Possible Side Effects of Drugs
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Surgeons at the Front Range Center for Brain and Spine Surgery, P.C. prescribe any of a variety of medicines that serve a number of useful purposes for their patients. But medications, necessary as they may be, also have the potential to cause adverse side effects. We would like to familiarize you with the more common difficulties that some medicines may cause.
We prescribe several classes of medications. The most common of these and some of their uses are: (See the individual links included below for possible side effects for each class of drug.)
- Narcotic pain medication
Most patients who undergo surgery, regardless of the type, will take narcotic pain medications at some time during their care.
- Anti-seizure medications, also known as anticonvulsants
Patients who undergo surgery on the brain or have problems with trigeminal neuralgia may take anticonvulsants.
- Steroids
Patients with brain tumors also often take steroid medications.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents
Almost all patients with back or neck pain will use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications either before or after their surgery.
- Antidepressants
Antidepressant medications are frequently used for patients who have neck pain, back pain, arm pain, or leg pain. These medications are not used because your surgeon thinks that you are depressed, or that your pain is “all in your head.” These medications are used because, in addition to having been shown to have beneficial effects in depressed patients, they have also been shown in independent trials to exert beneficial effects on back, neck, arm, and leg pain in certain instances.
- Muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants are also frequently used for patients with neck or back pain.
Concluding Guidelines
It is important to avoid alcohol while using any of the above medications (with the exception of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Medications).
While you are taking narcotic pain medications, it is imperative that you do not drive a vehicle.
If you feel that you are having a reaction to your medication, contact your physician. If you have been using any medication longer than six months, ask you physician if you should have blood tests performed.
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