Category Archives: Side effects

On this blog you will find possible side effects from many products including vaccines, health products, herbs and many more. This list will be growing so come back to view newly listed products.

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Could I have H1N1 flu (swine flu)?

Use the Flu Self-Assessment, based on material from Emory University, to:

  • Learn whether you have the symptoms of H1N1 flu (swine flu)
  • Help you decide what to do next

 

Click here to Take Flu Self-Assessment

 

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 You will have the opportunity to consent to share the information you provide during the self-assessment for public health, education and research purposes. This can help health officials, researchers and others learn more about where symptoms may be occurring in the U.S. If you do not consent to store your responses as described in the survey, we will not retain the information you provide after you leave the site.

The Strategy for Off-Site Rapid Triage (SORT™) and Real-time Epidemiological Assessment for Community Health (REACH™) materials were created and developed at Emory University. Principal contributors were Alexander Isakov, Arthur Kellermann, Ruth Parker, and Lorenzo DiFrancesco, of Emory’s School of Medicine, and Kara Jacobson of Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health. Copyright, Emory University 2009.

Reference website:
https://h1n1.cloudapp.net/Default.aspx
H1N1 Swine Flu Response Center


Possible Side Effects from Creatine

Possible Side Effects from Creatine

 One of the biggest concerns when starting a new supplement is what are the side effects? People worry about hair loss, acne, rage, and even testicle shrinkage. Luckily creatine is not a steroid, so you do not have to worry about any harmful or adverse side effects. In this post I will outline some of the negative (if any) and positive side effects or using creatine to help boost your energy and build muscle mass.

 Negative Creatine Side Effects

No serious side effects from creatine have ever been recorded in research. A common misconception is that creatine is an abusive steroid-like substance that can kill you. With a little education, most people can realize the falsity of their claims.

 The most common  side effect is an increase in water weight. An increase in water weight can make you appear to be bloated. It will look like you just got done eating Christmas dinner. And because your muscle will retain more water, they might feel softer to the touch. Your muscles will still be hard and impressive to a normal person, but after you rest for a few hours and try to flex, your muscles might not be as rock hard. There are possibly other unknown negative side effects associated with creatine, but due to a lack of research there isn’t  much available.

 Another negative side effect of creatine is when you get off the cycle. If you take creatine for 4 months and then stop taking it, you will notice a sharp decrease in your energy level and appearance. Your body might deflate slightly as you lose the excess water weight.

 Positive Creatine Side Effects

Now onto the good stuff. Do you ever feel fatigued or tired? Do you wake up and decide you don’t want to work out because you are too tired to lift weights or go run? Well, if you answered yes to any of these questions then creatine is for you. Creatine is an energy booster. It is not like drinking coffee or an energy drink, by taking daily creatine supplements your body will get used to having more energy throughout the day, leaving you enough energy to wake up, hit the gym, and provide that boost you need to lift an additional rep.

 Another positive side effect of creatine is how it will make you look bigger. I am assuming that is a look you want if you are reading this blog. When you take creatine your body retains more water, making you look fuller. It will make your chest and arms appear to be bigger because of the water in the muscles.

 By taking creatine you will be able to work out longer and lift more reps than usual. This is a very positive benefit of taking the supplement. You will gain weight (some water weight but most muscle weight). If you are a skinny person now and are looking to bulk up, then it is highly recommended that you take creatine along with other supplements to help speed along the process. Not only will you increase your weight rapidly, but you will gain more confidence as you watch your body bulk up.

 If you take creatine and begin experiencing any serious negative side effects (I am talking about chest pains or something), I recommend that you stop taking it immediately and consult a physician. Overall creatine can be a very safe and productive supplement. It is one of the few out there that have little to no negative side effects.

Be sure to check out umm.edu for more information on creatine side effects and how it MAY effect your body.

The information provided on this site is for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment  for any medical conditions. Consult with a healthcare professional before  starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking  any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. 

 

Reference:

This information was obtained from the following website:

Creatine Journal

http://www.creatinejournal.com/creatine-supplement-creatine-side-effects/

Accessed 10-12-2009

 


Possible Side Effects of St. John’s Wort

Possible Side Effects of St. John’s Wort

  St John’s wort is a plant with a bare trunk and yellow flowers, which grows mainly in Europe, Asia and North America. All growing parts of the plant above the soil are used to manufacture this herbal remedy. This initially results in a crude form of the herb called hypericum extract. There are often many differences in the ingredients and this can be due to variations in the species, ecological factors and when the plant is harvested.


