Chapter 4
Drug Side Effects
Side Effects of Psychoactive Medications
This book addresses drugs of all types. The drugs we are
dealing with are usually classified as psychotropic –
having ability or quality of altering emotions,
perceptions, behaviors, and bodily functions –
especially true of certain drugs.
This chapter lists many possible side effects
experienced from either taking these drugs, or when
trying to withdraw from them. If you, or anyone you
know, are taking any of these drugs the “real you” could
well be buried under some of the following symptoms. But
rest assured, no one has all of these side effects, and
no single drug or combination of these drugs can produce
all the side effects listed here.
You may know from experience that a single withdrawal
side effect can be horrifying. And if you, or anyone you
know, have ever had a bad withdrawal experience you
would probably rather sign up for open-heart surgery
without anesthesia than suffer those side effects again.
And for this very reason, many people who have contacted
The Road Back
Program are gun shy at the very thought of
withdrawing from a drug. Before
The Road Back
Program, you were faced with a quandary: suffer the
side effects of the drugs, or gut it out and suffer the
side effects of withdrawal.
One thing to keep in mind while doing this program or
with any inpatient program you might enroll in, if you
have a bad day and feel out of sorts, have a headache,
an ache or a pain, do not sleep well etc., these
feelings or symptoms may not be
withdrawal. We all have bad days from time to time and
how you feel out of the blue can be quite normal. This
can be difficult when you have had insomnia for months
and begin to sleep better and then out of the blue you
have a difficult night sleeping. If the insomnia last
for more than 3 nights then something needs to be done,
but an occasional restless night or sleepless night is
common.
This past year we had a person call us and she described
how she has had a headache for the past 4 days and how
it came out of nowhere. She was ½ way off her medication
and doing very well and she felt this was a withdrawal
side effect and wanted to know what to do. After a
little communication and looking for changes that might
have taken place, we found out her best friend had died
unexpectedly the day before the headaches started.
This might seem easy to spot as a reason for the
headaches, but when you are in the middle of withdrawal
and you have suffered extreme withdrawal side effects in
the past, it can be easy to lose track and worry about
the slightest changes in how you feel.
As you read through the list of side effects in this
chapter, do keep in mind these emotional and physical
conditions existed long before the first psychoactive
drug was manufactured. We are only dealing with drug
induced side effects with this program.
The Road Back Program
helps to eliminate these worries and concerns by
reducing the side effects of withdrawal, so that you can
come off your drug(s) smoothly and easily.
The following list is broken down into categories,
covering the various areas of the body, such as the
nervous system, lymph system, emotional and mental
symptoms and so forth. These categories will make it
easier for you to find the part of the body or system
that you are interested in, or want to know more about.
In this list, you will find many physical ailments and
complaints, as well as emotional or mental symptoms that
people experience every day because of a specific
medical condition. These symptoms and ailments may be
the reason that you started using a drug, or conversely,
these drugs may actually be causing the negative
symptoms you are experiencing now.
This unknown catches almost everyone, doctor and patient
alike, off guard. So the question that needs to be
answered, in order for you to proceed with
The Road Back Program is: Are you dealing with a physical condition
that needs to be treated medically or with a by-product
symptom of the drug(s) you are taking?
Getting Your Doctor’s Approval
Because of the overload and damage potentially caused by
drugs, your body in general, and your immune system in
particular, are in a weakened condition, and can thus
leave you open to infections and disease. On the other
hand, you may be taking prescription medications for
actual physical conditions, which could be
contra-indicated or need to be closely monitored in
terms of doing The
Road Back Program. These could include blood
thinners and heart medication, as well as clotting
agents.
For these reasons, consult your doctor before starting
any part of this program to sort out, or discover and
correctly determine, whether you are a candidate for
The Road Back
Program.
After you have ruled out any real medical problem, you will
know that if any strange symptom begins during
The Road Back Program,
you are most likely experiencing something caused by the
drug you are taking. Such will be true for both emotional
and physical symptoms.
Antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety drugs give
such a broad side effect profile, the list of side effects
in this chapter are side effects with those drugs. You may
be taking a pain killer, hypnotic, alcohol or street drugs,
but if you go through the list of side effects in this
chapter you will find you have more than a few. The reason
the side effects from psychoactive medications mimic other
drug side effects is due to what was discussed in earlier
chapters and the Science Chapter 23, that being, the
activation of the JNK gene and the need for an adaptogen to
come in and clean up the havoc created by the drug.
The following list does not include all possible side
effects from drugs, this book would need thousands of pages
if this were undertaken. Using the Freedom of Information
Act, I received all side effects associated with a popular
antidepressant medication during clinical trials. That list
alone is long enough to make this book be double the size if
they were included. The side effects in this chapter are the
most common.
The list of side effects in the first part of this chapter
are for antidepressants, antipsychotics and ADHD
medications. Later in this chapter you will find
benzodiazepine, anti-anxiety and sleep medication/
narcotics/hypnotics side effects.
SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS, ANTIPSYCHOTICS AND ADHD MEDICATION
GENERAL BODY
Dry Mouth
– Less moisture in the mouth than is usual.
Sweating
Increased - A large quantity
of perspiration that is medically caused.
Allergy
- Extreme sensitivity of body tissues triggered by substances in the air, drugs,
or foods causing a variety of reactions such as sneezing, itching, asthma, hay
fever, skin rashes, nausea and/or vomiting.
Asthenia
- A physically weak condition.
Chest Pains
- Severe discomfort in the chest caused by not enough oxygen going to the heart
because of narrowing of the blood vessels or spasms.
