The 5 medications that doctors say not to take are First-Generation Antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine / Benadryl), Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs, e.g., Omeprazole / Prilosec, Esomeprazole / Nexium), Benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam / Valium, Alprazolam / Xanax), Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs, e.g., Ibuprofen / Advil, Naproxen / Aleve) and Sedative-Hypnotic "Z-Drugs" (e.g., Zolpidem / Ambien).
The reason why doctors advise against using Sedative-Hypnotic "Z-Drugs" (e.g., Zolpidem / Ambien) are because long-term or senior use strongly raises the risk of delirium, morning "hangover" grogginess, complex sleep behaviors (like sleepwalking or driving while asleep), and falls.
The reason why doctors advise against taking Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs, e.g., Ibuprofen / Advil, Naproxen / Aleve) is because regular use can cause stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, elevated blood pressure, heart failure flare-ups, and kidney damage—particularly in older adults or people with pre-existing conditions.
The reason why doctors advise against taking Benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam / Valium, Alprazolam / Xanax) is because they slow down central nervous system activity and carry high risks of cognitive impairment, memory problems, severe sedation, physical dependence, and dangerous falls (especially in seniors).
The reason why doctors advise against taking Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs, e.g., Omeprazole / Prilosec, Esomeprazole / Nexium) is because while they are effective for short-term acid reflux or ulcers, chronic unmonitored use is linked to kidney damage, low magnesium, vitamin B12 deficiency, bone fractures, and increased infection risks.
And the reason why doctors advise against using First-Generation Antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine / Benadryl) is because they cross the blood-brain barrier and block acetylcholine, a critical brain chemical. In older adults, they frequently cause confusion, sedation, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, falls, and a higher long-term risk of dementia.
Three common side effects when taking medications are drowsiness or fatigue, dry mouth and upset stomach or nausea.
The actual side effects that you may experience when taking medication will also depend on your tolerance and the medication you're taking.
Not everyone experiences the same side effects with the same medications and some people don't experience side effects with some medications.
For example, the possible side effects of Tylenol also known as acetaminophen are nausea or upset stomach, headache, although rare, because Tylenol is very often used in treating headaches and skin rash or itching can also occur, due to allergic or sensitivity reactions.
However when Tylenol is taken at the recommended dosages, it's generally safe and most people experience no side effects when taking Tylenol at all.
But when people do experience side effects when taking Tylenol they are often mild.
While the standard side effects of Tylenol are often mild and uncommon, taking more than the recommended dose of Tylenol or if you combine Tylenol with alcohol, it can lead to serious liver damage and even liver failure.
Side effects when taking medications are unwanted or unexpected secondary reactions that occur in addition to the main, intended effect of a medication.
Key Facts About Side Effects when taking medication include:
The side effects of medications can range from mild and temporary (such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or a minor upset stomach) to serious and life-threatening (such as severe allergic reactions or internal bleeding).
The medication side effects also often show up when you first start a new prescription or over-the-counter drug, when your dose is changed, or when you stop taking the medication.
Not everyone gets side effects from taking medication or gets the same side effects.
How a drug affects you depends on your age, weight, overall health, and any other medications, supplements, or foods you are taking at the same time.
Side Effects vs. Allergies:
A side effect is a physiological response to how the drug acts in the body, whereas a drug allergy involves your immune system and can cause hives, severe itching, or trouble breathing (anaphylaxis).