Almost all drugs have effects beyond their intended action. This is because most drugs have more than one action in the body and patients can react unpredictability to a given drug.
There are two kinds of effects---side effects and adverse reactions. Some side effects can be temporary and gradually disappear as the body becomes accustomed to the drug. Others are persistent and last through the course of a medication regimen.
According to the National Institutes of General Medical Science, more than 40 percent of all patients can experience some kind of unwanted reaction to over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
Drowsiness
Any drug that has a depressant effect on the brain can cause drowsiness, lethargy or somnolence. Examples of drugs that can cause drowsiness as a side effect include antidepressants, tranquilizers, antihistamines, sleeping pills, narcotic painkillers such as codeine and morphine, anti-anxiety drugs and anticonvulsant drugs.
Hives
Hives or urticaria, characterized by itchy wheals or raised patches of skin surrounded by red inflamed skin, is most commonly caused by an allergic reaction to drugs. According to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, these side effects can also cause severe cardiac and respiratory responses that should be treated immediately. Aspirin, penicillin, clotrimazole, sulfa drugs and anticonvulsants can cause mild to life-threatening side effects, beginning with the onset of hives.
Diarrhea
Many drugs can cause diarrhea, with classic examples being antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs, which affect the lining of the intestines. According to MayoClinic.com, diarrhea is one of the most common or typical side effects of drug treatment. Diarrhea can cause a serious electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. As a drug side effect, mild diarrhea can be easily treated with probiotic lactobacillus.
Nausea and Vomiting
A wide range of drugs, such as opiates, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs and hormones, can cause nausea and vomiting. Drugs with a tendency to cause nausea and vomiting often direct the user to take them with food and/or water to lessen this side effect. Medications such as dimenhydrinate, metoclopramide and ondansetron can improve the medication-related side effects of nausea and vomiting. Ginger and peppermint are also well-known home remedies for nausea.
Headache
A mild headache is a typical drug side effect associated with numerous drugs and often associated with medication overuse. However, nitroglycerin, used to widen blood vessels in the heart, also widens the blood vessels in the brain and can cause a severe headache. A headache is also a typical drug withdrawal side effect and should be monitored by a health care provider.
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