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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be helpful, especially when used for inflammation that comes from traumatic injuries (sprains, strains, accidents, etc.). They can also be effective in relieving pain and inflammation associated with chronic pain syndromes including all forms of arthritis and even some cases of FMS. However, long-term use of these medications can cause a host of unwanted side effects, and NSAIDs do not actually correct the cause of pain. In fact, they can accelerate joint destruction and cause intestinal permeability, which leads to more inflammation.
You might have heard of how drug company Merck pulled its NSAID Vioxx off the market. They were responding to the results of a long-term (18-month) clinical trial that revealed that some patients developed serious heart problems while taking the drug. The data that ultimately persuaded the company to withdraw the drug indicated 15 cases of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots per thousand people each year over three years, compared with 7.5 such events per thousand patients taking a placebo.
One of the FDA’s own scientists, Dr. David Graham, estimated that Vioxx has been associated with more than 27,000 heart attacks or deaths linked to cardiac problems. There is disagreement within the FDA over these findings, but they are still staggering to consider.
Potential side effects of drugs like Vioxx: Vioxx is what doctors call a “COX-2 inhibitor.” These drugs were developed to reduce pain and inflammation without the risk of ulcers and other–potentially deadly–gastrointestinal side effects posed by aspirin and similar medications. But in solving one serious problem, COX-2 inhibitors might be causing another. By blocking COX-2 enzymes, Vioxx reduced the risk of internal bleeding but also kept COX-2 enzymes from doing the important work of counteracting COX-1 enzymes, which narrow the blood vessels. The blood vessels were then remaining too narrow, increasing the chances of a dangerous blood clot forming.
Sleep Aids
The crippling side effects and addictive nature of these drugs have been known for at least 40 years, yet doctors continue to prescribe them at an ever-increasing rate, especially for seniors. Surveys show that over 5.6 million adults over the age of 65 are now taking benzodiazepines. A mouth-dropping 50% of all women 60 and older will be prescribed a benzodiazepine drug.
Potential side effects of anticonvulsant drugs: prolonged drowsiness or a trance-like state; dizziness; weakness; blurry or double vision; fluid retention; muscular incoordination, balance changes, clumsiness, and accidental injury; long-term ophthalmic problems (abnormal eyeball movements and disorders); tremors; rapid weight gain or severe weight loss; severe back pain; constipation and painful, uncontrollable, or difficult urination; muscle aches; memory loss; weakness; depression, confusion, dementia, and delusions; difficulty breathing or speaking; itching; involuntary muscle twitching; serious rash; runny nose; swelling; stabbing or tingling pain; seizures; and even rarely, coma.
Topamax can also cause “serious eye damage and/or blindness.” This is a quote from the manufacturers themselves. They go on: “As of August 17, 2001 there have been 23 reported cases: 22 in adults and one in pediatric patients. It is generally recognized that post-marketing data are subject to substantial under-reporting.”
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