Health and Me

Itisha Arya

These Popular Medicines May Trigger Serious Side Effects, Pharmacist Warns

popular medicines side effects

We often reach for pills to soothe a headache, ease congestion, or help us drift off to sleep. Yet one experienced pharmacist believes that several everyday medicines tucked inside our bathroom cabinets may be causing more problems than they solve. Deborah Grayson, who has spent 13 years in pharmacy practice, has shared a firm warning about seven widely used treatments she personally avoids. Her concerns range from overpowering drowsiness that leaves people feeling disconnected to medications that can create a dependence over time.

<h2>Medicines That May Trigger Serious Side Effects</h2>

Below are the seven products she is cautious about, along with the alternatives she suggests.

<h3>1. <span rel="noindex">Codeine</span></h3>

Codeine, sometimes sold in low doses mixed with paracetamol, is a strong opioid pain reliever. Deborah believes the danger of becoming reliant on it overshadows the intended relief.

She explained to the Daily Mail that opioid medicines convert to morphine inside the body and act on pain pathways to reduce discomfort, often bringing a warm, pleasant sensation that some describe as a mild “buzz.”

Her preferred approach for mild to moderate pain is sticking to paracetamol or ibuprofen. If those options fall short, she advises speaking with a doctor instead of moving to opioids.

<h3>2. <span rel="noindex">Statins</span></h3>

Statins are prescribed to millions to help manage cholesterol levels, though debate continues about how effective they truly are for certain groups. Deborah said they should be used only when necessary, as people without clear risk may gain little benefit.

She noted that women may see even fewer protective effects, which raises concerns about whether many are being offered these drugs without enough consideration. Muscle aches, tiredness and possible liver irritation are recognised risks. She recommends having a detailed discussion with a healthcare professional to review whether another option may be more suitable.

Prescriptions for antidepressants in the UK have risen sharply. While these medicines are essential for many, Deborah believes that their long-term side effects and withdrawal symptoms can outweigh the positives for others.

She pointed out that access to cognitive behavioural therapy remains limited in an already strained health system, even though therapy may offer more lasting support for some patients. She added that antidepressants can cause nausea, headaches and sleep problems, and with long-term use may raise the risk of weight gain, diabetes and stomach bleeding.

Some people also develop sexual side effects, while withdrawal may bring dizziness, nausea, sharp shock-like sensations in the head, intense anxiety, irritability and disturbed sleep.

<h3>4. <span rel="noindex">Gabapentin</span> and <span rel="noindex">Pregabalin</span></h3>

These medicines are often prescribed for nerve pain or fibromyalgia, yet Deborah feels that their side effects are not always fully explained.

She said they can lead to heavy drowsiness, poor balance, difficulty with concentration and memory issues over time, along with weight gain. Many people find the initial effects so overwhelming that they stop before any improvement is noticed, which may take several weeks.

Both medicines are controlled because of the possibility of addiction, and some users may develop both physical and psychological dependence.

<h3>5. <span rel="noindex">Steroid Creams</span></h3>

Steroid creams are frequently used to manage eczema, psoriasis and other skin flare-ups. They are helpful in short bursts, although Deborah worries that many people continue using them far longer than advised because routine follow-up is often lacking.

Extended use may thin the skin and trigger painful reactions or infections. This creates a pattern where the discomfort returns, leading patients to reach again for the same cream, keeping them stuck in a cycle.

Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, are among the most common treatments for heartburn and acid reflux.

Deborah views these as a quick solution that can cause long-term harm if people rely on them for too long. She explained that stomach acid is necessary for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, and PPIs interfere with this process. This can leave the stomach struggling to digest properly and may contribute to nutrient shortages.

She encourages people to consider dietary adjustments and stress management instead of long-term dependence on PPIs.

<h3>7. <span rel="noindex">Laxatives</span></h3>

Many people turn to laxatives for constipation, and with so many available without a prescription, it is easy to depend on them more than intended. While they work well for short-term relief, consistent use may cause the bowel to slow down.

Deborah warned that many people eventually struggle to go to the toilet without help from these products. Short-term effects can include cramps, diarrhea, nausea, bloating, and trapped wind.

