Medication Side Effects

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Paracetamol

Posted by Koh Chun (Tutong, Brunei) on 06/09/2013

I am weak and very tired. I can't stand cold, heat and stress. I lose a lot of weight. Every 2 or 3 days, my stomach would feel uneasy and my head "spinny".

I hate taking paracetamol everytime I am feverish. I try to stall as long as I can until I can stand no more, then reluctantly I take 1 tablet Panadol soluble (500mg).

What would be the best list of alternatives to paracetamol, from herbs to safer chemicals?


Perioral Dermatitis Medications

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Posted by Barbara (Vancouver, Bc) on 03/02/2017

Hi: I am a 69 year old female. I had clear freckled skin all my life and have never had a rash on my face. About four months ago, a small spot showed up on the left side of my chin and continued to get bigger. I went to my doctor and he said I had impetigo and put me Fudicin H cream. It did not work and made it worse. He finally sent me to a dermatologist who diagnosed me with perioral dermatitis and prescribed doxicyclin (to be taken for three months) and an antibiotic cream (which I found out is used for rosacea). It seemed to work but then I had side effects from the antibiotic (blurred vision, etc.) I was told to stop taking it and he put me on trimethoprim but had a severe reaction to that!! (racing heart rate and very sore throat). Very frustrated as new little bumps just pop up and now around my eyes :( I have just started using Apple Cider vinegar on these new ones and I'm still using the antibiotic cream that was prescribed. Will it ever go away?


Prednisone

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Posted by Kathleen (Lancaster, California ) on 08/08/2020

The doctor had me on steroids for Crohn's disease end I have all kinds of ailments which turns out is allergic reaction to prednisone. I can hardly walk on my feet they hurt so bad, my face is swollen oh, I've had the shakes a sore throat and a drippy nose. I'm wondering how to make these ailments go away faster. Thank you.

Replied by Anon
(Anon)
08/09/2020

Aloe gel, parsley juice, milk thistle, garlic, oxygenated magnesium colon cleanser, juice fasting, etc. These things help your body clean and recouperate and may help.


Prednisone
Posted by Brent (Virginia) on 10/25/2014

Thanks, Bill. I'll read through that link. Brent


Prednisone
Posted by Brent (Virginia, US) on 10/24/2014

I've been battling ulcerative colitis for a number of years. Six months ago I began a regimen of low dose prednisone which really helped. My doctor and I have decided to pursue treatment with the immuno-suppressant, Imuran, and I am now in a position where I am beginning to wean myself off prednisone.

I am aware of the need to step down slowly but there are still unpleasant side effects and I am wondering if any of you have found any supplements that help in easing some of these issues in this specific situation. The main problems I am seeing are joint pain and fatigue. So far OTC pain relievers help but I am limited to acetaminophen since NSAIDs and ulcerative colitis don't mix due to intestinal irritation.

As I understand it, these problems come to light with prednisone as the drug itself basically takes over the body's own production of cortisol. Until the body can begin to produce its own cortisol I get to experience the symptoms of this very specific type of adrenal fatigue.


Prednisone
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 10/24/2014

Hi Brent...You can wean yourself off prednisone by supplementing molybdenum, pantethine and pantathenic acid(vitamin B5) which will give you the same benefits as prednisone without its dangerous side-effects. Here are some extracts from the research:

Candida, according to antibody studies done at the Atkins Center, is involved in more than 80 percent of all cases of Crohn's and Colitis.

And for autoimmune problems, Dr. Atkins states,

" For all conditions that a doctor might prescribe prednisone --allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases, pantethine can be safely, effectively substituted. I routinely use it for all of those conditions on hundreds of my patients, and it's valuable in weaning them off steroidal drugs, or certainly in allowing a lower dose...."

