Beware! These Rx Meds Can Cause Deadly Side Effects to Your Body

So, what are most people taking, anyway? Meds for treating high cholesterol, depression, and high blood pressure were quite common. And if you’re taking one of these prescriptions, you expect them to be more helpful than harmful. Unfortunately, that’s not always true. Watch out for these dangerous Rx meds that can cause serious harm to your body.

1. Vasotec

High blood pressure is an extremely common condition for many U.S. adults, and medications like Vasotec help by relaxing the arteries. It’s not all good, though. Because Vasotec lowers your blood pressure, you might start to feel like you’re going to pass out while on this medication, eMedicineHealth notes. It’s also possible to have fast or uneven heartbeats, jaundice, or swelling accompanied with rapid weight gain. Even the less serious side effects can cause undesirable issues like insomnia or nausea.

Next: Yes, this anti-anxiety medication really is as dangerous as you’ve heard. 

2. Xanax

Anxiety can be seriously debilitating when left untreated. Thankfully, Xanax is an anti-anxiety prescription med that’s ideal for a lot of people with this chronic condition. You’ve probably heard of a few adverse side effects caused by Xanax, such as a lack of energy. But WebMD notes you could also develop involuntary muscle movements, trouble breathing, or even liver failure from this med. And there’s also the threat of addiction, as Xanax is one of the most addictive meds of its kind. Overdosing on this prescription often leads to death.

Next: Have high cholesterol? You’re probably taking this medication.

3. Lipitor

As stated before, there are a lot of Americans taking prescription meds to lower their cholesterol levels. Lipitor is prescribed for this reason, and it also helps to raise levels of good cholesterol for optimum heart health. Unfortunately, that’s not all it can do for your body. RxList says Lipitor can actually break down your muscle or cause kidney failure. It can also lead to issues with memory, confusion, or a fever. There have even been lawsuitsagainst the makers of this med claiming its effects caused serious and long-lasting nerve problems.

These are the more severe side effects of course, but even if you don’t experience those issues, you can still expect heartburn and muscle pain. Not fun at all.

Next: Who knew sleep aids could be deadly?

4. Ambien

Many sleepless nights call for a prescription-strength sleep aid like Ambien. While this med will help you get the shut-eye you’ve always wanted, it’s not all good. You might also experience severe drowsiness, light-headedness, and a loss of coordination, Drugs.com notes. While you might expect those sort of side effects, you could also experience a stuffy nose, muscle pains, and constipation. And before you take Ambien, you must tell your doctor if you’re taking any other medications, especially muscle relaxers or antidepressants. The combination can slow your breathing to a life-threatening degree.

Next: Many Americans with type-2 diabetes are on this drug. 

5. Avandia

Type-2 diabetes is another disease that’s quite common, and those who have it need to monitor their blood-sugar levels. Avandia is often prescribed to diabetics to help out with this, which is great news. However, Everyday Health notes Avandia comes with a black box warning indicating it can cause or worsen congestive heart failure. Because of this, it’s super important to tell your doctor if you’ve had a stroke or are at risk of heart disease before going on this med.

Even if you’re not concerned about Avandia affecting your heart, you could also experience vision changes or jaundice while taking it. You’ve been warned.

Next: Dealing with heartburn? This med can help — well, maybe. 

6. Nexium

Nothing ruins that burger and fries you had for lunch like heartburn. If you frequently deal with excess acid production, then you’re probably familiar with Nexium. This med is great for treating acid reflux and preventing stomach ulcers, but it can leave behind some seriously undesirable side effects. Healthline notes you might get severe diarrhea or even inflammation in your kidneys from Nexium. Or, your risk of fracturing a bone can increase, and you can develop vitamin deficiencies without even knowing. Taking the drug for long periods of time can make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin B-12, so daily supplements won’t be helping too much either.

Next: Coughing up blood is just one side effect possible with this med. 

7. Plavix

After you have a heart attack or stroke, it’s a serious wake-up call that your body needs help functioning. Thanks to meds like Plavix, you can prevent blood clots if you’ve recently had an attack or have been diagnosed with a heart or blood vessel disorder. Because this prescription prevents clotting, it can also lead to alarming side effects like coughing up blood or blood in the urine. Easy bruising, weakness, and chest pain that spreads through the arms and the shoulders can also happen, eMedicineHealth reports.

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, but it’s of the utmost importance to tell your doctor if you’re coughing up blood that looks like coffee grounds. This could mean you’re bleeding in your digestive tract, which can be a serious problem.

Next: This med for high cholesterol can give you a common skin condition. 

8. Zocor

Here’s another med that helps with high cholesterol levels. Zocor is necessary in preventing heart disease for many, but the side effects can be serious and rather strange. Drugs.com says it’s common to get eczema — you know, the itchy, inflammatory skin condition. On the more severe end, you can also develop bloody urine, vision issues, breathing difficulties, or you might even have a hard time with any bodily movements at all. They’re uncommon, but they’re just a few from the long list of possible side effects that may affect you while you’re on Zocor.

Next: This medication saves lives, but it can be seriously dangerous.

9. Methadone

This medication is a true life saver for those dealing with opioid dependence. Everyday Health explains it’s a narcotic that actually changes the way your nervous system responds to pain, making withdrawal symptoms much more bearable. But Methadone also carries a black box warning because it can cause breathing problems that can be potentially life-threatening. It can also cause a rare heart condition that results in an irregular heartbeat or even sudden death. And on top of all this, Methadone is highly addictive. If you’ve taken this med for several weeks, you have to gradually come off of it as to not experience withdrawal symptoms like muscle pain, restlessness, and anxiety.