In modern day times prescription medication seems to be harmless and only beneficial for humans. However that is a nice thought, it isn’t quite the case.
Prescription medication is advertised to be your best friend, but they are actually extremely harmful for the human body. Almost every drug out there has at least several different side effects that are usually worse than the primary issue for which you’re taking the medication for. After all, prescription medication is responsible for over 100,000 deaths in the United States. Most prescription drugs share common side effects. These 20 medications should be avoided at all costs.
Anti-Drugs
It is pretty self explanatory to identify all the anti-drugs out there. Basically, these include all the drugs that start with ‘anti’. Antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antibiotics, or antihypertensives are known to cause memory loss. Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter involved with memory and learning. When you’re low in acetylcholine, you become forgetful, you can’t concentrate, or think of the right word.
Side Effects
- nausea
- increased appetite and weight gain
- fatigue and drowsiness
- insomnia
- dry mouth
- blurred vision
- constipation
- dizziness
- agitation
- irritability
- Anxiety
Sleeping Pills
Sleeping pills are also known to increase your risk of memory loss, as it is a very common side effect with these types of drugs. According to a recent study, patients taking prescription sleep aids on a regular basis were nearly five times more likely to die over a period of two and a half years than nonusers. Those prescribed less than 20 pills per year were even at risk, and heavy users were even at an increased risk of gaining cancer.
Side Effects
- Burning or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
- Changes in appetite
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty keeping balance
- Dizziness
- Daytime drowsiness
- Dry mouth or throat
- Gas
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Impairment the next day
- Mental slowing or problems with attention or memory
- Stomach pain or tenderness
- Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- Unusual dreams
- Weakness
Statins
A commonly prescribed drug known as Statin is prescribed to people who suffer from cholesterol issues. Statins have also shown to significantly increase your chances of severe memory loss. Some people even completely blame their dementia on this medication. Even the FDA has warned against the issue. They stated that Statins might increase your risk for memory loss, but there is no evidence to prove a cause and effect reaction.
Side Effects
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Flushing of the skin
- Muscle aches, tenderness, or weakness (myalgia)
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal cramping or pain
- Bloating or gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Rash
Avoid taking these 20 medications at all costs:
- Parkinson’s disease – atropine, scopolamine, glycopyrrolate
- Painkillers – morphine, heroin, codeine
- Epilepsy – Dilantin or phenytoin
- Sleeping pills – Lunesta, Ambien, Sonata
- Benzodiazepines – Xanax, Valium, Dalmane, Ativan
- Naproxen
- Quinidine
- Steroids
- Antihistamines
- Antibiotics (quinolones)
- High blood pressure drugs
- Interferons
- Beta blockers (especially those for glaucoma)
- Insulin
- Methyldopa
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Antipsychotics – Mellaril, Haldol
- Lithium
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Barbiturates – Nembutal, Amytal, Phenobarbital, Seconal