By upping body levels of a body enzyme, pantethine counteracts brain fog, certain allergic sensitivities, and some consequences of alcoholism. (And here it is --) ... In people with candidiasis, the enzyme fights off a toxic byproduct called acetaldehyde, which is thought to cause brain fog, often-suffered but rarely diagnosed.... Acetaldehyde also is suspected of being responsible for some symptoms of alcoholism, including alcoholic heart muscle disease. The pantethine-stimulated enzyme also detoxifies formaldehyde, an all too frequent offender for chemically sensitive individuals."

In summary, Dr. Atkins is saying that Pantethine, without toxic consequences, can reduce cholesterol, counteract oxidation, stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria, and fight allergies, inflammation, autoimmune disruptions, and alcoholism.

In case you wondered, Dr. Cooter and Dr. Schmtt suggest 300 micrograms of Molybdenum in three divided doses per day, and further suggests staying on it for at least 4 months.. Dr. Atkins suggests 450 to 900 miligrams daily of Pantethine with an equal amount of Pantethenic Acid.

Source: http://www.afibbers.org/conference/session16.pdf

I would also urge you to read all the research thoroughly from the link.

Please also take note from the above research link that 80% of people with Crohn's and Colitis will have serious candida issues as well. So if you do have candida then your problems will be compounded and you will have to cure that as well. See Candida cures in the Ailments section of EC.

You should be able to easily purchase Pantethine, Pantethenic Acid and Molybdenum at any health store or from internet vendors.

Replied by Janice
(Aberdeen, Wa)
03/12/2017

I'm a mess, I've been on 10 mg of prednisone for 9 months now for copd, emphysema and it has kept me from going to the ER every month with copd exacerbation. After a bone scan and blood work I now have vitamin D deficiency, high cholesterol and hypothyroidism. My doctor gave me 3 new drugs to take but after reading the side effects I'm unable to take any of them. I would like to get off the prednisone but when I tried to lower myself off I felt like I was going to kick the bucket. My heart would beat erratic and I felt awful.

I'm 57 and have been thin all my life now I've gained 25 lbs eating everything!!

Also when I first got my lung problems I had been sanding on wood that I had got out of the mud flats in the river, I got a bug in my lungs that within 6 hrs, from the little irritation in the top of my chest to totally cover my lungs and when I coughed it burned so bad and green stuff came up.I went to the doctor after a month when I wasn't getting better very fast and it's been down hill from there, three years.

Is there anything that might help?

Replied by Timh
(Ky)
03/17/2017
2048 posts

I got a mycoplasma infection from the infested dark mud from a pond but didn't realize it was infection until many yrs later, but in the meantime I wound up with fibrosis. This condition causes major problems in my detox, immune, and metabolic functions. LDN, and Hemp Oil helps with this but not enough. Nebulizing Colloidal Silver is the best method for killing any infection in the lungs; H2O2 will work also but must be careful to get the right amount of dilution. After this treatment I take Glucosamine and Solaray's "Lung Caps" with good results. Calcium 2-AEP is also good to help protect & regenerate healthy lung tissue.


Radioactive Tracer Injection

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Posted by Jill (Rochester, Kent United Kingdom) on 02/24/2011
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

Last December I had a radioactive tracer injection (TecheScan) prior to a bone scan. I have been extremely unwell ever since. I have been told repeatedly there are no side effects to this medication and therefor my health problems must be caused by something else. I have looked up the (rare) side effects of this injection, I have many of them. The quality of my life is nil. I am getting gradually worse. I am now unable to eat. I am 68. Has anyone else had a problem with this medication. Any suggestions will be gratefully received. Jill

Replied by Tommy
(North York, On, Canada)
02/24/2011

Hi Jill,
Bone scan is done by injection isotops of Iodine. You should take Iodine supplements to push the radioactivity away. Antioxidants also might help you. The so called modern medecine is irrational and Doctors believe it's rational. There is no serious studies about theses new scans and imageries. Some studies show that there is a high risk of cancer from CT scan. They use so much radiation that can cause all kinds of cancer to detect cancer. What a joke.


