Top 10 Most Dangerous Prescription Drugs

If you’re like most Americans, you probably take at least one prescription drug. Taking any drug comes with risks, but some drugs are more dangerous than others. Always do your research and talk to your doctor about any concerns you might have before you begin taking a new drug.

Table of Contents

1. Pradaxa

This commonly prescribed blood thinner is designed to prevent strokes in people who have atrial fibrillation, but it has quickly earned a much darker reputation in the medical world. “Pradaxa has become the subject of several lawsuits, and litigation surrounding the drug is increasing, ” says www.pradaxalitigation.com. Recently, a study suggested that people who take Pradaxa may be at a greater risk for a heart attack. Other studies have found that it is almost five times more likely to produce deadly internal bleeding than another popular prescription blood thinner, Warfarin.

2. Methotrexate

Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug that is designed to target cancer cells in the body. It has been a lifesaver for some, but it also comes with many risks, including organ toxicity, lung problems and a permanently damaged immune system.

3. Prozac

This popular antidepressant is known for its ability to support a healthy mood by balancing levels of Serotonin in the brain, but it has also been shown to increase suicidal thoughts and actions, especially in young people.

4. Oxycontin

When powerful pain medication is abused, the risks are quite high. This is unfortunate, because it isn’t easy for teenagers and other vulnerable individuals to get their hands on these pills. Not only can an overdose of Oxycontin cause heart problems and death, but repetitive use can cause a physical addiction that can be extremely difficult to break free from.

5. Prednisone

Prednisone is a steroid that is effective and generally harmless when used for a short amount of time. However, long-term use of the drug can lead to many serious health problems such as ulcers, internal bleeding, high blood pressure and even bone loss.

6. Mevacor

Mevacor, and other similar statin drugs such as Zocor and Pravachol, are designed to help reduce cholesterol levels. Although many people rely on statin drugs to remain healthy, long-term use may lead to liver and vision problems.

7. Lopressor

Lopressor is a beta blocker, a drug that changes how the heart responds to adrenaline and epinephrine. This is meant to reduce chest pain and help lower blood pressure in those with serious heart problems, but it can also compromise proper heart function.

8. Celebrex

Celebrex is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). There are many brands and types of NSAID drugs and all of them present similar dangers. They are prescribed to treat arthritis and other serious inflammatory pain, but they can also cause bleeding in the intestinal track, upset stomachs and even organ failure.

9. Glucotrol

This medication is prescribed to help control blood sugar in people with type-2 diabetes, but it has several serious side-effects, including organ damage, chronic fatigue and low blood sugar. Some doctors believe that drugs like Glucotrol are over prescribed and that patients should consider exercise and diet changes before resorting to taking prescriptions.

10. Adderall

Adderall is designed to treat ADHD, but it can be extremely addictive and many people have trouble quitting once they get into the habit of taking it every day. It produces an amphetamine-like high, so there is the potential for abuse. It also can lead to insomnia, anxiety and other mood disorders.

If you have been taking any of the drugs listed here, try not to panic. Although the risk of these side-effects is very real, many people do not experience any problems. However, if you feel that you’ve been injured due to a prescription drug, it’s important that you talk with a qualified attorney sooner rather than later to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Former healthcare professional, Molly Pearce shares this post to inform readers of the dangers of some prescription drugs offered on the market these days. She looked to websites such as www.pradaxalitigation.com to complete the research for this post.