 A number of active ingredients are known to be present in the hypericum extract, the most important ones being hypericin, hyperforin, flavanols and xanthones. Hypericum extract is thought to work in a similar way to antidepressant medicines, by affecting levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin in the brain (however, the exact mechanism of action is not known).

 Recent work, published in the British Medical Journal, has suggested that St John’s wort is as effective as imipramine in controlling symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Other research has also shown that this herb may be as effective as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating mild to moderate depression.

 However, recent studies also suggest that St John’s wort is of no benefit in treating major depression of moderate severity. More research is required to help us know whether St. John’s wort has value in treating other forms of depression.

St John’s wort is sometimes used for other nervous complaints such as bedwetting and stuttering. When applied topically to the skin as an oily solution, it is thought to be useful for helping with arthritic pains, burns, sunburn and ulcers.

What is it used for? 

  • Mild to moderate (not severe) depression.
  • Anxiety and agitation.
  • Impaired concentration.
  • Dysthymia (variability in mood).
  • Nerve pain (neuralgia).
  • Sleep disturbances.

 Warning!

St John’s wort is an unlicensed herbal remedy. It has not been through the rigorous testing and quality procedures undertaken by the UK regulatory authority, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. To become an approved licensed product, St John’s wort would need to undergo strict clinical trial testing. This would then officially establish its effectiveness and ensure it is totally safe for people to take. However, based on current research, St John’s wort exhibits relatively few side effects compared to other antidepressant medicines.


It is advisable to stick to the same brand of St John’s wort. The amount of active ingredients can vary from one product to another, resulting in varied levels of benefit if different products are used. Switching products could also result in a varying effect on medicines that interact with St John’s wort.


St John’s wort liquid extracts and tinctures contain alcohol and may cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are taking other medicines at the same time as this herbal remedy, do not stop taking St John’s wort suddenly. Seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist first. This is because St John’s wort can affect other medicines see below.  

 Use with caution in

Sunbathing and while using sunbeds. St John’s wort may make your skin more sensitive to the sun/sunlamp and cause it to burn. To avoid this it is advisable to use a sunscreen product to protect the skin.

 Not to be used in

People with light-sensitive skin conditions (photodermatitis).

St John’s wort should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using St John’s wort and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

 Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to conceive before using any medicine.

 St John’s wort should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women due to lack of information of its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

 

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. Listed below are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience this or any side effect.

Common side effects 

  • Dry mouth.
  • Nausea.
  • Headache.
  • Constipation.
  • Dizziness.
  • Confusion.
  • Tiredness.
  • Hypersensitivity of the skin to sunlight (photosensitivity).
  • Rare side effects
  • Blood clotting disorders.
  • Psychiatric disorders.
  • Liver disorders.

 The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the manufacturers.

 For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the herbal remedy or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

 How can St John’s wort affect other medicines?

St John’s wort has the potential to interact with a number of medicines, stopping them from working properly. For this reason it is important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before you take St John’s wort, so they can determine if it is safe to take with your existing medicines.

St John’s wort should not be taken with any of the following medicines, because it may decrease the amount of these medicines in the blood, thus making them less effective:  

  • anticonvulsants (eg carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin)
  • aprepitant
  • ciclosporin
  • digoxin
  • eplerenone
  • imatinib
  • irinotecan
  • ivabradine
  • maraviroc
  • non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors for HIV infection (eg efavirenz, nevirapine)
  • oestrogens and progestogens, eg in oral contraceptive pills (see below)
  • protease inhibitors for HIV infection (eg amprenavir, atazanavir, darunavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, tipranavir)
  • tacrolimus
  • telithromycin
  • theophylline
  • voriconazole

  • warfarin.

 If you are taking any of these medicines you should not start taking St John’s wort.

If you are already taking St John‘s wort with any of these medicines you will need to stop taking the St John’s wort. However, you should consult your doctor before doing this, because stopping the St John’s wort could cause the amount of these medicines in the blood to increase, with a risk of side effects. Your doctor may need to check the blood level of your medicine and alter your dose to prevent this.


You should not take St John’s wort if you are taking an oral contraceptive pill, because it may stop your pill from working, risking unwanted pregnancy and breakthrough bleeding. If you are already taking St John’s wort with an oral contraceptive it is safe for you to stop taking it without consulting your doctor, but you should mention it when you next consult your doctor.

 St John’s wort should also not be taken with any of the following medicines because it may increase the risk of their side effects:

 triptans for migraine (eg sumatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan)

SSRI antidepressants (eg citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline).

 You should always seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before adding St John’s wort to the medicines you are already taking. If you are already taking St John’s wort, you should always seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medicines, or stopping any existing ones.