Ssri Withdrawal

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Posted by Bb (Usa) on 11/08/2009

Paxil/SSRI Withdrawal

I am really hoping someone can offer some help. I had written in a while ago before starting to taper off my Paxil- I was at 20 mg and over a month ago cut it down to 10 mg. I recently within the last week went to 5 mg daily- but I've been having horrible withdrawal. I am constantly dizzy, cannot ride in a car without horrible dizziness/nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and just feeling generally weird and spacey. It took me a while to adjust to the first drop- but for some reason this time seems harder. Any advice would be helpful- part of me wants to go cold turkey at this point bc I'm afraid that going from 5 mg to nothing will be another round of withdrawal since I already feel awful now- maybe it's best to get it over with. I've been off work sick, but am going to have to go in tomorrow- hoping I can handle it. I am really hoping someone can help me. And to those that are considering going on any type of SSRI- take my advice- know that you are likely to have withdrawal which can be extremely debilitating and unpleasant if you ever stop the medicine. I for one am determined to get off of it- but I fear what damage I may have already done from taking it so long- I hope the long-term effects are reversible. NO one at any point EVER warned me about withdrawal- I had to find it out on my own the first time I had to go off my SSRI and I felt horrible and did my own research and finally put the dots together. It was not the ideal way to find out, that's for sure. Thanks for your help!

Replied by Tryhelp
(Campinas, Brazil)
11/09/2009

I don't know anything about aiding a body in paxil withdraw, but if I were you I would do my best to make sure your body is in the best "shape" to handle the change in brain chemistry so the odds of a smooth transition are better. Really, your body was made perfect, but at some point got off track. Put it back where it should be, it is the perfect machine and also capable of miracles!

Think of cutting off sugar, caffeine, bad fats, processed food, drugs. Replace them with real foods, foods that are grown and fresh and alive. Eat high in natural fiber so you have good cleansing bowel movement at least once a day. Lot's of fluids!

Did you know that serotonin (regulated by these meds to change neuro activity)is produced in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, including humans? No wonder people are miserable more and more everyday... you can't produce proper brain chemicals unless your diet is also proper to your genetics and environment!

Good luck, stay strong, this is only temporary. Your brains will re-learn how to function in its designed frequency. You'll get there, but don't hesitate to seek professional help if you few things are just a tad too much.

Replied by Gill
(Marblehead, Ma)
06/26/2012

I know that you need to go slow, theres a book called your drug may be your problem, by Peter breggin and david cohen, they reccomend doing 10% less each time.

I know there is also website called either theroadback.com or.org that helps people come off psych meds. They sell supplements that help you to taper off with less withdrwal symptoms and they even have stuff to take before you start withdrawing. They will support you over the phone and talk with you when you need to.

Doing it too fast will only make withdrawal worse and can cause very severe reactions. If you go slow it will end up being faster in the long run.

I dont have exp with coming off paxil, but I slowly came off risperdal and it went pretty smoothly.

Hang in there and good luck.


Ssri Withdrawal
Posted by Bee (East, Mo, Usa) on 09/10/2009

I really want to get off my SSRI medication once and for all. I have in the past done it and the withdrawal was horrible: nausea, dizziness, the "zaps", you name it, I had pretty much all the symptoms. I was wondering if anyone knows of any remedies to help as I taper off. I have started taking 5-htp and it helps improve my mood and seems to help me focus and sleep easier. Other than tapering slowly, what else can I do? Thanks in advance, I greatly appreciate any help!

Replied by Pr
(Houston, Texas)
09/10/2009

Get the book "Break Your Prescribed Addictions" by Dr. Sahley. The book tells you how to use amino acids and cutting your dose of SSRI down. I used this without any withdrawal symptoms; this does work.

Replied by Hmariewv
(Parkersburg, Wv)
06/24/2010

I want to ask Bee how taking the 5-htp is working now. I have weaned off SSRI medications and have just started taking 5-htp. I heard you have to take B6 in order for the 5-htp to work.


Stomach Pain Remedies

Posted by Karrie (NC ) on 03/18/2019

PLEASE HELP!