Chills
- Appearing pale while cold and shivering; sometimes with a fever.
Edema of
Extremities - Abnormal
swelling of the body’s tissue caused by the collection of fluid.
Fall
- To suddenly lose your normal standing upright position.
Fatigue
- Loss of normal strength so as to not be able to do the usual physical and
mental activities.
Fever
- Abnormally high body temperature, the normal being 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or
37 degrees Centigrade in humans. Fever is a symptom of disease or disorder
in the body. The body is affected by feeling hot, chilled, sweaty, weak
and exhausted. If the fever goes too high, or lasts too long, death can
result.
Hot Flashes
- Brief, abnormal enlargement of the blood vessels that causes a sudden heat
sensation over the entire body. Women in menopause will sometimes
experience this.
Influenza
(Flu)-like Symptoms -
Demonstrating irritation of the respiratory tract (organs of breathing) such as
a cold, sudden fever, aches and pains, as well as feeling weak and seeking bed
rest, which is similar to having the flu.
Leg Pain
- A hurtful sensation in the legs that is caused by excessive stimulation of the
nerve endings in the legs and results in extreme discomfort.
Malaise
- The somewhat unclear feeling of discomfort you get when you start to feel
sick.
Pain in Limb
- Sudden, sharp, and uncontrolled leg or arm discomfort.
Syncope
- A short period of light-headedness or unconsciousness (black-out) also known
as fainting, caused by lack of oxygen to the brain because of an interruption in
blood flow to the brain.
Tightness of
Chest - Mild or sharp
discomfort, tightness or pressure in the chest area (anywhere between the throat
and belly). The causes can be mild or seriously life-threatening because
they include the heart, lungs and surrounding muscles.
CARDIOVASCULAR (INVOLVING
THE HEART AND THE BLOOD VESSELS)
Palpitation
- Unusual and not normal (abnormal) heartbeat, that is sometimes irregular, but
rapid, and forceful thumping or fluttering. It can be brought on by shock,
excitement, exertion, or medical stimulants. A person is normally unaware
of his/her heartbeat.
Hypertension
- High blood pressure, a symptom of disease in the blood vessels leading away
from the heart. Hypertension is known as the “silent killer.” The
symptoms are usually not obvious; however, it can lead to damage to the heart,
brain, kidneys and eyes, and can even lead to stroke and kidney failure.
Bradycardia
- The heart rate is slowed from 72 beats per minute, which is normal, to below
60 beats per minute in an adult.
Tachycardia
- The heart rate is sped up to above 100 beats per minute in an adult.
Normal adult heart rate is 72 beats per minute.
ECG Abnormal
- A test called an electrocardiogram (ECG) records the activity of the heart.
It measures heartbeats as well as the position and size of the heart’s four
chambers. It also measures if there is damage to the heart and the effects of
drugs or mechanical devices like a pacemaker on the heart. When the test
is abnormal this means one or more of the following are present: heart disease,
defects, beating too fast or too slow, disease of the blood vessels leading from
the heart or the heart valves, and/or a past or impending heart attack.
Flushing
- The skin all over the body turns red.
Varicose Veins
- Unusually swollen veins near the surface of the skin that sometimes appear
twisted and knotted, but always enlarged. They are called hemorrhoids when
they appear around the rectum. The cause is attributed to hereditary
weakness in the veins aggravated by obesity, pregnancy, pressure from standing,
aging, etc. Severe cases may develop swelling in the legs, ankles and
feet, eczema and/or ulcers in the affected areas.
GASTROINTESTINAL
(INVOLVING THE STOMACH AND THE INTESTINES)
Abdominal
Cramp/Pain - Sudden, severe,
uncontrollable and painful shortening and thickening of the muscles in the
belly. The belly includes the stomach, as well as the intestines, liver,
kidneys, pancreas, spleen, gall bladder, and urinary bladder.
Belching
- Noisy release of gas from the stomach through the mouth; a burp.
Bloating
- Swelling of the belly caused by excessive intestinal gas.
Constipation
- Difficulty in having a bowel movement where the material in the bowels is hard
due to a lack of exercise, fluid intake, and roughage in the diet, or due to
certain drugs.
Diarrhea
- Unusually frequent and excessive runny bowel movements that may result in
severe dehydration and shock.
Dyspepsia/Indigestion.
The discomfort one may experience after eating. It can be heartburn, gas,
nausea, a bellyache or bloating.
Flatulence
- More gas than normal in the digestive organs.
Gagging
- Involuntary choking and/or involuntary vomiting.
Gastritis
- A severe irritation of the mucus lining of the stomach, either short in
duration or lasting for a long period of time.
Gastroenteritis
- A condition in which the membranes of the stomach and intestines are
irritated.
Gastrointestinal
Hemorrhage - Excessive
internal bleeding in the stomach and intestines.
Gastro Esophageal
Reflux - A continuous state
where stomach juices flow back into the throat causing acid indigestion and
heartburn and possibly injury to the throat.
Heartburn
- A burning pain in the area of the breastbone caused by stomach juices flowing
back up into the throat.
Hemorrhoids
- Small rounded purplish swollen veins that bleed, itch or are painful, and
appear around the anus.
Increased Stool
Frequency - see “Diarrhea.”
Indigestion
- Inability to properly consume and absorb food in the digestive tract, causing
constipation, nausea, stomachache, gas, swollen belly, pain, and general
discomfort or sickness.
Nausea
- Stomach irritation with a queasy sensation similar to motion sickness and a
feeling that one is going to vomit.
