| Common
Medications given
for the treatment of Fibromyalgia Risks and Side effects |
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It is a given, that nearly all medicines have side effects, however, it pays to know what most of them are, so to be aware of the possible side effects and risks related to medications you may be given, here is a listing of the most commonly prescribed, and their risks and side effects. One of the most common medications given for FM are Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), whose use has been proven to be ineffective ( Research ) in FM, as FM is not an inflammatory condition. Furthermore research shows that, to use such medications on a daily basis is often to put ones self at risk. These risk factors are much lessened, in short term use, for acute states. "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are typically used to treat pain and swelling (inflammation) associated with medical conditions like arthritis. A few examples of these medications are aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. More than 14 million Americans take NSAIDs every day. Each year, NSAID use results in approximately 16,500 deaths and 103,000 hospitalizations in the United States. Continual use of NSAIDs may increase the risk of developing a stomach ulcer or liver damage. " "Renal risks of nonselective NSAIDS: At least 8 case-control studies have reported an increased risk of both acute and chronic renal dysfunction with use of nonselective NSAIDs." Research "Long-term, continuous use of all NSAIDs, except for aspirin, may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Aspirin is a non-selective NSAID, but it has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the risks of cardiovascular events. " Research "NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs), antacids, aspirin and ibuprofen are considered a direct cause of
Leaky gut syndrome"
The second most common are SSRIs, or Serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antidepressants Note: The Combined use of SSRIs and NSAIDs increases the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects. Research PDF file Risks and adverse effects of the SSRIs themselves. "There is a risk that antidepressant treatment will cause an increase, rather than a decrease, in depression. In fact, all depression medications are required by the FDA to carry a warning about the increased risk of suicide, hostility, and agitation." Research Common side effects of SSRIs: Insomnia, skin rashes, headaches, joint and muscle pain, stomach upset, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, diarrhea, daytime fatigue. Less common, but well known effects: tics, muscle spasms, dyskinesia (repetitive muscle movements), parkinsonism (rigid and trembling limbs, a shuffling gait, loss of fine motor control), and akathisia (compulsive restlessness). Research Harvard Mental Health Side effects of older antidepressants, the tricyclics, for example: Elavil (amitriptyline) include: dry mouth, postural blood pressure changes (drop in blood pressure when getting up quickly, resulting in dizziness), difficulty urinating, weight gain and drowsiness, blurred vision, constipation, tachycardia, loss of sex drive; erectile failure; increased sensitivity to the sun; sedation (sleepiness); increased sweating, jitteriness, irritation, and difficulty falling or staying asleep. Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., imipramine) vary widely in their potency to promote NREM sleep, but all potently suppress REM sleep. Atypical antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, nefazodone) initially interfere with sleep, followed by increased NREM (particularly nefazodone). REM sleep is strongly reduced. Stanford University Other antidepressants Prozac: restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, headache, asthenia, flu-like symptoms, fever, nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, dry mouth, constipation, flatulence, dyspepsia, vomiting, somnolence, yawn, abnormal vision, sweating, trembling, weakness, weight loss, skin rash, delayed ejaculation in men, decrease in sex drive, and there have been reports of subsequent weight gain Indications for Prozac Wellbutrin: Agitation, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, excessive sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, sleep disturbances, tremor. Trazodone, the most frequent side effects are: dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention. Increased heart rate, sedation, irritability, dizziness, and decreased coordination can also occur. As with most side effects associated with antidepressants, the intensity is highest at the beginning of therapy and tends to decrease with continued use. Indications for Trazadone FM and Depression,
more information, on site link
Anticonvulsants: Lyrica, side effects include: dizziness and sleepiness, weight gain, swelling of the hands and feet, and dry mouth, drowsiness, anxiety; blurred vision; loss of balance or coordination; problems with memory or concentration; skin rash or itching; constipation, stomach pain; increased appetite; or joint or muscle pain, as well as many others. Indications for Lyrica Gabapentin: Most common include, unsteadiness,
clumsiness, and uncontrollable back-and-forth eye movements or eye rolling.
Effects that are common when first starting
the medications, that are said to lessen with time are : blurred or double
vision, muscle weakness or pain, swollen hand, feet, or legs, trembling
or shaking, and increased fatigue or weakness. Less common side effects
that occur when initiating gabapentin treatment include back pain, constipation,
decreased sexual drive, diarrhea, dry mouth and eyes, frequent urination,
headache, indigestion, low blood pressure, nausea, ringing in the ears,
runny nose, slurred speech, difficulty thinking and sleeping, weight gain,
twitching, nausea and/or vomiting, weakness. Indications
for Gabapentin
Muscle relaxants: Flexeril: fatigue/tiredness, asthenia
( weakness), nausea, constipation, dyspepsia, unpleasant taste, blurred
vision, headache, nervousness, and confusion.
"The most common adverse effects of
muscle relaxants, as a class are: vision changes, such as double vision
or blurred vision; dizziness ; lightheadedness; drowsiness; and dry mouth
. These problems usually go away as the body adjusts to the drug and do
not require medical treatment. They can also cause less common side effects,
such as stomach cramps or pain, nausea and vomiting, constipation , diarrhea
, hiccups , clumsiness or unsteadiness, confusion, nervousness, restlessness,
irritability, flushed or red face, headache , heartburn , weakness, trembling,
and sleep problems"
Other medications Benedryl (dyphenhydramine): Most common,
drowsiness; thickening of mucus, antihistamine hangover.
Ambien (zolpidem tartrate): Allergy, daytime drowsiness, dizziness, drugged feeling, headache, indigestion, nausea. It is a hypnotic and can make one more susceptible to suggestion during the fall asleep phase. Drug information Ultram: side effects include nausea, constipation, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, and vomiting. Less commonly reported side effects include itching, sweating, dry mouth, diarrhea, rash, visual disturbances, and vertigo. Some patients who received tramadol have reported seizures. Abrupt withdrawal of tramadol may result in anxiety, sweating, insomnia, rigors, pain, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, and hallucinations. Indications for Tramadol Klonopin (clonazepam): side effects are sedation, dizziness, weakness, and unsteadiness. Other side effects include a feeling of depression, loss of orientation, headache, and sleep disturbance. Indications for Klonopion Imitrex (sumatriptan): should not be taken by patients with history, symptoms, or signs of ischemic cardiac, cerebrovascular, or peripheral vascular syndromes. Contradictions and risk factors Inderal (propranolol HCl):should not be taken by patients with history of, Bronchospasm, including bronchial asthma; allergic rhinitis, sinus bradycardia; cardiogenic shock; pulmonary hypertension; and congestive heart failure . Indications for Inderal Xanax (Alprazolam): Drowsiness, dizziness,
coordination difficulties. Release of hostility and other paradoxical effects,
such as irritability and hallucinations. Indications
for Xanax |