Pharmacist Warns: Hidden Dangers of Common Medications Linked to Suicidal Thoughts and Other Risks
- A pharmacist in Minnesota warns about dangerous side effects from common medications.
- HaVy Ngo-Hamilton expresses concern about other popular medicines as well.
- Adderall and ADHD Medications: More than 16 million Americans use stimulants for ADHD.
A pharmacist in Minnesota warns about dangerous side effects from common medications. A well-known asthma drug, Singulair, has been linked to suicidal thoughts and is used by about 12 million people, including 1.6 million children.
HaVy Ngo-Hamilton expresses concern about other popular medicines as well. She highlights four medications to use carefully:
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Adderall and ADHD Medications: More than 16 million Americans use stimulants for ADHD. These drugs can raise blood pressure significantly, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and insomnia, which impacts overall health.
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Chantix: This anti-smoking drug has a history of serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and behavior, since the FDA noted these risks in 2009. It can cause changes in mood and sleep problems.
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Opioids: These powerful painkillers carry a high risk of addiction. They can disrupt breathing and cause severe constipation, dizziness, and drowsiness, increasing the risk of falls, especially in older patients.
- Antibiotics: Ngo-Hamilton cautions against overprescribing antibiotics, which can lead to antibiotic-resistant infections. This can make treating simple infections much harder in the future.
Ngo-Hamilton emphasizes the importance of examining each patient’s history and needs before prescribing any medication. She wants patients to be aware of these risks and encourages discussions with healthcare providers about the medications they are taking.