Adverse reactions to medications

Adverse medication reactions include side effects, reactions between two or more medications or herbal supplements, reactions between a food and a medication, overmedication, and addiction. Any of these may cause:

• Indigestion, nausea, and vomiting.
• Constipation or diarrhea.
• Problems with urination.
• Dry mouth.
• Headache, dizziness, or ringing in the ears.
• Blurred or double vision.
• Confusion, forgetfulness, disorientation, drowsiness, or depression.
• Difficulty sleeping, irritability, or nervousness.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Rashes or bruising.
• Bleeding problems.

Don't assume any symptom is a normal side effect of a medication. Call your health professional or pharmacist anytime you suspect that your medications are making you sick. Make sure that your health professional and pharmacist have a complete list of all the prescription and nonprescription medications and herbal supplements you are taking.