Return to Prescription Drug Watch
February 13, 2012
Side Effects of Xanax
Xanax (Alprazolam) is a benzodiazapene anti-anxiety medication marketed by Pfizer with generic forms manufactured by various drug companies. It is not fully understood how benzodiazepines such as Xanax function in the brain but it is thought to achieve its effect by changing the action of the neurotransmitter chemical GABA in the brain and spinal cord.
Typically administered in .25, .5, 1 and 2 mg oral tablets, Xanax is commonly used for treating anxiety, seizures and insomnia though many doctors use the drug for other purposes such as dental surgery.
There are many drugs and other substances (such as grapefruit and St. John's wort) which interact with Xanax so it is very important to read your pharmacist's insert on drug facts and take care to avoid contraindicated substances.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take Xanax and patients should make sure their doctors are aware of any preexisting health issues before they are prescribed a new drug.
Xanax is potentially habit-forming and side effects of Xanax may include behavioral changes such as risk taking, fearlessness, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts, hostility, hyperactivity, trouble concentrating or changes in sex drive. Other physical and mental side effects may include memory peoblems, lightheaded feelings, fainting, hallucinations, chest pain, seizure, increased sweating, dry mouth, nausea, bowel issues, weakness, swollen extremities, insomnia, and headache.
This space is provided for you to share your side effects experiences (or lack thereof) with Xanax by posting a comment below.
Posted by matt at 9:21 PM | Comments (1)
January 5, 2007
Parkinson's Drugs May Damage Heart Valves
Permax and Dostinex, drugs used to treat Parkinson's Disease, may cause damage to heart valves. The new findings were published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Dr. Michael S. Okun, the medical director for the National Parkinson Foundation, said people taking Permax or Dostinex for Parkinson’s should be told about the new information and given a chance to switch to other drugs. He added that patients who were just starting treatment should be given other drugs. Safer, equally effective drugs are available, he said.
Studies Find Harm in 2 Parkinson’s Drugs
Posted by Staff at 1:39 PM | Comments (1)
September 29, 2006
Ambien Side Effects
Ambien (zolpidem) is prescribed for the treatment of insomnia. Ambien has also been prescribed off-label for the treatment of restless legs syndrome.
According to the official Ambien website, common side effects of Ambien may include next day drowsiness, headaches, sleepiness, and dizziness.
More serious side effects may include temporary amnesia, drug dependence, withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped after being used on a regular basis, excessively outgoing or aggressive behavior, confusion, agitation, strange behavior, hallucinations, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
This space is provided for you to share your side effects (or lack thereof) and experiences with Ambien by posting a comment below.
Posted by Staff at 7:57 PM | Comments (235)
September 29, 2006
Effexor Side Effects
Effexor and Effexor SR (venlafaxine hydrochloride) are antidepressants marketed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. In August 2006 the generic form of venlafaxine hydrochloride went on the market.
Effexor and Effexor SR are approved to treat depression, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. They have also been used off-label to treat migraines, diabetic neuropathy, and hot flashes.
According to the official Effexor XR website, common side effects may include nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, sweating, dry mouth, gas, abnormal vision, nervousness, insomnia, loss of appetite, constipation, confusion, agitation, tremors, yawning, palpitations, and increased cholesterol.
More serious side effects may include increased heart rate, extreme confusion, seizures, abnormal bleeding or bruising, sudden eye pain, eye redness, changes in vision, and mania or hypomania.
This space is provided for you to share your side effects (or lack thereof) and experiences with Effexor and Effexor SR by posting a comment below.
Posted by Staff at 7:57 PM | Comments (612)
September 29, 2006
Paxil Side Effects
Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant marketed by GlaxoSmithKline.
Paxil is approved to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
It has been used off-label to treat bipolar disorder, chronic headache, hot flashes, compulsive gambling, and diabetic neuropathy.
Paxil CR is the controlled release verson of Paxil, meaning it is released slowly into the body for continuous effect.
According to the official Paxil website, common side effects may include nausea, infection, diarrhea, dry mouth, injury, constipation, sleepiness, increased appetite, sexual side effects, tremor, nervousness, yawning, sweating, weakness, abnormal vision, or insomnia.
More serious side effects may include suicidal thoughts, worsening depression, or severe changes in mood or behavior.
This space is provided for you to share your side effects (or lack thereof) and experiences with Paxil and Paxil CR by posting a comment below.
Posted by Staff at 7:56 PM | Comments (5)
September 29, 2006
Cymbalta Side Effects
Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride) is an antidepressant marketed by Eli Lilly. It is a dual reuptake inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine.
Cymbalta is approved to treat major depression. It has also been used off-label to treat panic disorder, anxiety, fibromyalgia, stress urinary incontinence, and irritable bowel syndrome.