Stomach issues while on medication. Hey everyone, So unfortunately I have to take a medication that is driving my stomach mad. I feel so sick and my stomach is so upset. Unfortunately stopping the medication is not an option. The doctor gave me carafate to take but I really don't like medications and don't want to add another. Besides the carafate isn't helping. I make sure to take the irritating medicine on a full stomach and I eat very healthy. I take a probiotic with every meal. I find myself chewing mint gum all day to help the nausea and upset hurt tummy. Does anyone have any recommendations? I would greatly appreciate any feedback you guys may have. I'm at my wits end. Thanks


Stomach Pain Remedies
Posted by Charity (Faithville, Us) on 03/18/2019

Ginger might help.


Sulfonamide

Posted by Jane (Charlotte, Michigan) on 07/21/2009

Having a near fatal reaction to the sulfur drug this last winter, I am reading all labels. I find out my shampoo and conditioner all have this sulfur in them. I have natural curly hair and need help finding something out there that does not have any sulfur in them. Please can someone help? Janey


Synthroid

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Posted by Ripples (Denver, Co, Us) on 01/10/2010

Synthroid and anxiety

Has anyone experienced anxiety with Synthroid? I recently changed from Armour thryoid to Synthroid and now seem to have constant anxiety. Anyone else?

Replied by Linda
(York County, Maine)
01/11/2010

Hi - have you had bloodwork since the change in med? I wonder if the dose could be reduced??

Replied by Ripples
(Denver, CO)
01/12/2010

Linda,

Had my bloodwork done last Tuesday, my TSH was 6.56 (they didn't test the T3 levels). The nurse wanted me to UP my Synthroid from 50mcg to 75mcg. She said that there may be more anxiety as a result of the higher dosage :/ and that I should get a full bloodwork panel done in one month.

Sorry, I couldn't wait one more month with this kind of anxiety. What seems to help temporarily is flower remedy tinctures for anxiety, and homeopathic sleep aids. I also take holy basil tea at least 3-4x a day.

So I opted to change to a endo/naturopath. I'm keeping the dosage at 50mcg on the Synthroid until I talk to the new doc/pa.

I'll keep you posted.

Replied by Linda
(York County, Maine)
01/13/2010

Yes, do please keep us posted....I like the Flower Essences and my experience with homeopathic tablets has been very good. Once 'regulated' I was on 225 mcg of med for several years until my M.D. reduced to 200 mcg about 6 months ago...I feel quite a bit better, tho' still have bouts with exhaustion and racing heart!

Replied by Ripples
(Denver, Us)
01/14/2010

Went to the NP/naturopath, she said it may be lack of estrogen/progesterone as well as the Synthroid medication. She's trying me on 50 mg troche of progesterone (that's a gel-like lozenge you dissolve under your tongue) just for the anxiety and sleeplessness. I tried 1/4 tab yesterday during the day and it worked great. She also prescribed Armour 30mg (as I have a-fib) and I'm taking this as well. Am also using the progesterone cream topically, and overall my axiety levels have seemed to drop--just since yesterday, and I'm not worrying about everything. I'm hoping the Armour starts taking effect in about a week, so that I won't have to take the progesterone forever, although maybe that's not a bad thing. NP/naturopath wants me on estrogen, says it's the best thing ever.

A local pharmacy hand-compounded both prescriptions, btw.

Here's to a clearer head!

Replied by Linda
(York County, Maine)
01/14/2010

Hey, glad to hear you're feeling better. I'm wondering, though, if you're taking the Armour in addition to the Synthroid? Or will taking Armour allow you to wean yourself from the Synthroid? I'm considering asking my Doc to work with me if I try some kelp....have you any experience with that?

Replied by Ripples
(Denver, Us)
01/15/2010

No, I quit using the Synthroid the day I started the Armour, so I guess I'm not really weaning. Didn't know I was supposed to do that, is that what your endo said to do?