Polyposis Gastric
- Tumors that grow on stems in the lining of the stomach, which usually become
cancerous.
Swallowing
Difficulty - A feeling that
food is stuck in the throat or upper chest area and won’t go down, making it
difficult to swallow.
Toothache
- Pain in a tooth above and below the gum line.
Vomiting
- Involuntarily throwing up the contents of the stomach, usually accompanied by
a nauseated, sick feeling just prior to doing so.
HEMIC & LYMPHATIC (INVOLVING
THE BLOOD AND THE CLEAR FLUIDS IN THE TISSUES THAT CONTAIN WHITE BLOOD CELLS)
Anemia
- A condition in which the blood is no longer carrying enough oxygen, so the
person looks pale and easily gets dizzy, weak and tired. More severely, a
person can end up with an abnormal heart, as well as breathing and digestive
difficulties.
Bruise
- Damage to the skin resulting in a purple-green-yellow skin coloration that is
caused by breaking the blood vessels in the area
without breaking the surface of the skin.
Nosebleed
- Blood loss from the nose.
Hematoma
- Broken blood vessels that cause a swelling in an area on the body.
Lymphadenopathy
Cervical - The lymph nodes in
the neck, part of the body’s immune system, become swollen and enlarged by
reacting to the presence of a drug. The swelling is the result of the
white blood cells multiplying in order to fight the invasion of the drug.
METABOLIC & NUTRITIONAL
(ENERGY AND HEALTH)
Arthralgia
- Sudden sharp nerve pain in one or more joints.
Arthropathy
- Joint disease or abnormal joints.
Arthritis
- Painfully inflamed and swollen joints. The reddened and swollen
condition is brought on by a serious injury or shock to the body either from
physical or emotional causes.
Back Discomfort
- Severe physical distress in the area from the neck to the pelvis along the
backbone.
Bilirubin
Increased - Bilirubin is a
waste product of the breakdown of old blood cells. Bilirubin is sent to
the liver to be made water-soluble so it can be eliminated from the body through
emptying the bladder. A drug can interfere with or damage this normal
liver function, creating liver disease.
Decreased Weight
- Uncontrolled and measured loss of heaviness or weight.
Gout
- A severe arthritis condition that is caused by the dumping of a waste product
called uric acid into the tissues and joints. It can become worse and
cause the body to develop a deformity after going through stages of pain,
inflammation, severe tenderness and stiffness.
Hepatic Enzymes
Increased - An increase in the
amount of paired liver proteins that regulate liver processes causing a
condition in which the liver functions abnormally.
Hypercholesterolemia - Too
much cholesterol in the blood cells.
Hyperglycemia
- An unhealthy amount of sugar in the blood.
Increased Weight
- A concentration and storage of fat in the body accumulating over a period of
time caused by unhealthy eating patterns, a lack of physical activity, or an
inability to process food correctly, that can predispose the body to many
disorders and diseases.
Jaw Pain
- The pain due to irritation and swelling of the nerves associated with the
mouth area where it opens and closes just in front of the ear. Some of the
symptoms are: pain when chewing, headaches, losing your balance, stuffy ears or
ringing in the ears, and teeth grinding.
Jaw Stiffness
- The result of squeezing and grinding the teeth while asleep that can cause
your teeth to deteriorate, as well as the muscles and joints of the jaw.
Joint Stiffness
- A loss of free motion and easy flexibility where any two bones come together.
Muscle Cramp
- When muscles contract uncontrollably without warning and do not relax.
The muscles of any body organs can cramp.
Muscle Stiffness
- The tightening of muscles making it difficult to bend.
Muscle Weakness
- Loss of physical strength.
Myalgia
- A general widespread pain and tenderness of the muscles.
Thirst
- A strong, unnatural craving for moisture/water in the mouth and throat.
NERVOUS
SYSTEM (SENSORY CHANNELS)
Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome - A pinched nerve in
the wrist that causes pain, tingling, and numbing.
Coordination
Abnormal - A lack of normal,
harmonious interaction of the parts of the body when it is in motion.
Dizziness
- Losing one’s balance while feeling unsteady and lightheaded which may lead to
fainting.
Disequilibrium
- Lack of mental and emotional balance.
Faintness
- A temporary condition in which one is likely to become unconscious and fall.
Headache
- A sharp or dull persistent pain in the head.
Hyperreflexia
- A not normal (abnormal) and involuntary increased response in the tissues
connecting the bones to the muscles.
Light-Headed
Feeling – An uncontrolled and
usually brief loss of consciousness usually caused by a lack of oxygen to the
brain.
Migraine
- Recurring severe head pain sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting,
dizziness, flashes or spots before the eyes, and ringing in the ears.
Muscle
Contractions Involuntary – A
spontaneous and uncontrollable tightening reaction of the muscles caused by
electrical impulses from the nervous system.
Muscular Tone
Increased - Uncontrolled and
exaggerated muscle tension. Muscles are normally partially tensed and this
is what gives us muscle tone.
Paresthesia
- Burning, prickly, itchy, or tingling skin with no obvious or understood
physical cause.
Restless Legs
- A need to move the legs without any apparent reason. Sometimes there is
pain, twitching, jerking, cramping, burning, or a creepy-crawly sensation
associated with the movements. It worsens when a person is inactive, and
can interrupt sleep so one feels the need to move to gain some relief.
Shaking
- Uncontrolled quivering and trembling as if one is cold and chilled.
Sluggishness
- Lack of alertness and energy, as well as being slow to respond or perform in
life.