The information provided on this site is for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment  for any medical conditions. Consult with a healthcare professional before  starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking  any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.  

References

Nahrstedt A. & Butterweck V. Pharmacopsychiat. 1997; 30 Suppl 2: 129-134.

Linde K et al. British Medical Journal 1996; 313: 253-258.

Linde K. & Malrow D. The Cochrane Library 2000.

Woelk H. British Medical Journal 2000; 321: 536-539.

Fugh-Berman A. Lancet 2000; 355: 134-138.

Schrader E. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2000;15:61-8.

Breckenridge A. Committee on Safety of Medicines 29 February 2000.

Linde K, Mulrow CD, Berner M, Egger M. St John’s Wort for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 2.

 

 References

Nahrstedt A. & Butterweck V. Pharmacopsychiat. 1997; 30 Suppl 2: 129-134.

Linde K et al. British Medical Journal 1996; 313: 253-258.

Linde K. & Malrow D. The Cochrane Library 2000.

Woelk H. British Medical Journal 2000; 321: 536-539.

Fugh-Berman A. Lancet 2000; 355: 134-138.

Schrader E. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2000;15:61-8.

Breckenridge A. Committee on Safety of Medicines 29 February 2000.

Linde K, Mulrow CD, Berner M, Egger M. St John’s Wort for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 2.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/depression/stjohnswort_000316.htm

Acessed 10-12-2009


Possible Side Effects from Lexapro

Lexapro Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Lexapro® (escitalopram oxalate). Yet, not everyone who takes the drug will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.

 (This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Lexapro. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Lexapro side effects with you.)

 Common Side Effects of Lexapro

 Lexapro has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials.


 In these studies, side effects occurring in a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to those that occur in another group not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.

 Based on these studies, the most common side effects of Lexapro include:  

  • Headache — in up to 24 percent of people
  • Nausea — up to 18 percent
  • Ejaculation problems — up to 14 percent
  • Extreme tiredness — up to 13 percent
  • Insomnia — up to 12 percent
  • Dry mouth — up to 9 percent
  • Fatigue — up to 8 percent
  • Increased sweating — up to 8 percent
  • Diarrhea — up to 8 percent
  • A decreased sex drive — up to 7 percent
  • Orgasm problems — up to 6 percent
  • Constipation — up to 6 percent
  • Dizziness — up to 5 percent.

 Some of these side effects, such as dizziness and nausea, might go away as your body adjusts to Lexapro. Others, such as sexual problems and dry mouth, are less likely to go away.

 Other Common Lexapro Side Effects

Other common side effects of Lexapro (occurring in 1 percent to 5 percent of patients) include but are not limited to: 

  • Indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • Decreased appetite
  • A burning or tingling sensation
  • Vomiting
  • Vivid dreams, nightmares, or increased dreaming
  • Increased weight
  • Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction or ED
  • Lexapro Side Effects to Report
  • There are a number of less common but more serious side effects of Lexapro that you should report to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Anxiety, agitation, or panic attacks
  • Hostility or aggressiveness
  • Engaging in unusual or dangerous activities
  • Restlessness or an inability to sit still
  • Extreme elation, or a feeling of happiness that may switch back and forth with a depressed or sad mood

 Other unusual changes in behavior

Signs of serotonin syndrome (a rare but dangerous problem associated with certain medications), such as: 


  • Confusion or other mental changes
  • A rapid heart rate
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Hallucinations
  • Blood pressure changes
  • An irregular heart rhythm
  • Overactive reflexes
  • Fever, sweating, or shivering
  • Shakiness
  • Agitation
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Chest palpitations
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, including unexplained rash, hives, itching, unexplained swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

 Rare Lexapro Side Effects

There are other possible problems that can occur in people taking Lexapro. These rare side effects occur in less than 1 percent of people. It is difficult to tell whether these side effects are because of the medication or something else.

These rare Lexapro side effects include but are not limited to: 

  • Shakiness (tremor)
  • Anemia
  • Nose bleed
  • Weight loss
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Muscle pain or bone pain
  • Liver problems
  • Mania or hypomania
  • Decreases in blood sodium levels (hyponatremia)
  • Asthma
  • Acne
  • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
  • Hair loss

 Final Thoughts

It is possible that you may experience some or none of the Lexapro side effects explained above. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand whether you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking Lexapro. Also let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that “just does not seem right.” While it may not be a side effect of Lexapro, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.

The information provided on this site is for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment  for any medical conditions. Consult with a healthcare professional before  starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking  any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. 

