The Dangers Of Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medications

Aspirin Alternatives: The Top Natural Pain-Relieving Analgesics, June, 1999

Side Effects of Common Prescription Pain Medications:

From: The Essential Guide To Prescription Drugs by James J. Rybacki, Pharm D. and James W. Long, M.D.

These medications are classed as narcotics and opioids and are only available by prescription. The side effects with this group are presented in a different way because of the strength and action of these medications. These medications may be taken or prescribed by themselves or combined with other analgesics and medications.

Codeine:

Possible side effects (natural, expected, and unavoidable drug actions): Drowsiness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation (frequent and dose related).

Mild adverse effects: Allergic reactions, skin rash, hives, itching, dizziness, impaired concentration, sensation of drunkenness, confusion, depression, blurred or double vision, nausea and vomiting.

Serious adverse effects: Allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, severe skin reactions, idiosyncratic reactions, delirium, hallucinations, excitement, increased sensitivity to pain after the analgesic effect has born off, seizures (rare), impaired breathing (dose related), liver toxicity and porphyria.

Opiates have a variety of effects on sexual response. These may range from blunting of sexual response to increased response if anxiety has been a factor inhibiting response.

Other adverse effects: Paradoxical behavioral disturbances (which may suggest a psychotic disorder), reduced blood platelet count, increased blood amylase and lipase levels.

Hydrocodone (Vicodin):

Possible side effects (natural, expected, and unavoidable drug actions): Drowsiness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation. Possible adverse effects (unusual, unexpected, and infrequent reactions)

Mild adverse effects: Allergic reactions: skin rash, hives, itching; dizziness, impaired concentration, sensation of drunkenness, confusion, depression, blurred or double vision, facial flushing, sweating; nausea, vomiting and abnormal constriction of the pupils of the eye.

Serious adverse effects: Allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, severe skin reactions, idiosyncratic reactions, delirium, hallucinations, excitement, increased sensitivity to pain after the analgesic effect has worn off, seizures, impaired breathing (respiratory depression), liver or kidney toxicity, psychological and physical dependence, blunting of sexual response or drive, increased blood amylase and lipase levels.

Oxycodone (Percocet/Percodan):

Possible side effects (natural, expected and unavoidable drug actions): Drowsiness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation.

Mild adverse effects: Allergic reactions, skin rash, hives, itching; idiosyncratic reactions, skin rash and itching when combined with dairy products, dizziness, sensation of drunkenness, depression, blurred or double vision, nausea and vomiting.

Serious adverse effects: Impaired breathing, abnormal body movements, blunted sexual responses.

Possible effect of long term use: Psychological and physical dependence, chronic constipation.