Tics
- A contraction of a muscle causing a repeated movement not under the control of
the person, usually on the face or limbs.
Tremor
- A nervous and involuntary vibrating or quivering of the body.
Twitching
- Sharp, jerky and spastic motion, sometimes with a sharp sudden pain.
Vertigo
- A sensation of dizziness with disorientation and confusion.
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL
Aggravated
Nervousness - A progressively
worsening, irritated, and troubled state of mind.
Agitation
– A suddenly violent and forceful emotionally disturbed state of mind.
Amnesia
- Long term or short term, partial or full memory loss created by emotional or
physical shock, severe illness, or a blow to the head where the person was
caused pain and became unconscious.
Anxiety Attack
- Sudden and intense feelings of fear, terror, and dread, physically creating
shortness of breath, sweating, trembling and heart palpitations.
Apathy
- Complete lack of concern or interest for things that ordinarily would be
regarded as important or would normally cause concern.
Appetite
Decreased - Having a lack of
appetite despite the ordinary caloric demands of living, with a resulting
unintentional loss of weight.
Appetite
Increased - An unusual hunger
causing one to overeat.
Auditory
Hallucination - Hearing things
without the voices or noises being present.
Bruxism
- Grinding and clenching of teeth while sleeping.
Carbohydrate
Craving - A drive or craving
to eat foods rich in sugar and starches (sweets, snacks and junk foods) that
intensifies as the diet becomes more and more unbalanced due to the unbalancing
of the proper nutritional requirements of the body.
Concentration
Impaired - Unable to easily
focus your attention for long periods of time.
Confusion
– An inability to think clearly or understand, preventing logical
decision-making.
Crying (Abnormal)
- Unusual and not normal (abnormal) fits of weeping for short or long periods of
time for no apparent reason.
Depersonalization
- A condition in which one has lost a normal sense of personal identity.
Depression
- A hopeless feeling of failure, loss and sadness that can deteriorate into
thoughts of death. A very common reaction to or side effect of,
psychiatric drugs.
Disorientation
- A loss of sense of direction, place, time or surroundings, as well as mental
confusion regarding one’s personal identity.
Dreaming (Abnormal)
- Dreaming that leaves a very clear, detailed picture and impression when awake
that can last for a long period of time and sometimes be unpleasant.
Emotional Lability
- Suddenly breaking out in laughter or crying or doing both without being able
to control the outburst of emotion. These episodes are unstable as they
are caused by experiences or events that normally would not have this effect on
an individual.
Excitability
- Uncontrollably responding to stimuli (one’s environment).
Feeling Unreal
- The awareness that one has an undesirable emotion like fear, but can’t seem to
shake off the irrational feeling. For example, feeling like one is going
crazy, but rationally knowing that it is not true. The quality of this
side effect resembles being in a bad dream and not being able to wake up.
Forgetfulness
- Unable to remember what one ordinarily would remember.
Insomnia
- Sleeplessness caused by physical stress, mental stress or stimulants, such as
coffee or medications; a condition of being abnormally awake when one would
ordinarily be able to fall and remain asleep.
Irritability
– An abnormal reaction of being annoyed or disturbed in response to a stimulus
(the environment: that which is happening around one).
Jitteriness
- Nervous fidgeting without apparent cause.
Lethargy
- Mental and physical sluggishness and apathy
(a feeling of hopelessness that “nothing can be done”) which can deteriorate
into an unconscious state resembling deep sleep. A numbed
state of mind.
Libido Decreased
- An abnormal loss of sexual energy or desire.
Panic Reaction
- A sudden, overpowering, chaotic and confused mental state of terror resulting
in being doubt-ridden, often accompanied with hyperventilation and extreme anxiety.
Restlessness Aggravated
- A constantly worsening troubled state of mind characterized by the person
being increasingly nervous, unable to relax, and easily angered.
Somnolence
- Feeling sleepy all the time or having a condition of semi-consciousness.
Suicide Attempt
- An unsuccessful deliberate attack on one’s own life with the intention of
ending it.
Suicidal Tendency
- Most likely will attempt to kill oneself.
Tremulousness Nervous
- Very jumpy, shaky, and uneasy, while feeling fearful and timid. The
condition is characterized by thoughts dreading the future, involuntary
quivering, trembling, and feeling distressed and suddenly upset.
Yawning -
Involuntary opening of the mouth with deep inhalation of air.
REPRODUCTIVE FEMALE
Breast Neoplasm
- A tumor or cancer, of either of the two milk-secreting organs on the chest of
a woman.
Menorrhagia
- Abnormally heavy menstrual period or a menstrual flow that has continued for
an unusually long period of time.
Menstrual Cramps
- Painful, involuntary uterus contractions that women experience around the time
of their menstrual period, sometimes causing pain in the lower back and thighs.
Menstrual Disorder
- A disturbance or derangement in the normal function of a woman’s menstrual
period.
Pelvic Inflammation
- The reaction of the body to infectious, allergic, or chemical irritation,
which, in turn, causes tissue irritation, injury, or bacterial infection
characterized by pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes loss of function. The
reaction usually begins in the uterus and spreads to the fallopian tubes,
ovaries, and other areas in the hipbone region of the body.
Premenstrual Syndrome
- Various physical and mental symptoms commonly experienced by women of
childbearing age usually 2 to 7 days before the start of their monthly period.
There are over 150 symptoms including eating binges, behavioral changes,
moodiness, irritability, fatigue, fluid retention, breast tenderness, headaches,
bloating, anxiety, and depression. The symptoms cease shortly after the
period begins, and disappear with menopause.
