Taking prescription drugs is something that many people do on a daily basis. Whether it’s for a minor issue or a chronic condition, the majority of us rely on medications to help us get through our day-to-day lives. Although these drugs can be very helpful, they come with their own set of risks and side effects.
When taking any medication, it’s important to understand the potential side effects and how they can potentially impair you. In this blog post, we’ll explore what some of those side effects are and how they can affect your body and mind. With an understanding of these risks, you can make more informed decisions about your health and safety.
Legal Drugs With Side Effects
There are many side effects of legal prescription drugs that can impair you. Some of these side effects include: drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, impaired coordination, blurred vision, and slurred speech. These side effects can make it difficult for you to drive or operate machinery. If you are taking any prescription medications, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the potential side effects.
There are a number of legal prescription drugs that can have side effects that impair you. Some of these drugs include:
- Antidepressants: These drugs can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. They can also increase the risk of falls and accidents.
- Blood pressure medications: These drugs can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. They can also impair your ability to drive or operate machinery.
- Sleep aids: These drugs can cause drowsiness and impaired coordination. They can also increase the risk of falls and accidents.
However, there are more side effects of other drugs as well. Below, we’ll go into detail about some of the most common.
The Side Effects Of Depressants
Depressants are the most commonly prescribed type of medication in the United States. While they are effective at treating a number of conditions, they can also have a number of side effects. The most common side effects of depressants include:
- Drowsiness: Depressants can cause drowsiness and fatigue. This may make it difficult to concentrate or stay awake during the day.
- Impaired coordination: Depressants can cause impaired coordination and balance. This may make it difficult to drive or operate machinery.
- Slurred speech: Depressants can cause slurred speech. This may make it difficult to communicate with others.
- Dizziness: Depressants can cause dizziness. This may make it difficult to stand up or walk without feeling unsteady.
- Nausea: Depressants can cause nausea and vomiting. This may make it difficult to eat or drink without feeling sick.
Side Effects Of Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are drugs that act on the brain and central nervous system to produce a calming effect. They are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world, and are used to treat conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.
However, benzodiazepines can also have a number of side effects, including:
- Drowsiness: Benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness and make it difficult to concentrate or stay awake. This can be especially dangerous if you are driving or operating machinery.
- Memory problems: Benzodiazepines can cause short-term memory problems and make it difficult to form new memories. This can be particularly troublesome for older adults.
- Impaired coordination: Benzodiazepines can cause impaired coordination and balance, making it difficult to walk or stand up. This can increase your risk of falls and injuries.
- Addiction: Benzodiazepines are addictive drugs and long-term use can lead to dependence and tolerance. If you stop taking benzodiazepines suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and seizures.
The Side Effects Of Opiates
There are many potential side effects of taking opiates, both short- and long-term. These can include physical side effects like constipation and drowsiness, as well as more serious ones like addiction and respiratory depression. Some of the more common side effects of opiates are:
- Constipation: This is because the drugs slow down the movement of the gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to hard stools, abdominal pain, and bloating. People who take opiates should drink plenty of fluids and eat high-fiber foods to help alleviate this side effect.
- Drowsiness: This is because the drugs cause the central nervous system to slow down. Drowsiness can make it difficult to concentrate and make decisions. It can also increase the risk of falls and accidents. If you experience drowsiness while taking opiates, you should not drive or operate machinery.
- Addiction: Addiction can be a serious concern with any type of drug use, including the use of opiates. Opiate addiction can lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior and severe withdrawal symptoms when someone tries to stop using the drug. Withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, and cold sweats.
- Respiratory depression: This occurs when the drug slows down breathing. Respiratory depression can be fatal if not treated quickly.
Get Treatment For Addiction Today: You’re Not Alone
The side effects of legal prescription drugs can be very serious and should not be taken lightly. It is important to speak with your doctor about any potential side effects that you may experience from taking prescription medication.
Be sure to ask questions if there are any doubts or concerns and do your research ahead of time so that you know what to expect when beginning a new medication. By being aware of the risks associated with certain medications, you can make an informed decision on whether they’re right for your needs.
If you think you may be addicted to prescription drugs, even if they’re legal, or have another mental health issue that you would like to discuss, please call us at (877) 958-5354.
