Modern medicine has come a long way. There are still many serious illnesses and infections for which we have no cure, but doctors and medical professionals across the world have made great strides in recent decades when it comes to treating and healing an array of conditions and symptoms.
Many Americans and other people across the globe rely on prescription and over-the-counter medications to help them deal with all kinds of issues, from headaches and heartburn to allergies and more, and most homes have at least a small stock of drugs on-hand for alleviating common ailments.
These drugs can make a real difference to our lives, relieving pains and uncomfortable sensations, but it’s important that we also understand the potential risks they can pose. Drugs typically contain various chemicals that can interact with the body in a range of ways that shouldn’t be underestimated.
Read on to find out why it’s so important to always read the label on any drugs you take, making yourself aware of any possible side effects, and knowing the risks you take each time you swallow a pill.
Uncomfortable Effects
The first and most obvious point to note regarding drug side effects is that they can be very uncomfortable and unpleasant to deal with. Many simple over the counter drugs can come with long lists of possible side effects, ranging from headaches and tiredness to nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and more.
Side effects are never pleasant to experience, and it can be quite worrying for someone to take some pills, hoping to feel better, only to find themselves struggling with additional symptoms they weren’t expecting. Reading the label and educating yourself on side effects will help you be better prepared to deal with these eventualities if they occur.
Long-Term Concerns
As well as the possibilities of relatively minor side effects like headaches and drowsiness, we’ve also seen various high-profile cases throughout recent years of certain drugs being linked to serious long-term conditions. Zantac, for example, was a popular antacid used for treating heartburn, which was later revealed to contain a cancer-causing ingredient, leading to the Zantac Lawsuit.
Even though all prescription and over the counter drugs have to undergo rigorous testing to check that they’re safe for human consumption, there are always risks, and every now and then, medications can pass the tests initially, only to later be revealed as more dangerous than believed. Cases like this are exceptionally rare, but it’s always wise to read the ingredients and check with your doctor if you’re unsure about anything.
Risky Driving
One of the most common side effects with medications like cold remedies and pain relief is drowsiness. For this reason, experts generally recommend that people avoid taking these kinds of pills and medicines before driving. This is especially important if you’re trying a new medication for the first time and don’t know how your body will react to it.
Drowsiness can be disastrous while driving. It can lead to you losing focus, having lower levels of concentration all around, not being able to keep your eyes open, and not being able to react as quickly to any potential hazards or threats on the road around you. So, if you’re planning to drive, avoid taking anything before you go.
Issues at Work
Following on from the previous point, side effects like drowsiness could also cause complications at work, and the severity of those complications can vary, depending on the kind of job you do. If you’re an office worker, for example, feeling drowsy or nauseous after taking some pills may make it much harder for you to concentrate on your work.
If, meanwhile, you have a job that involves operating heavy machinery or requires pinpoint precision, you could be putting yourself and others in danger by taking pills and then trying to work afterward while feeling tired or unfocused. Again, this is why it’s so important to take new medications in a controlled environment, at home, where you can monitor yourself for any adverse reactions.
Conclusion
Overall, it’s clear to see that the risks of side effects from common medications are very real. They don’t occur in the vast majority of cases, but it’s still wise to be aware of these effects and treat every medication with care, following the correct dosage and proper instructions in order to ensure that no errors or complications occur. Remember that if you do notice any side effects, it’s wise to consult a doctor and stop taking the medication for the time being.