Spotting Between Menses
- Abnormal bleeding between periods. Unusual spotting between menstrual
cycles.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM (ORGANS INVOLVED IN BREATHING)
Asthma -
A disease of the breathing system initiated by an allergic reaction or a
chemical, with repeated attacks of coughing, sticky mucus, wheezing, shortness
of breath, and a tight feeling in the chest. The disease can reach a state
where it stops a person from exhaling, leading to unconsciousness and death.
Breath Shortness
- Unnatural breathing, using a lot of effort resulting in not enough air taken
in by the body.
Bronchitis
- Inflammation of the two main breathing tubes leading from the windpipe to the
lungs. The disease is marked by coughing, a low-grade fever, chest pain,
and hoarseness, caused by an allergic reaction.
Coughing
- A cough is the response to an irritation, such as mucus, that causes the
muscles controlling the breathing process to expel air from the lungs suddenly
and noisily to keep the air passages free from the irritating material.
Laryngitis
- Inflammation of the voice box characterized by hoarseness, sore throat, and
coughing. It can be caused by straining the voice or exposure to
infectious, allergic or chemical irritation.
Nasal Congestion
- The presence of an abnormal amount of fluid in the nose.
Pneumonia Tracheitis
- Bacterial infection of the air passageways and lungs that causes redness,
swelling and pain in the windpipe. Other symptoms are high fever, chills,
pain in the chest, difficulty breathing, and coughing with mucus discharge.
Rhinitis
- Chemical irritation causing pain, redness and swelling in the mucus membranes
of the nose.
Sinus Congestion
- The mucus-lined areas of the bones in the face that are thought to help warm
and moisten air to the nose. These areas become clogged with excess fluid
or become infected.
Sinus Headache
- An abnormal amount of fluid in the hollows of the facial bone structure,
especially around the nose. This excess fluid creates pressure, causing
pain in the head.
Sinusitis
- The body reacting to chemical irritation causing redness, swelling and pain in
the area of the hollows in the facial bones especially around the nose.
SKELETAL
Neck/Shoulder Pain
- Hurtful sensations of the nerve endings caused by damage to the tissues in the
neck and shoulder, signaling danger of disease.
SKIN AND APPENDAGES (SKIN, LEGS AND ARMS)
Acne -
Eruptions of the oil glands of the skin, especially on the face, marked by
pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, bumps, and more severely, by cysts and
scarring.
Alopecia
- The loss of hair, baldness.
Angioedema
- Intense itching and swelling welts on the skin called hives caused by an
allergic reaction to internal or external agents. The reaction is common
to a food or a drug. Chronic cases can last for a long period of time.
Dermatitis
- Generally irritated skin that can be caused by any of a number of irritating
conditions, such as parasites, fungus, bacteria, or foreign substances causing
an allergic reaction. It is a general inflammation of the skin.
Dry Lips
- The lack of normal moisture in the fleshy folds that surround the mouth.
Dry Skin
- The lack of normal moisture/oils in the surface layer of the body. The
skin is the body’s largest organ.
Epidermal Necrolysis
- An abnormal condition in which a large portion of the skin becomes intensely
red and peels off like a second-degree burn. Often the symptoms include
blistering.
Eczema -
A severe or continuing skin disease marked by redness, crusting and scaling,
with watery blisters and itching. It is often difficult to treat and will
sometimes go away only to reappear again.
Folliculitis
- Inflammation of a follicle (small body sac), especially a hair follicle.
A hair follicle contains the root of a hair.
Furunculosis
- Skin boils that show up repeatedly.
Lipoma -
A tumor of mostly fat cells that is not health endangering.
Pruritus
- Extreme itching of often-undamaged skin.
Rash - A
skin eruption or discoloration that may or may not be itching, tingling,
burning, or painful. It may be caused by an allergy, a skin irritation or
a skin disease.
Skin Nodule
- A bulge, knob, swelling or outgrowth in the skin that is a mass of tissue or
cells.
RELATED TO THE SENSES
Conjunctivitis
- Infection of the membrane that covers the eyeball and lines the eyelid, caused
by a virus, allergic reaction, or an irritating chemical. It is
characterized by redness, a discharge of fluid and itching.
Dry Eyes
- Not enough moisture in the eyes.
Earache -
Pain in the ear.
Eye Infection
- The invasion of the eye tissue by a bacteria, virus, fungus, etc, causing
damage to the tissue, with toxicity. Infection spreading in the body
progresses into disease.
Eye Irritation
- An inflammation of the eye.
Metallic Taste
- A range of taste impairment from distorted taste to a complete loss of taste.
Pupils Dilated
- Abnormal expansion of the black circular opening in the center of the eye.
Taste Alteration
- Abnormal flavor detection in food.
Tinnitus
- A buzzing, ringing, or whistling sound in one or both ears occurring from the
use of certain drugs.
Vision Abnormal
- Normal images are seen differently by the viewer than by others.
Vision Blurred
- Eyesight is dim or indistinct and hazy in outline or appearance.
Visual Disturbance
- Eyesight is interfered with or interrupted. Some disturbances are light
sensitivity and the inability to easily distinguish colors.
URINARY SYSTEM
Blood in Urine
- Blood is present when one empties the liquid waste product of the kidneys
through the bladder by urinating in the toilet, turning the water pink to bright
red. Or you can see spots of blood in the water after urinating.
Dysuria -
Difficult or painful urination.
Kidney Stone
- Small hard masses of salt deposits that the kidney forms.