According to the official Cymbalta website, common side effects may include nausea, dry mouth, constipation, fatigue, decreased appetite, sleepiness, and increased sweating.
This space is provided for you to share your side effects (or lack thereof) and experiences with Cymbalta by posting a comment below.
Posted by Staff at 7:56 PM | Comments (1850)
September 29, 2006
Zoloft Side Effects
Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) is an antidepressant marketed by Pfizer, Inc.
Zoloft is approved to treat depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
According to the official Zoloft website, common side effects may include nausea, dry mouth, insomnia, sexual side effects, diarrhea, and sleepiness.
This space is provided for you to share your side effects (or lack thereof) and experiences with Zoloft by posting a comment below.
Posted by Staff at 7:55 PM | Comments (8)
September 29, 2006
Lexapro Side Effects
Lexapro (escitalopram) is an antidepressant marketed by Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Lexapro is used to treat depression. It has also been used off-label to treat body dysmorphic disorder, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
According to the official Lexapro website, common side effects may include nausea, insomnia, increased sweating, somnolence, fatigue, decreased libido, and anorgasmia.
This space is provided for you to share your side effects (or lack thereof) and experiences with Lexapro by posting a comment below.
Posted by Staff at 7:53 PM | Comments (74)
September 29, 2006
Lamictal and Cleft Palate Birth Defects
The FDA has issued a warning that Lamictal, a GlaxoSmithKline drug prescribed for bipolar disorder and epilepsy, has been linked to birth defects when taken by women in the first three months of pregnancy.
In a registry of 564 pregnant women who took the drug during the first trimester, five gave birth to babies with a cleft lip or cleft palate, which is a gap in the upper lip or roof of the mouth. The agency advises women taking Lamictal who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant to speak with their doctor.
Glaxo Bipolar Drug May Be Tied to Defect
Related: bipolar disorder, epilepsy
Posted by Staff at 1:56 PM | Comments (1)
September 19, 2006
Wellbutrin Side Effects
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is an antidepressant of the aminoketone class marketed by GlaxoSmithKline. Zyban, also marketed by GlaxoSmithKline, has the same chemical properties but is marketed as a smoking cessation aid. These drugs are dopamine reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Bupropion has also been used or is being studied to treat other disorders, including bipolar disorder, ADHD, restless legs syndrome, and obesity.
Wellbutrin XL is the extended release formulation and is taken orally once per day. Wellbutrin SR is a sustained-release formula and is taken twice per day.
This space is provided for you to share your side effects (or lack thereof) and experiences with Wellbutrin by posting a comment below.
Posted by Staff at 2:14 PM | Comments (450)
August 30, 2006
Black Box Labels Requested for Cipro and Levaquin
The FDA has been asked by Public Citizen, a consumer group, to put black box warnings on Cipro and Levaquin, a class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones. There is a risk of tendon rupture and the current warnings are not adequate to warn consumers and health care providers.
"Tendon ruptures associated with these drugs continue to occur at a disturbing rate but could be prevented if doctors and patients were more aware of early warning signals, such as the onset of tendon pain, and switched to other antibiotics," said Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen's Health Research Group. "The FDA must act and require black box warnings and patient information guides.
Public Citizen seeks more warnings on antibiotics
Group wants stronger antibiotics warnings
Posted by Staff at 6:50 PM | Comments (2)
August 22, 2006
Accutane Side Effects Worse Than Expected
The possible side effects of acne drug Accutane were always known to be pretty serious, but a new study shows they are even more serious than previously realized.
Accutane, the powerful acne drug already known to cause birth defects, seems to raise the risk for potential heart and liver problems more than doctors had expected, according to a new study.
Accutane linked heart, liver woes
Accutane Shows Strong Link to Higher Cholesterol
Posted by Staff at 1:30 PM | Comments (0)
Prescription Drug Watch is part of the
Health Diaries network. Health Diaries publishes blogs, articles, and news on health and fitness topics.
About
Advertise
Contact
Contribute
Sitemap
Animal Health
Bone Health
Brain Health
Cancer
Celebrity Health
Child and Teen Health
Diabetes Blog
Exercise and Fitness
Health Product Reviews
Healthy Eating
Health News
Heart Health
Lung Health
Weird Health
A Journey Through Life
AnaRunner
Becoming My Passion
Butterflyteam
Eat Smart, Stay Fit
Is it Hot in Here?
It's Your Parents' Fault!
Life After MS
Living with Lung Cancer
Life with Trich
Llama Farming with Colon Cancer
Maddy's PCOS Diary
On the Weight Watchers Circle
Pilgrim's Journey
Tell someone you're thinking of them with one of our free get well cards. We also have sympathy cards and blank cards if you want to send thanks or just a hello.
Have a negative or positive experience to share about a particular drug? Drop us a line at drugwatch @ healthdiaries.com (remove the spaces).