Is it my meds? Odd drug side effects that you should know about

Many of us take medication to treat all types of conditions and illnesses. You probably are aware several kinds of medications can have side effects. From upset stomach to increased heart rate, drug side effects are common. 

But you might be surprised to learn that certain medications can have some unusual side effects. The reason why medications can cause peculiar side effects is not always apparent. Keep reading below to learn more about unusual medication side effects. 

Change in the color of urine

Most of us probably do not check out the color of our urine each time we use the restroom. But if it was purple or blue, you might take notice. 

Various medications can alter the color of your urine. Since medications are excreted in your waste, it is not surprising that certain drugs may change your normal urine color. For example, phenazopyridine, which is an over-the-counter medication to ease urinary tract infection pain, often turns the urine orange. 

But that’s not all. Dyrenium, which is a drug to treat high blood pressure, can turn the urine blue. Phenolphthalein, which is a laxative, can turn your urine purple. Certain antibiotics, including Flagyl, may make the urine black. 

While these changes in color are not harmful, it is best to talk with your doctor if you experience changes in your urine color. Specific changes in color can indicate dehydration or blood in the urine. 

Compulsive gambling 

One of the most peculiar medication side effects might be compulsive gambling. Cases of compulsive gambling on people that generally don’t gamble were reported after taking Mirapex, which is used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Why it may specifically lead to gambling is not understood. 

Loss of smell

Loss of smell is common with a cold or allergies, but it can also be a side effect of some medications, such as enalapril, which is a drug to treat high blood pressure. 

Additional drugs that may cause loss of smell include interferon, which is used to treat multiple sclerosis, and leukemia, and chlorpromazine, which is an antipsychotic. 

Prescription medication is not the only type of med that can cause loss of smell. If used frequently, decongestants that treat allergies and colds may also cause a temporary loss of smell. 

Shedding of the skin

One of the most severe medication side effects is a condition called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). Fortunately, SJS is uncommon. The condition involves a reaction to medication that leads to the development of a rash, which develops into blisters.  The top layer of the skin dies and sheds. According to the Mayo Clinic, types of medications that can cause SJS include: 

• 
  Anticonvulsant medications
• Medications to treat gout, such as allopurinol 
• Over the counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen 

Hair growth 

Although most medication side effects are unwanted, occasionally, a side effect may be welcome. For instance, a medication that was intended to treat high blood pressure called minoxidil was found to increase hair growth in patients. Now minoxidil is also marketed as a hair loss treatment. 

Painful erections

Although not common, one medication side effect, which can have lasting consequences is priapism. Priapism is a painful erection that lasts longer than four hours. Although priapism can develop after taking medication to treat erectile dysfunction, other types of drugs can also lead to the condition. For example, certain medications used to treat depression, such as trazodone, may also cause priapism. If not treated quickly, priapism can have lasting effects, including impotency. 

Hallucinations

Occasionally, some medications can lead to frightening side effects, such as hallucinations. The drug Mefloquine, which treats malaria, can cause hallucinations. 

Visual hallucinations can also occur with medications used to treat mood disorders and Parkinson’s disease. People that take several different types of medication have an increased risk of developing hallucinations. 

Change in eye color and longer eyelashes

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a medication to treat glaucoma that contains prostaglandins can change the color of the iris. Over time, the prostaglandins can make the eyes a darker shade of their natural color. 

One of the better side effects noted from medications is an increase in eyelash growth. Patients that used prostaglandins to treat glaucoma noticed an increase in how fast their eyelashes grew. That led to the development of Latisse, which is a product used to lengthen lashes. 

Nightmares

While most of us have an occasional bad dream, if you have a sudden increase in nightmares, your medications may be to blame. Various medications that affect the chemicals in our brains have the potential to cause nightmares. For example, some antidepressants, such as Paxil, can cause bad dreams. Other medications that might lead to nightmares include prednisone, statins, which treat high cholesterol, and drugs that treat Alzheimer’s disease. 

What to do if you get side effects

Many of the conditions above can occur due to reasons other than medication side effects. But if you are taking a new medication and develop side effects, including unusual ones, it is best to talk with your doctor. Remember, always consult your doctor before stopping medications. 

Ocana Medical Care, located in Tampa, FL, aims to bring you as much information as possible to keep you healthy. We’re in this together. #ocanacares