Urinary Frequency
- Having to urinate more often than usual or between unusually short time
periods.
Urinary Tract Infection
- An invasion of bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., of the system in the body.
This starts with the kidneys, which eliminate urine from the body. If the
invasion goes unchecked, it can injure tissue and progress into disease.
Urinary Urgency
- A sudden compelling urge to urinate, accompanied by discomfort in the bladder.
UROGENITAL
(URINARY TRACT AND/OR GENITAL STRUCTURES OR FUNCTIONS)
Anorgasmia
- Failure to experience an orgasm.
Ejaculation Disorder
- Dysfunction of the discharge of semen during orgasm.
Menstrual Disorder
- Dysfunction of the discharge during the monthly menstrual cycle.
VIOLENT OR PHYSICALLY DANGEROUS SIDE EFFECTS:
Acute Renal Failure
- The kidneys stop excreting waste products properly, leading to rapid poisoning
(toxicity) in the body.
Anaphylaxis
- A violent, sudden, and severe drop in blood pressure caused by a re-exposure
to a foreign protein or a second dosage of a drug that may be fatal unless
emergency treatment is given right away.
Grand Mal Seizures (or Convulsions)
- A recurring sudden, violent and involuntary attack of muscle spasms with a
loss of consciousness.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
- A life threatening, rare reaction to an anti-psychotic drug marked by fever,
muscular rigidity, changed mental status, and dysfunction
of the autonomic nervous system.
Pancreatitis
- Chemical irritation with redness, swelling, and pain in the pancreas where
digestive enzymes and hormones are secreted.
QT Prolongation
- A very fast heart rhythm disturbance that is too fast for the heart to beat
effectively so the blood to the brain falls, causing a sudden loss of
consciousness and may cause sudden cardiac death.
Rhabdomyolysis
- The breakdown and release of muscle fibers into the circulatory system.
Some of the fibers are poisonous to the kidney and frequently result in kidney
damage.
Serotonin Syndrome
- A disorder brought on by excessive levels of
serotonin. It is caused by drugs and can be fatal.
Symptoms include euphoria, drowsiness, sustained and rapid eye movement,
agitation, reflexes overreacting, rapid muscle contractions, abnormal movements
of the foot, clumsiness, feeling drunk and dizzy without any intake of alcohol,
jaw muscles contracting and relaxing excessively, muscle twitching, high body
temperature, rigid body, rotating mental status - including confusion and
excessive happiness - diarrhea and loss of consciousness.
Thrombocytopenia
- An abnormal decrease in the number of blood platelets in the circulatory
system. A decrease in platelets would cause a decrease in the ability of the
blood to clot when necessary.
Torsades de Pointes
– An unusually rapid heart rhythm starting in the lower heart chambers. If the
short bursts of rapid heart rhythm continue for a prolonged period, it can
degenerate into a more rapid rhythm and can be fatal.
Benzodiazepine Side Effects
CARDIAC
DISORDERS
Palpitation
-
Perceptible
forcible
pulsation
of
the
heart,
usually
with
an
increase
in
frequency
or
force,
with
or
without
irregularity
in
rhythm.
Tachycardia
-
Rapid
heart
rate.
E
AR
AND
L
ABYRINTH
DISORDERS
Ear
pain
-
Any
pain
connected to
the
inner
or
outer
portion
of
the
ear.
Tinnitus
-
A
sound
in
one
ear or
both
ears, such
as
buzzing,
ringing,
or
whistling, occurring
without
an
external stimulus
and
usually
caused
by
a
separate
condition,
such
as
the
use of
benzodiazepines.
Vertigo
-
A
sensation
of
irregular
or
whirling motion,
either
of
oneself
or of
external
objects.
EYE
DISORDER
Blurred
vision
-
Compared
to
normal,
a
distortion
of
vision.
Mydriasis
-
Prolonged
abnormal
dilation
of
the
pupil
of
the
eye
induced
by
a
drug
or
caused
by
disease.
Photophobia
-
An
abnormal
sensitivity
to
or
intolerance
of
light,
especially
by
the
eyes,
as
may
be
caused
by
eye
inflammation.
An
abnormal
fear
of
light.
GASTROINTESTIONAL
DISORDERS
Abdominal
pain
-
Pain
between
the
chest
and
pelvis,
stomach,
intestines,
liver,
spleen,
and
pancreas.
Constipation
-
Difficulty
having
normal
bowel
movement.
Diarrhea
-
Excessive
and
frequent
evacuation
of
watery
feces.
Dry
mouth
-
When
the
mouth
is
dry
beyond
what
might
be
normal.
Dyspepsia
-
Disturbed
digestion;
indigestion.
Dysphagia
-
Difficulty
in
swallowing or
inability
to
swallow.
Nausea
-
A
feeling
of
sickness
with
the
urge
to
vomit.
Pharyngolaryngeal
syndrome
-
Of
or
pertaining
to
the
larynx
or
pharynx.
Salivary
hypersecretion
- A
continual
or
excessive
amount
of
saliva
that
is
uncontrollable.
Vomiting
-
Ejecting
all
or
part
of
the
stomach contents.
GENER
AL
DISORDERS
Asthenia
-
Loss
or
lack
of
bodily
strength.
Chest tightness
-
A
feeling
in
the
chest
of
contraction.
Edema
-
An
accumulation
of
an
excessive
amount
of
watery
fluid
in
cells, tissues,
or
body
cavities.
Fatigue
–
The
body
feeling
drained
of
energy.
Feeling drunk
-
Feelings
associated
with
drinking
too
much
alcohol.
