LIVING WELL Magazine

Randall J Bjork MD, Colorado Springs Neurological Associates PC discusses Side Effects of prescription and over-the-counter drugs in SENIOR Magazine

Colorado Springs SENIOR Magazine

Side Effects

By: Randall J Bjork, MD

Doctors have always tried to cure vexing conditions or ease distressing symptoms by using various medications that are given to patients by prescription or recommended on an over-the-counter basis. Oftentimes, things go very smoothly with this plan, but sometimes not.

Even very well-accepted and well-intentioned drugs have side effects, which can be annoying, concerning and even distressing. In fact, side effects can complicate the most compassionate attempts at human medical treatments. A side effect should not be confused with the first-time occurrence of a drug “allergy” or “hypersensitivity” response, as these phenomena are absolutely unpredictable and could be, regrettably, fatal.

Side effects are quite different and, to some extent, somewhat predictable. Any drug that makes your mouth dry is giving you a side effect. Lookout, there may be other side effects, too, with these “drying” drugs, even though the prescribing doctor’s intent is entirely benevolent. Some side effects involve blood pressure or cardiac effects. These side effects can be serious. Other side effects are annoying, but also can be very troublesome. A mnemonic for annoying side effects is: ABCCDSS—anorexia, blurry vision, constipation, confusion, dry mouth, sedation, and stasis of urine. There are many others, of course, as popular blood pressure medications, called the ACE-inhibitors, may cause a nagging, dry cough. Too much vitamin B6 may cause your extremities to tingle.

If you think that side effects of medications are troubling you, talk to your doctor about the medications which could be causing your troubles and perhaps other medications with more favorable side effect profiles could be selected for your problem. There are usually numerous other options to consider. Of course, any of these side effect symptoms could be caused by various diseases, so try not to jump to conclusions or, even worse, don’t try to be your own doctor.

So then, let’s move on to the side effects of our environment, which is technically an alpine desert, located here in the leeward aspect of the Rocky Mountains of the great west of the US at 6,200 to 9,000 feet above the seas. Unfortunately, this environment of ours is totally indifferent to us and our comfort (as is every other environment in the universe). Can it be that the dryness of this place we love so much steals our precious bodily fluids like some thief in the night? Well, yes, that is certainly the case, sad to say.

There is a very good reason why we humans and the earth, itself, are 70% water, a sacred percentage to support life. Breathe now, if you will, against a glass surface. What is it that appears there in front of you? Yes, it is your water vapor, lost forever into the environment with every breath you take and every move you make. While you sleep, that may amount to several thousands of breaths every night, depending, of course, on your average respiratory rate and the number of hours you sleep—fewer if you have sleep apnea.

How many of you drink water during the night when you roll over or get up for one reason or another? Perhaps you may drink a liter or so during the night because your mouth is dry. Good for you if you do. If you don’t, you may awaken with a very dry, crusty mouth and amber urine which has an aroma called stronguria in medical terminology. This condition is called “nocturnal dehydration” and is associated with headaches, dizziness, mental sluggishness, a proneness to medication side effects and blood clotting issues, by the elementary chemical principle we’ll call “the concentration of solutes”. To avoid that potentially dangerous condition, program yourself for “differential sleep”, such that you compel yourself to drink water at night to avoid nocturnal dehydration, so you don’t awaken with a stroke or worse.

If you don’t drink enough water during the day, these problems are compounded, especially if you exercise without adequately hydrating yourself. People sometimes misinterpret “thirst” for “hunger” and may eat something when they should drink a glass of water or juice. Remember, caffeine-containing or alcoholic beverages don’t count as hydration, as they have diuretic effects, causing a net loss of your body water, unfortunately. Before you start on any rehydration project, discuss your plan with your trusted doctor, who may have critical advice for you depending on your medications, cardiac or renal function.

Although your doctor’s intent is benevolent, neither a drug effect nor the environment is totally predictable.

Author Randall J Bjork, MD is a physician with Colorado Springs Neurological Associates, PC.  You can reach CSNA by calling 719-473-3272.