There are many medications that are commonly prescribed and taken by thousands of people every day. It is easy to think that these medications are completely safe or that they only have minor side effects. Nonetheless, there are many prescription drugs with bad side effects. The more commonly listed side effects include things such as nausea, headaches, and dizziness. However, even with these more common medications, there can be side effects that you might not expect. Let’s take a look at a few of these prescription drugs with bad side effects, what those side effects are, and what you can do if you experience any of them.

1.) Ambien

Have you ever heard of sleep driving? A small percentage of people who take the sleep aid Ambien experience carry-over effects from the drug, which can stay in the bloodstream even after the person wakes up in the morning. These people can sleep drive and carry on other routine activities and conversations, but they do not remember any of it. Over-the-counter sleep aids are a good alternative if these side effects occur.

2.) Lorazepam

Lorazepam is a commonly prescribed medication for people who suffer from anxiety disorders. However, a small percentage of people who take this anti-anxiety medication, as well as others in the benzodiazepine family, such as Valium, Xanax, Tranxene, and Librium, experience a form of déjà vu. People who experience this won’t necessarily feel they have been somewhere before, but will have a feeling similar to a flashback. Those who experience this side effect can try switching to natural anti-anxiety drugs.

3.) Requip and 4.) Mirapex

People who are trying to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, restless leg syndrome, or leg cramps are frequently prescribed Requip and Mirapex. These drugs work by stimulating dopamine production. Approximately 5%-10% of the people who take these medications will be particularly sensitive to the effects of the increased dopamine levels and can exhibit uncontrollable urges. These can include increase gambling and sexual activity. A good alternative drug is Sinemet.

5.) Viagra

Viagra is another common medication that can cause an unusual side effect. Prescribed to treat erectile-dysfunction, Viagra can cause color-blindness in rare individuals. The difficulty lies in distinguishing blue from green and it is almost always temporary. There have been isolated cases of a temporary or long-term loss of vision.

6.) Dapsone

Let’s take a look at the antibiotic Dapsone. This is a common medication for those who have been diagnosed with a compromised immune system. However, in approximately 1%-5% of those taking the medication, acquired methemoglobinemiacan result. This is a very serious condition that can include difficulty breathing, a gray or blue skin coloring known as cyanosis, weakness, chest pains, and an abnormal heart beat. If these side effects take place, then you should stop taking the drug and switch to an alternative, such as Mepron or Bactrim DS.

7.) Pyridium

Pyridium is prescribed for the treatment of urinary tract infections. It will turn urine orange, but other colors (even black) can show up depending on how the medication metabolizes in the body.

8.) Minodoxil and 9.) Flomax

Minodoxil and Flomax are bothtaken to treat an enlarged prostate and each of them come with potential side effects. Minodoxil can cause hair growth, which is why that active ingredient was turned into a hair-loss product for men called, Rogaine. Flomax can cause dizziness, a runny nose, and a decrease in semen production.

10.) Biaxon, 11.) Levaquin and 12.) Tetracycline

Biaxin, Levaquin, and Tetracycline are all antibiotics and they are all prescription drugs with bad side effects. Biaxin can cause food and drink to have a metallic taste when in the mouth. Levaquin can cause torn ligaments and muscles. This is more likely to happen in children and if muscle pain occurs while taking this drug, you should see a doctor immediately. Tetracycline can cause teeth to turn yellow and can cause sensitivity to sunlight.

13.) Abilify

Abilify is used to treat bipolar disorder. This medication can be dangerous for a small percentage of people, with the potential to cause trouble swallowing, coma, and even death.

14.) Alli

Alli is used as an aid to weight loss, but some people lose more than they bargain for. This medication can cause the need to have frequent and uncontrollable bowel movements.

15.) Advair

Advair is used to treat asthma and can have very serious side effects, with the potential to cause death related to asthma in some people.

16.) Chantix

Those who want to quit smoking often take the drug Chantix. This drug can cause more mild side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, constipation, and flatulence. However, it can also cause a small percentage of people to have psychotic nightmares and thoughts of suicide.

17.) Accutane

Accutane, which is used to treat acne, can cause a number of problems, including diarrhea, blurred vision, depression, fever, chills, sudden numbness and weakness, hearing problems, severe stomach pain, joint stiffness, and seizures.

Just remember, most people can take these prescription drugs without any major problems. If you need one of the above-mentioned medications or another medication to manage a life-threatening illness or chronic disease, then you cannot avoid it simply because you are concerned you might experience a more serious side effect. If you are concerned, then talk to your doctor about it and start off with a small dose just to test it out. Once you know you can tolerate the medication, you can increase the dosage as needed, and if the medication does cause a rare side effect, then you can talk to your doctor about changing to a different medication. The important thing is to know when prescription drugs with bad side effect affect you and to stay safe and stay healthy.