Feeling
hot
or
cold
-
An
uncontrollable feeling
of
being
too
hot
or
cold
that
is
abnormal
for
the
temperature.
Feeling jittery
-
An
uneasy feeling
often
associated
with
the
inability
to
remain
still.
Hangover
-
Feeling
like
the
day
after
consuming
too
much
alcohol.
All
or
a
few hangover
sensations
may
be
present.
Increased
energy
-
An abnormal
amount
of
energy
bordering
on
hyperness.
Loss of
control
of
legs
–
Inability
to
control legs,
such
as
restless
leg
syndrome.
Malaise
-
A
vague
feeling
of
bodily
discomfort,
as
at
the
beginning
of
an
illness.
Pyrexia
– Fever.
Rigors
-
Shivering
or
trembling,
as
caused
by
a
chill.
A
state
of
rigidity
in
living
tissues
or
organs
that
prevents
response
to
stimuli.
Sluggishness
-
A
fatigue
type
feeling
or
dull.
Thirst
-
An
abnormal
sensation
of
needing
liquid.
Weakness
-
A
reduced
state
of normal
energy
and
stamina.
INFECTIONS
AND
INFESTATIONS
Influenza
symptoms
-
The
body
feeling
and
at
times
the
manifestation
of
flue
like
symptoms.
Upper
respiratory
tract
infections
- Infection
of
the
nose,
sinuses,
pharynx
(part
of
neck
and
throat)
or
larynx
(commonly
known
as
the
voice box).
MENTAL
DISORDERS
Abnormal dreams
-
Nightmares
or dreams
that
are
upsetting
to
the
individual.
Aggression
-
Hostile or
destructive
behavior
or
actions.
Agitation
-
A
feeling
where
something
or
anything
could
set
a
person
toward
anger
or
combativeness.
Anger
-
Uncontrollable
and
volatile
emotion
with
rage;
usually
an
attempt
to
stop
someone
or
something.
Anxiety
-
A
state
of
uneasiness
and
apprehension,
as
about
future
uncertainties.
A
state
of
intense
apprehension,
uncertainty,
and
fear
resulting
from
the
anticipation
of
a
threatening
event
or
situation,
often
to
a
degree
that
normal
physical
and
psychological
functioning
is
disrupted.
Apathy
-
A
feeling
of
no
hope,
such
as
if
anything
can
be
done
it
would
not
work.
Bradyphrenia
-
A
slowness
of
the
mind.
Confusion
- An
impaired
orientation
with
respect
to
time,
place
or
the
form
of
an
event.
Depersonalization
-
A
state
in
which
the
normal
sense
of
personal
identity
and
reality is
lost,
characterized
by
feelings
that
one’s
actions
and
speech
cannot
be
controlled.
Depressed
mood
-
A
lowering
of
the
state
of
mind
or
emotion
compared
to
what
a
person
normally
feels.
Depression
-
A
feeling
of
no
hope.
Derealization
-
The
feeling
that
things in
one’s
surroundings
are
strange,
unreal,
or
somehow
altered,
as
seen
in
schizophrenia.
Disorientation
–
A
loss
of
sense
of
direction,
position,
or
relationship
with
one’s
surroundings.
A temporary
or
permanent
state
of
confusion
regarding place,
time
or
personal
identity.
Dysphonia
-
An emotional
state
marked
by
anxiety,
depression,
and
restlessness.
Euphoric
mood
-
A feeling
of
great
happiness
or
well-being,
commonly
exaggerated
and
not
necessarily
well
founded.
Hallucination
-
False
or
distorted
perception
of
objects or
events
with
a
compelling sense
of
their
reality,
usually
resulting
from
a
traumatic
life
event
or
drugs.
Homicidal
ideation
-
The
formation
of
the
idea
or
having
the
mental
image
of
murder.
Hypomania
-
A
mild
form
of
mania,
characterized
by
hyperactivity
and
euphoria.
Impulse control
-
A
sudden
pushing
or
driving
force.
A sudden
wish
or
urge
that
prompts
an
unpremeditated
act
or
feeling;
an
abrupt
inclination.
Insomnia
-
Chronic
inability
to
fall
asleep
or
remain
asleep
for
an
adequate
length
of
time.
Irritability
-
1.
The
capacity
to
respond
to
stimuli.
2.
Abnormal
or
excessive
sensitivity
to
stimuli of
organism, organ,
or
body
part.
Libido decreased
-
Sexual
desire
decreased.
Libido increased
-
Sexual
desire
increased.
Logorrhea
-
Incoherent
talkativeness.
Mania
-
A
manifestation
of
bipolar
disorder
characterized
by
profuse
and
rapidly
changing
ideas,
exaggerated
gaiety,
and
excessive
physical
activity.
Mood
swings
-
The
up
and
or
down
movement
of
emotions
that
are
uncontrollable.
Nervousness
-
Easily
agitated
or
distressed.
Nightmare
-
A
dream
creating
intense
fear,
horror,
and
distress.
Psychomotor retardation
-
The
retardation
of
movement
and
or
mental
process.
Restlessness
-
An
uneasy feeling
of
not
being
able
to
be
where
one
is
located
comfortably.
Suicidal
ideation
-
The
formation
of
an
idea
or
mental
image
of
killing
one
self.
METABOLISM
AND
NUTRITION
DISORDERS
Anorexia
-
Loss of
appetite,
usually
including
a
fear
of
becoming
obese or
a
aversion
toward
food.
Appetite
decreased
-
A
decrease
in
the
feeling
one
needs
food
for
survival.