Yesterday was rough, super anxious, super worried. I called the naturopath, she suggested a small dose of pharma grade anti-anxiety drug, just for nights. I ended up taking 50mg of it, but feel sluggish today. At least it works. I also tried gaba earlier in the evening, but that didn't seem to help, although I only tried 200mg (they recommended 400mg). Hopefully today is better but it seems like this is cyclical, every other day is good--that is, I expericence less anxiety. Hopefully it'll settle into a daily pattern.

Replied by Linda
(York County, Maine)
01/16/2010

Hi - I haven't spoken to my endo in years....he felt he got me regulated a year or so after radio-iodine and turned my treatment over to my family doc....when I asked my then-doc about using bovine thyroid tissue, he scoffed and made some sort of comment about AIDS coming from monkeys---I haven't had much luck conversing with the 'traditional' docs about alternative treatment...that particular doc was 'supposed' to be an osteopath, and I didn't think that meant he would not be open to non-drug treatment....

Sorry to know about your anxiety - I have to engage in a lot of 'self-talk' when I'm feeling anxious; I take a lot of deep breaths and really focus on what matters in my life...I would recommend St. John's Wort-honestly, I have had very good experience with it and it may take from several days to a few weeks to notice a change; it's not something you can take once to feel the effects, necessarily.

Regarding your sleep difficulties, I've found it helpful to simply cover the digital display on my bedside clock; it's amazing how that little bit of light can disturb me if I happen to wake up during the night, which I do at least once nightly due to being too hot; that's partly an estrogen thing (I believe) and partly having a husband who throws heat like an inferno...hot epsom salt baths help me quite a bit also.

Keep on keepin' on Ripples! - I believe you'll settle into a routine of feeling better. It's just taking quite an effort, isn't it?

Replied by Ivory Coast
(Loco, Ca)
01/17/2010

THERE IS SOMETHING VERY WRONG HERE! SYNTHROID OR ARMOUR SHOULD NOT BE MAKING YOU ANXIOUS OR NERVOUS. PLEASE, GO TO ANOTHER DOCTOR AND HAVE HIM RUN A FULL THYROID PANNEL TO SEE IF YOU REALLY NEED THIS THYROID MEDICATION.

THE OTHER POSSIBILITY IS THAT YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO THE THYROID MEDICATION OR THAT YOU ARE TAKING IT WITH SOMETHING ELSE WHICH YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO. SOMETIMES WHEN YOU COMBINE THINGS TOGETHER YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO THE COMBINATION -- WHEREAS YOU MIGHT NOT BE ALLERGIC TO THEM ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS. EXAMPLE: COFFEE AND MILK AND THYROID MEDICINE.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU FIGURE THIS OUT BECAUSE YOU CAN BECOME ALLERGIC TO YOUR OWN THYROID GLAND. THAT IS A VERY SERIOUS DISEASE -- HASHIMOTO'S DISEASE!

Replied by Ripples
(Denver, Us)
01/17/2010

Thanks for your comments, Linda.

My old endo's nurse had told me that there was a chance that with the Armour that I could get swine flu more easily. Couldn't believe it. I've checked with two pharmacists and my naturopath, they say that this is untrue. I wonder if my endo is just in the pocket of the Synthroid manufacturers. Well he's my "ex" endo anyway.

Yes, been trying deep breathing and listening to self-guided meditation cd's for anxiety, that seems to help. I may pick up a bottle of the St. John's Wort too. I've also lost my job of 15 years so that is probably contributing to my anxiety as well.

The clock cover up idea is good, I've tried that too, I just turn it face down. Since I don't have to get up to go to work right now, it's not earth-shattering if I have a restless night, but it can make me a wreck the next day.

Took an epsom salt bath last night then used the progesterone cream, this seemed to work for a few hours, along with 1000mg fish oil, 500mg vit c, 400mg magnesium and 200mg gaba and two aspirin since I was sore from a hike. Went to bed but didn't fall to sleep, so I took half of the 50mg pharma at like 2am. Beware, those make you really sluggish the next morning.

