect needs immediate investigation. Your physician can help you determine if any of the medications can be adjusted, stopped, or replaced with safer alternatives.
9.) Extreme drops or spikes in blood pressure. Lots of drugs can cause extreme, sudden changes in blood pressure (BP), including BP drugs, painkillers, diuretics, antidepressants, and erectile dysfunction medications.4 If your BP ever hits 180/120 mmHg or higher, it’s time to head to the emergency room immediately. You should also seek help if you experience signs of low BP, such as rapid, shallow breathing; a weak, rapid pulse; and cold, clammy skin.
10.) Loss of consciousness. Fainting or losing consciousness is always a medical emergency. If this happens after taking a new medication, seek medical attention immediately.
I should note that many of these serious reactions pose even bigger problems for seniors, as they can lead to life-threatening falls and fractures. That’s why it’s crucial to monitor all drug reactions closely, especially once you reach a certain age.
To be clear, the reason behind this discussion is not to scare you. Rather, it’s to arm you with knowledge. Because by monitoring any and all reactions closely, you can reduce the risk of serious side effects. My best advice to you is to always listen to your body—and never hesitate to seek help if something doesn’t feel right.
SIDEBAR: Drug tips for seniors
Prescription drugs cause more deaths each year than car accidents. And the older you are, the more likely you are to have a bad reaction to one.
Here are some steps to help you stay informed and reduce your risk of suffering a serious adverse drug reaction:
Look for natural alternatives. There are natural, effective remedies for many of the most common ailments suffered by seniors. For instance, instead of taking NSAIDs for pain, try anti-inflammatory herbs, like turmeric, or supplements such as methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) or bromelain. Likewise, cannabidiol (CBD) has all but eliminated any need for antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, or sleep medications in my practice. I personally like to recommend CBD oil because the dosing can be individualized.
Ask LOTS of questions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects when starting a new medication. And don’t be afraid to ask for alternatives if a particular drug doesn’t seem like the right fit for you.
Trust your gut. While doctors and pharmacists will guide you with expert advice, you could still experience a reaction to a drug they may be unfamiliar with. So, trust your gut. Never be afraid to speak up, press for more answers, or ask for a second opinion if something doesn’t feel quite right.
Keep a medication log. When starting any new medication, keep track of your symptoms each day. Even if you don’t experience any! This can help you spot when symptoms first appeared, monitor changes, and better communicate with your doctor.
Take medicine as directed. To reduce the possibility of unwanted side effects, always take your medications as directed. (For example, with food or a glass of water.)
Be careful of OTC drugs. OTC drugs, as “innocent” as they may seem, can cause plenty of problems, especially when combined with prescription drugs. In fact, acetaminophen is the No. 1 cause of liver failure in the United States. And aspirin can lead to internal bleeding. (See page 4 for more about the hidden dangers of aspirin.) So, be careful about all drugs you take—and disclose your use of OTC drugs to your doctor.
Never take expired medications. The chemical composition of expired medicine can be unsafe or ineffective. So, never take expired or leftover medication. (And never take a medication prescribed for someone else.)
Know you’re never alone. Suddenly stopping a medication, adjusting a dose, or skipping doses can cause serious reactions in your body. So, never go it alone! Always work with your doctor when making any changes to your medication regimen.
Request regular medication reviews. At the bare minimum, your doctor should review the dosing of your medication annually. But if you feel something needs changing between visits, schedule a short check-in or write to your doctor about your concerns.
Lean on your network. If you’re a senior living with a partner, caregiver, or close family member, make sure they know about all the medications you take (especially the new ones). They can help you track side effects and monitor any changes in your health.
SIDEBAR: The problem of polypharmacy
As we age, our bodies metabolize medications differently, which can sometimes cause unexpected or more severe reactions. Plus, seniors often take multiple medications—also referred to as polypharmacy—to manage different health conditions.
While taking multiple medications may sometimes be necessary, it raises the risk of serious drug interactions, side effects, and complications, like falls, dizziness, or confusion.
So, always ask your healthcare provider to regularly review your medications, particularly if new symptoms arise or if there are changes in your overall health status or activity levels.
References:
- “The drug side effects you should never ignore.” MSN, accessed 12/28/24. (msn.com/en-us/health/other/the-drug-side-effects-you-should-never-ignore/ss-AA13Oqwu?ocid=00000000#image=1)
- “5 Types of Medications with Serious Side Effects and How to Reduce Them.” BuzzRx, 6/4/21. (buzzrx.com/blog/5-types-of-medications-with-serious-side-effects-and-how-to-reduce-them)
- “Medication side effects you shouldn’t ignore.” WebMD, 6/3/24. (webmd.com/drug-medication/ss/slideshow-medication-side-effects-not-to-ignore)
- “Low blood pressure (hypotension).” Mayo Clinic, accessed 12/28/24. (mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20355465)
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