Reference:

This information was obtained from the following website:

MedTv Health Information brought to life

http://depression.emedtv.com/lexapro/lexapro-side-effects-p3.html

Accessed on October 12, 2009


Health Risks of Hormonal Birth Control

Health Risks of Hormonal Birth Control

Women have been using hormonal birth control methods for years. The rise and development of contraceptives like the birth control pill have meant a positive change in the lives of women, and has been associated with a woman’s freedom over her body as well as her lifestyle.


 But controversy over some of the health risks and side effects of using hormonal birth control methods have surrounded the use of contraceptives like birth control pills. In an attempt to prevent unwanted pregnancy, these methods are often taken for granted. It is important to consider what some of the effects these contraceptives may have on a woman’s body, and what the potential birth control risks and complications are, so that women can make informed decisions regarding their personal health.

 

What Is Hormonal Birth Control?

There are four main types of hormonal birth control methods available. The most popular of these birth control options is the oral contraceptive or “The Pill.” Others include the birth control shot, birth control patch, birth control implants and the contraceptive ring.

 All hormonal birth control methods have one main objective: to prevent a mature egg from developing in the female reproductive system. This is achieved by inhibiting the two key hormones that trigger ovulation: the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and the luteinising hormone (LH).

 Both FSH and LH are triggered by decreased levels in oestrogen and progesterone hormones that are normally produced in the ovaries, and are decreased in preparation for ovulation. Hormonal birth control methods work by administering regular supplies of oestrogen and progesterone (or progestin) and maintaining constant hormonal levels in order to prevent ovulation from taking place.

 Is Hormonal Birth Control Safe?

Although the Pill is often used to treat medical conditions such as endometriosis, the side effects and complications that are otherwise associated with hormonal birth control methods range from mild to severe. While many will assert that the use of hormonal birth control is safe, it is important to understand what the risks and side effects of these methods are, as each birth control method and birth control product carries its own risk factors. In addition, the individuals who may be at greater risk of experiencing complications vary depending on their medical history as well as the product being used.

 Hormonal Birth Control Side Effects

Individuals with certain medical conditions such as a history of liver tumors or liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, breast cancer, reproductive cancer, or blood clotting may not be prescribed certain birth control methods. Some of the side effects that are otherwise commonly experienced as a result of oestrogen and progesterone birth control use include: 

  • Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or bloating
  • Irregular menstruation and spotting
  • Breast swelling or tenderness
  • Decreased libido
  • Weight gain or loss of appetite
  • Mood swings, anxiety, nervousness or depression
  • Changes in vaginal discharge and vaginal infections
  • Headaches, dizziness and fatigue
  • High blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Acne or permanent discolouration of the face
  • Fluid retention
  • Bone density loss
  • Hair loss or changes in hair growth
  • Enlarged ovarian follicles

 Birth Control Risks and Complications


The potential link between oral contraceptives and breast cancer is not yet understood, and further research is required in order to determine this connection. However, there are some risks and long-term complications associated with the use of hormonal birth control methods. These include the following birth control risks: 

  • Eye problems or vision impairment
  • Gallbladder disease and gallstones
  • Embolism
  • Resistance to Insulin
  • Immune system suppression
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Breast tumors and liver tumors
  • Ectopic Pregnancies
  • Links with certain cancers such as cervical cancer
  • Blood clots in legs, lungs, heart and brain
  • Jaundice

 Many of these conditions are considered rare, and further research must be conducted in order to determine the exact links between hormonal birth control methods and their effects on a woman’s body.

 A health care professional can help you make the birth control decision that’s right for you based on your personal concerns and lifestyle as well as your medical history. Ask your health care provider any questions you may have concerning any serious complications of a birth control method and the risk factors that are relevant to your case. Being aware of your medical options and alternatives can only benefit your health in the long run.

 

The information provided on this site is for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment  for any medical conditions. Consult with a healthcare professional before  starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking  any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.

 

Reference

This information was obtained from the following website:

Women’s Health

http://www.womens-health.co.uk/risks.html

Accessed on October 12, 2009


Zoloft Side Effects

Zoloft Side Effects:

 As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Zoloft® (sertraline hydrochloride); however, not everyone who takes Zoloft will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Zoloft well. When Zoloft side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.


 (This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Zoloft. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Zoloft side effects with you.)

Common Zoloft Side Effects

 Zoloft has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials in which a group of people taking the drug have side effects documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine.

 This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.