Appetite
increased
-
An
increase
of
the
desire
for
food
for
survival.
MUSCULOSKELETAL
AND
CONNECTIVE
TISSUE
DISORDERS
Arthralgia
-
Severe
pain
in
a
joint.
Back
pain
-
An
unexplained pain
anywhere
in
the
back.
Muscle cramps
-
Muscle
being
contracted
to
the
point
of
discomfort.
Muscle
twitching
- A
rhythmic
or
irregular
involuntary
movement
of
any
muscle.
Myalgia
-
Muscular
pain
or
tenderness,
especially
when
nonspecific.
Pain
in
limb
-
Pain
in
arm
or
leg.
NERVOUS
SYSTEM
DISORDERS
Amnesia
-
The
loss
or
impairment
of
memory.
Ataxia
-
Loss
of
the
ability to
coordinate
muscular
movement.
Coordination
abnormal
-
Maintaining
balance
of
the
body
difficult
in
comparison
to
what
is
normal
for
the
person.
Disturbance
in
attention
-
Not
able
to
remain
as
focused
as
one
was
able to
in
the
past.
Dizziness
-
A
disorienting
sensation
such
as
faintness,
light-headedness, or
unsteadiness.
Dysarthria
-
Difficulty
in
articulating words
due
to
emotional
stress
or
to
paralysis
or
incorordination
of
the
muscles
used
in
speaking.
Dyskinesia
-
An
impairment
in
the
ability
to
control
movements,
characterized
by
spasmodic
or
repetitive
motions
of
lack of
coordination.
Headache
- A
continual
or
time
specific
duration
with
pressure
or
pain
within
the
head.
Hypersomnia
- A
condition
in
which
one
sleeps
for
an
excessively
long
time
but
is
normal
in
the
waking
intervals.
Hypoesthesia
-
Drowsiness.
Hypotonia
-
Reduced tension
or
pressure,
as
of
the
intraocular
fluid
in
the
eyeball.
Relaxation
of
the
arteries.
Memory impairment
-
Not
able
to
recall
an
instance
from
the
past
as well
as
before.
Mental impairment
-
The
ability to
think
and
reason
diminished.
Paresthesia
-
A
skin
sensation,
such
as
burning,
prickling,
itching,
or
tingling.
Sedation
-
An
over expression
of
reduction
of
anxiety,
stress,
irritability
or
excitement.
Seizures
-
A
sudden
attack,
spasm,
or
convulsion,
as
in
epilepsy.
Sleep
apnea
-
A
temporary
cessation
of
breathing
while
sleeping.
Sleep
talking
-
Speaking
words
while
asleep.
Somnolence
-
A
state
of
drowsiness; sleepiness.
A
condition
of
semi-
consciousness
approaching
coma.
Stupor
- A
state
of
impaired
consciousness
characterized
by
a
marked
diminution
in
the
capacity
to
react
to
environmental
stimuli.
Syncope
-
A
brief
loss
of
consciousness
caused
by
a
sudden
fall
of
blood
pressure
or
failure
of
cardiac
systole,
resulting
in
cerebral
anemia.
Tremor
-
An
involuntary
trembling
movement.
RENAL,
THOR
ACIC,
AND
MEDIASTINAL
DISORDERS
Difficulty
in
micturition
-
Difficulty
with
urination
or
the
frequency
of.
Urinary frequency
-
An
abnormal
frequency
of
urination.
Urinary incontinence
-
Involuntary
leakage
of
urine.
REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
AND
BRE
AST
DISORDERS
Dysmenorrhea
-
A
condition
marked
by
painful
menstruation.
Premenstrual
syndrome
-
A
group
of
symptoms,
including
abdominal
bloating,
breast
tenderness,
headache,
fatigue,
irritability,
and
depression.
Sexual
dysfunction
- A
non-normal,
for
the
individual,
behavior
or
ability
to
have
sex.
RESPIR
ATORY,
THOR
ACIC
AND MEDIASTINAL
DISORDERS
Choking
sensation
-
A
feeling
of
choking with
or
without
cause.
Dyspnea
-
Difficulty
in
breathing,
often
associated
with
lung
or
heart
disease
and
resulting
in
shortness
of
breath.
Epistaxis
-
Nosebleed.
Hyperventilation
-
Abnormally fast
or
deep
respiration
resulting
in
the
loss
of
carbon
dioxide
from
the
blood,
thereby
causing
a
decrease
in
blood
pressure
and
sometimes
fainting.
Nasal congestion
-
A
stoppage
or
restriction
of
the
nasal
passage.
Rhinitis
-
Inflammation
of
the
nasal
membranes.
Rhinorrhea
-
A
discharge
from
the
mucous
membrane,
especially
if
excessive.
VASCUL
AR
DISORDERS
Hot
flashes
–
A sudden,
brief
sensation
of
heat,
often
over
the
entire
body,
caused
by
a
transient
dilation
of
blood
vessels
of
the
skin.
Hypotension
-
Abnormally low
arterial
blood
pressure.
SKIN
AND
SUBCUTANEOUS
TISSUE
DISORDERS
Clamminess
-
Abnormally
moist,
sticky
and
cold
to
the
touch.
Pruritus -
Severe
itching,
often
of
undamaged skin.
Rash
-
A
skin
eruption.
Sweating
increased
-
Abnormal
increase
of
perspiration.
Urticaria
-
A
skin
condition
characterized
by
welts that
itch
intensely,
caused
by
an
allergic reaction,
an
infection,
or
nervous condition.
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