For ongoing constipation, she suggests increasing fibre intake or using options that draw more water into the bowel, such as Fybogel (ispaghula husk) or Macrogol sachets.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

codeine

Statins

anti depressants

Gabapentin

Pregabalin

Steroid Creams

PPIs

Laxatives

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We often reach for pills to soothe a headache, ease congestion, or help us drift off to sleep. Yet one experienced pharmacist believes that several everyday medicines tucked inside our bathroom cabinets may be causing more problems than they solve. Deborah Grayson, who has spent 13 years in pharmacy practice, has shared a firm warning about seven widely used treatments she personally avoids. Her concerns range from overpowering drowsiness that leaves people feeling disconnected to medications that can create a dependence over time.Medicines That May Trigger Serious Side EffectsBelow are the seven products she is cautious about, along with the alternatives she suggests.1. CodeineCodeine, sometimes sold in low doses mixed with paracetamol, is a strong opioid pain reliever. Deborah believes the danger of becoming reliant on it overshadows the intended relief.She explained to the Daily Mail that opioid medicines convert to morphine inside the body and act on pain pathways to reduce discomfort, often bringing a warm, pleasant sensation that some describe as a mild “buzz.”Her preferred approach for mild to moderate pain is sticking to paracetamol or ibuprofen. If those options fall short, she advises speaking with a doctor instead of moving to opioids.2. StatinsStatins are prescribed to millions to help manage cholesterol levels, though debate continues about how effective they truly are for certain groups. Deborah said they should be used only when necessary, as people without clear risk may gain little benefit.She noted that women may see even fewer protective effects, which raises concerns about whether many are being offered these drugs without enough consideration. Muscle aches, tiredness and possible liver irritation are recognised risks. She recommends having a detailed discussion with a healthcare professional to review whether another option may be more suitable.3. Anti-depressantsPrescriptions for antidepressants in the UK have risen sharply. While these medicines are essential for many, Deborah believes that their long-term side effects and withdrawal symptoms can outweigh the positives for others.She pointed out that access to cognitive behavioural therapy remains limited in an already strained health system, even though therapy may offer more lasting support for some patients. She added that antidepressants can cause nausea, headaches and sleep problems, and with long-term use may raise the risk of weight gain, diabetes and stomach bleeding.Some people also develop sexual side effects, while withdrawal may bring dizziness, nausea, sharp shock-like sensations in the head, intense anxiety, irritability and disturbed sleep.4. Gabapentin and PregabalinThese medicines are often prescribed for nerve pain or fibromyalgia, yet Deborah feels that their side effects are not always fully explained.She said they can lead to heavy drowsiness, poor balance, difficulty with concentration and memory issues over time, along with weight gain. Many people find the initial effects so overwhelming that they stop before any improvement is noticed, which may take several weeks.Both medicines are controlled because of the possibility of addiction, and some users may develop both physical and psychological dependence.5. Steroid CreamsSteroid creams are frequently used to manage eczema, psoriasis and other skin flare-ups. They are helpful in short bursts, although Deborah worries that many people continue using them far longer than advised because routine follow-up is often lacking.Extended use may thin the skin and trigger painful reactions or infections. This creates a pattern where the discomfort returns, leading patients to reach again for the same cream, keeping them stuck in a cycle.6. PPIsProton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, are among the most common treatments for heartburn and acid reflux.Deborah views these as a quick solution that can cause long-term harm if people rely on them for too long. She explained that stomach acid is necessary for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, and PPIs interfere with this process. This can leave the stomach struggling to digest properly and may contribute to nutrient shortages.She encourages people to consider dietary adjustments and stress management instead of long-term dependence on PPIs.7. LaxativesMany people turn to laxatives for constipation, and with so many available without a prescription, it is easy to depend on them more than intended. While they work well for short-term relief, consistent use may cause the bowel to slow down.Deborah warned that many people eventually struggle to go to the toilet without help from these products. Short-term effects can include cramps, diarrhea, nausea, bloating, and trapped wind.For ongoing constipation, she suggests increasing fibre intake or using options that draw more water into the bowel, such as Fybogel (ispaghula husk) or Macrogol sachets.