From the Guidelines
Medications can have various side effects, and it is essential to monitor patients carefully for these effects, particularly in children and adolescents, as they may have significant side effects that are yet unrecognized. The side effects of medications can vary widely depending on the type of medication, the individual patient, and the condition being treated. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse effects, while antidepressants can cause dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns 1. Antipsychotic medications can produce a wide array of untoward effects, including suicidal thinking and behavior, behavioral activation/agitation, and potentially serious adverse effects such as seizures and abnormal bleeding 1.
Some common side effects of medications include:
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Central nervous system effects (headache, insomnia, dizziness)
- Cardiovascular effects (increased heart rate, blood pressure)
- Musculoskeletal effects (tremors, muscle rigidity)
- Hematologic effects (leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia)
- Hepatic effects (elevated liver enzymes, hepatitis)
It is crucial to note that the risk of side effects can be mitigated by careful monitoring, slow dose titration, and education of patients and their families about potential side effects. Additionally, the benefits of medication treatment should be weighed against the potential risks, and alternative treatments should be considered when possible.
In terms of specific medications, the evidence suggests that:
- SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) can cause suicidal thinking and behavior, behavioral activation/agitation, and potentially serious adverse effects such as seizures and abnormal bleeding 1.
- Antipsychotic medications can produce a wide array of untoward effects, including suicidal thinking and behavior, behavioral activation/agitation, and potentially serious adverse effects such as seizures and abnormal bleeding 1.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse effects 1.
Overall, it is essential to carefully monitor patients for side effects and to weigh the benefits of medication treatment against the potential risks. By doing so, healthcare providers can minimize the risk of adverse effects and optimize treatment outcomes for their patients.
From the Research
Side Effects of Medication
- The provided studies do not directly address the side effects of medication in general, but some studies mention specific side effects related to certain medications or conditions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- For example, the study on epilepsy mentions that proper treatment requires accurate diagnosis of the epilepsy type and syndrome and use of a medication that is effective and without adverse effects 2.
- The study on Clostridioides difficile infection mentions that the use of antibiotic therapy can disrupt normal gut flora and lead to diarrhea and other symptoms 3, 6.
- The study on erectile dysfunction mentions that phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) can be effective in treating ED, but does not discuss specific side effects 4.
- The study on septic emergency department patients mentions that timely administration of effective antibiotics is important, but does not discuss specific side effects of antibiotics 5.
Specific Side Effects
- Diarrhea and colitis are mentioned as potential side effects of antibiotic therapy 3, 6.
- The study on Clostridioides difficile infection mentions that the use of metronidazole or vancomycin can be effective in treating symptomatic colitis, but does not discuss specific side effects of these medications 6.
- The study on erectile dysfunction mentions that patient-administered intracorporal injection therapy using vasodilator drugs such as alprostadil can be an effective treatment, but does not discuss specific side effects 4.