In these studies, the most common side effects of Zoloft included: 

  • Nausea — reported in up to 30 percent of people
  • Insomnia — reported in up to 28 percent of people
  • Ejaculation problems — reported in up to 19 percent of people
  • Diarrhea or loose stools — reported in up to 24 percent of people
  • Dizziness — reported in up to 17 percent of people
  • Dry mouth — reported in up to 16 percent of people
  • Fatigue — reported in up to 16 percent of people
  • Drowsiness — reported in up to 15 percent of people
  • Indigestion — reported in up to 13 percent of people
  • Shakiness (tremor) — reported in up to 11 percent of people
  • Loss of appetite — reported in up to 11 percent of people
  • Decreased sex drive (libido) — reported in up to 11 percent of people.

 Other common Zoloft side effects that occurred in more than 2 percent of patients were: 

  • Increased sweating
  • Burning or tingling sensation (paresthesia)
  • Pain
  • Headache
  • Weight loss
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
  • Constipation
  • Vision changes
  • Hot flashes
  • Nervousness.

 Common Zoloft Side Effects in Children

Zoloft side effects seen in children taking Zoloft are generally similar to those seen in adults taking the medication. However, some common Zoloft side effects that appear to occur more often in children include: 

  • Fever
  • Hyperactivity
  • Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control)
  • Aggressiveness
  • Sinus infection or inflammation
  • Bloody nose
  • Red or purple discolorations on the skin (purpura).

  Zoloft Side Effects to Report

 There are a number of less common but more serious side effects of Zoloft that you should report to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to: 


  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Anxiety, agitation, or panic attacks
  • Hostility or aggressiveness
  • Engaging in unusual or dangerous activities
  • Extreme elation or feeling of happiness that may switch back and forth with a depressed or sad mood
  • Other unusual changes in behavior
  • Hallucinations
  • Fast heart rate
  • Chest palpitations
  • Feelings of internal restlessness or jitteriness
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, including unexplained rash, hives, itching, unexplained swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
  • Rare Zoloft Side Effects
  • There are other possible Zoloft side effects that can occur. These rare Zoloft side effects occur in less than 1 percent of patients. In the case of these side effects, it is often difficult to tell whether the side effect is a result of the medication or something else.
  • Some of these possible rare Zoloft side effects include, but are not limited to:
  • Impotence (erectile dysfunction or ED)
  • Flushing
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Glaucoma
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Hair loss
  • Acne
  • Increased appetite
  • Weight gain
  • Diverticulitis
  • Muscle pain
  • Yawning
  • Menstrual problems
  • Seizures
  • Irritation or inflammation of the nasal passages (rhinitis)
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

 Zoloft Side Effects: Summary

It is possible that you may experience some or none of these Zoloft side effects explained above. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that “just does not seem right.” While it may not be a side effect of Zoloft, your healthcare provider should be able to diagnose and treat the problem.

 

The information provided on this site is for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment  for any medical conditions. Consult with a healthcare professional before  starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking  any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.

 

Reference:

This information was obtained from the following website:

MedTv Health Information brought to life

http://depression.emedtv.com/zoloft/zoloft-side-effects-p3.html

Accessed on October 12, 2009 


Xanax Side Effects

Xanax Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Xanax® (alprazolam); however, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.



(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Xanax. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Xanax side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects With Xanax
Xanax has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials.

In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what problems occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
In these studies, some of the most common side effects of Xanax included:

  • Drowsiness — in up to 76.8 percent of people

  • Fatigue and tiredness — up to 48.6 percent

  • Coordination problems — up to 40.1 percent

  • Irritability — up to 33.1 percent

  • Memory problems — up to 33.1 percent

  • Increased appetite — up to 32.7 percent.

Some other common side effects, occurring in 1 percent to 30 percent of people, included:


  • Speech problems

  • Changes in sex drive or other sexual problems

  • Confusion

  • Talkativeness

  • Unusual dreams

  • Feeling warm

  • Constipation

  • Increased salivation

  • Nasal congestion

  • Decreased appetite

  • Weight loss or weight gain

  • Difficulty urinating

  • Menstrual problems

  • Dry mouth.

Serious Side Effects
Some side effects with Xanax, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Depression (or worsening of existing depression)

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

  • Problems with balance or falling down

  • Suicidal thoughts

  • Anxiety, excitation, or agitation

  • Hostility, aggression, or rage

  • Hallucinations

  • Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, including unexplained rash, hives, itching, and unexplained swelling.

Final Thoughts
It is possible that you may experience some or none of the Xanax side effects listed in this article. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking Xanax or if something “just does not seem right.” While it may not be a Xanax side effect, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.

The information provided on this site is for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment  for any medical conditions. Consult with a healthcare professional before  starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking  any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.

Reference:
This information was obtained from the following website:
MedTv Health Information brought to life
http://anxiety.emedtv.com/xanax/xanax-side-effects-p2.html
Accessed on October 12, 2009