THE VERY CONCERNING SIDE EFFECTS OF COMMONLY PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS

Video Transcript:
​
Aloha.  I’m Dr. Taketa-Wong.  Thank you for joining me.
 
There are some very concerning side effects to many commonly prescribed pharmaceutical drugs that I want you to know about.  I also want you know that there are natural alternatives that are just as effective.  But before we begin, I want to emphasize that people should not take themselves off of any prescribed medication without first talking with their doctor.
 
I can’t even count the number of times that a patient has come to me, they’re on a certain drug, and I talk about some of the potential side effects.  I watch their eyes get wider, watch them frown as they say, “If someone had told me about the risks of this drug, I wouldn’t have taken it.  Nobody ever told me that.”
 
Yes, when we get a drug, there are inserts that list potential side effects.  But honestly, how many of us actually take the time to read the very small print with hard-to-pronounce words?  And that’s not even the point.  We’re supposed to be told all about the risks and potential side effects before we’re prescribed the drug in the first place.
 
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take them.  It means we should be informed beforehand so we know about the risks and can make an informed choice.
 
Most of this is really a product of our health care system.  Regular doctors typically are just not given enough time to talk with their patients.  But a major principle of naturopathic medicine is education.  It’s one its biggest strengths.  Naturopathic doctors take the time to explain the medication or the procedure and ask if there are any questions.
 
That said, let’s get into the vitally important health information in today’s event.  And please be assured that there are natural medicines that don’t come with all the side effects. 
 
Oral birth control pills
Many of these drugs have the side effect of increasing the risk of blood clots, which can lead to increased risk for heart attack and stroke with prolonged use.  Birth control pills can increase the risk of breast cancer by 20 to 30% over women who have never taken them.  The risk does decrease once women stop taking them.  Also, there is one class of oral birth control pills that does not increase the risk of blood clots or breast cancer.  These are called progestin only pills also sometimes called mini-pills.  Basically, they don’t contain estrogen, just the synthetic form of progesterone.
 
Acid blocking drugs for acid reflux
There is an increased risk of dementia with some of the drugs.  Using them long term – 6 months or more – can increase the risk of becoming deficient in vitamin B-12 and iron because you need stomach acid to be able to absorb those nutrients.  The most common symptom of iron deficiency is fatigue and being short of breath.  I have also seen a decrease in attention and focus because iron carries oxygen.
 
Antibiotics
Antibiotics increase the risk of genital yeast infections and skin infections.  They also commonly cause diarrhea, upset stomach, even nausea and vomiting.  They decrease the good bacteria along with the bad.  Killing off the good guys can cause long term problems with your immune system.  Also, Cipro and similar antibiotics increase the risk of tendon rupture.  In fact, many doctors, including me, advise their patients not to exercise while on those drugs.
 
There is also a greater risk of antibiotic resistance the more often you take them, which can make curing future infections more difficult.  Antibiotics, as well as other types of drugs that affect the normal good bacteria in our gut, can change the neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals.  Among other things, a change in the brain chemicals can affect our mood, focus and attention.
 
Epidurals during birth
Epidurals can increase the risk of seizures, infections and nerve damage in the mother.  Also, I’ve seen a number of women who have chronic back pain for the rest of their lives.  They say it’s in that one spot where they put the epidural.  For the baby, the risk is decreased oxygen and  heart rate during the birth process.
 
Pitocin during birth
Research has definitely found that using Pitocin to induce labor can increase the likelihood of needed a C-section.  That’s because it can force the birth process where the baby may not be in the best position to deliver.  It can also increase the pain for the mom because it’s forcing the uterus to contract in a much more intense way than it would naturally.  There is also a possibility that the uterus could rupture, causing more blood loss.
 
As to risk to the baby, there is potential fetal distress, where the baby isn’t getting enough oxygen.  It can also increase the risk of seizures in the infant after birth.
 
Blood pressure drugs
Beta blockers are a class drugs that frequently cause fatigue, asthma, and difficulty sleeping.
 
Diuretic blood pressure drugs can cause fatigue, leg cramps, and more frequent urination.  For some people that can disrupt their sleep.

ACE inhibitors commonly cause a dry cough and skin rash.
 
Calcium channel blockers can cause constipation, dizziness, and headache.
 
Cholesterol medication
Statin drugs, which are the main class of drugs that are used for cholesterol deplete a substance called CoQ-10, which is a major antioxidant that’s important for your heart health.  So using them puts people at risk for heart issues.  Research has shown a link between statins and memory loss and difficulty with memory in general.  Other side effects include nausea, gas, and constipation and an increased risk of diabetes.  The most common side effects are muscle weakness and pain.  Long term, they can cause muscle damage and harm to the liver as well. 

I trust our discussion about the very concerning side effects of commonly used drugs has been useful for you.  Please remember that with these medications – and especially with blood pressure drugs –  it can be dangerous to just stop and take yourself off of them.  Be sure to talk with your doctor before doing so.
 
There are natural alternatives to many of these drugs that do not carry the side effects, and I’ve worked with many patients to wean them off of their drugs.  But again, you should avoid just stopping on your own.
 
With our no-charge consultation, you’re welcome to talk with me personally about the drugs you’re taking or any other health concerns you may have so that you, too, can be empowered with your health.