Yes, it's taking effort to feel better Linda, but it's great to read your posts(as well as others). Makes me realize that there's people out there also struggling, getting better--and this helps. One warning, if you're really sleepless, sometimes it's not great to "over google" your symptoms, it can sometimes just make you more anxious!

Replied by Sara
(The Beach, Canada)
01/17/2010

One thing i was always told not to mix with my SYNTHROID OR ARMOUR was decaffeinated coffee or tea. the decaf process does something to the med. not sure what, but i took the advice because it was from two aunts and they knew their stuff.

Replied by Joyce
(Joelton, Tn)
01/17/2010
490 posts

Hello Ripples from Denver,

The loss of your Armour thyroid supplements comes from your good old FDA suddenly making them illegal (after years of its saving peoples lives) because they have never been studied or researched. Of course this translates to Armour thyroid being a natural substance is not patentable, but the synthetic version synthroid is. Never mind that Armour's natural product has been proven effective by its track record all these years and that is probably much more testing than synthroid ever got. We may never know how much more effective the thyroid supplement is that the synthetic one, because the FDA isn't too swift about releasing the unwanted side effects of the patentable drugs, even after they are well known.

If you doubt this, look up acetoaminophen (Tylenol) which is supposedly much safer than aspirin. There is lots of literature now about Tylenol damaging or destroying the liver at normal dosages, especially when used on an empty stomach or for prolonged periods.

The latest thing I read on that one was that normal dosage elevates the liver enymes with normal dosage for 1 week. That elevation indicates liver damage.

Replied by James
(Melbun, Kansas)
10/30/2010

I've been very concerned with the amount of meds I'm taking and now its seeming to come home. I have a large patch of 'ringworm' on my ankle and I'm developing rashes on my inner thigh and ribs. My doc told me it was because I have a suppresed imune system due to the drugs. My skin is also very dry, very thin and tears at the least little thing. Yesterday, while horseback, I brushed by a tree limb and tore two gouges in my arm, both about an inch long and V shaped. They are only through the skin which seems to have a consistency of a ripe tomato. Needless to say, I've very depressed. I've always been very active with synthroid.


Topical Corticosteroids

Posted by Agnes (Warsaw) on 07/21/2015

Hello, has anyone of you experienced ulcers and skin infections after using topical corticosteroids?

Replied by Sp
(Wb, Nj)
07/31/2015

Hi Agnes, I have replied to your post twice, but I haven't seen either reply posted. I will try again as corticosteroid reactions are very serious. Maybe if I word it differently this time... I know a forum where people have posted about your situation. I myself have had lots of skin reactions to corticosteroids but not ulcers and skin infections. There is an international .org website devoted to topical steroid awareness. If you do a search based on the words in my previous sentence you should be able to find it and connect with people who have gone through what you are going through. And what you are going through may not actually be ulcers and skin infections. Good luck!


Vicodin

Posted by Mary (Los Angeles, California) on 04/18/2011 51 posts

My best friend had a terrible infection and let it go to long before seeing a doctor. When he finally went the doctor he only gave him and antibiotic and vicodin. He started acting almost insane so we took him to E.R. He was on the verge of death the doctor should have called the ambulance is what E.R. said!

When I told the hospital how much pain he was in they gave him more vicodin for the tremendous pain. He became even worse mentally. They finally gave him emergency surgery and he got well quickly except he seems to have lost a lot of memory since then. Is there anything he can do to get rid of what the vicodin did to him? He has always been very sharp.

Thank you in advance.

Replied by Mark
(Bellvue, Colorado, Usa)
02/19/2012

Don't be so sure it was the Vicodin. Many antibiotics have a long list of severe side effects, especially the fluoroquinolones like Levaquin, Cipro, and Avelox. I was given Levaquin in 2007 and it destroyed my life. In addition to the toxicity psychosis your friend appeared to be suffering I also had ruptured tendons, cartilage damage, blood clots, swollen veins, broken blood vessels, pulmonary edema, brain damage, headaches, insomnia..... The list is endless. NEVER TAKE FLUOROQUINOLONES!!!



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