Side effects are unwanted and unforeseen.
A side effect is an unwanted or unforeseen result that occurs as a result of a specific medical treatment, medication, intervention, or action. These effects can be positive, negative or neutral, and can vary in severity and duration. These are important to keep in mind when considering the risks and benefits of any medical intervention or treatment.
Classification
Side effects from medical treatments, medications or interventions can be classified into three main categories: common, serious and rare. Each has its own distinctive characteristics and important considerations for the patient's health and well-being.
Common side effects are those that occur most frequently and are usually reported regularly by patients . They generally do not pose a significant health risk and are typically mild or moderate in severity. Some examples of common side effects include nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, dry mouth, fatigue, and changes in appetite. Although they can be bothersome, they are rarely a cause for concern and usually go away with time or with adjustments in treatment.
Serious side effects manifest as an adverse reaction that may pose a significant risk to the patient's health and safety. They are less common than the common ones, but they can be dangerous and even life-threatening in some cases. Examples of serious side effects include severe allergic reactions, heart or breathing problems, severe bleeding, seizures, changes in kidney or liver function, and mood or thinking disorders. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if any of these are experienced under medical treatment.
Rare side effects are those that occur with a very low frequency, but have been documented in connection with certain treatments or medications. They can be difficult to predict or identify due to their low incidence, and often require careful monitoring and follow-up by healthcare professionals. Examples of rare side effects may include rare neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, toxicity syndromes specific to certain medications, and unexpected complications during medical or surgical procedures. Although rare, they can be serious and require specialized attention for proper management.
Causes and contributing factors
Side effects can be the result of a variety of causes and contributing factors that interact with each other. Let's start with the drug interaction , the interactions between different medications. This can occur when two or more have similar or opposite actions on the body, which can enhance or diminish the effects of each. They may be especially relevant in patients taking multiple medications to treat different medical conditions.
The dose and duration of treatment may influence the likelihood of experiencing side effects. In many cases, these are dose-dependent, meaning that the likelihood of experiencing them increases with higher doses. Additionally, the duration of treatment may also affect its onset, as some effects may accumulate over time or develop after prolonged use of the medication.
Individual factors such as genetics, age, and gender can also influence a person's susceptibility to experiencing side effects. For example, some may have genetic variations that affect how their body metabolizes certain medications, which may increase risk. Age may also be an important factor, as children and older adults may be more sensitive to certain medications due to differences in liver, kidney, or other body system function. Additionally, gender, body weight, diet, and lifestyle can also influence how an individual responds to a specific medical treatment.
After surgery, side effects such as pain and discomfort are common.
Short term effects
- Nausea and vomiting : May occur shortly after taking a medication or undergoing treatment, as with chemotherapy;
- dizziness and vertigo : some medications can cause these side effects shortly after administration;
- Fatigue : Many medical treatments can cause extreme fatigue immediately;
- allergic reactions : Shortly after receiving a treatment, some people may experience skin rashes, itching, swelling , or difficulty breathing;
- pain or discomfort : in the area affected by a surgical intervention, for example.
Long term effects
- Organ damage : Some medical treatments, especially those involving intensive radiation therapy or chemotherapy , can cause long-term damage to specific organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys;
- cognitive problems : such as difficulties with memory , concentration, or information processing;
- hormonal problems : such as infertility, changes in the menstrual cycle or sexual dysfunction;
- increased risk of secondary diseases : such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis or secondary cancer;
- psychological impact : both on mental health and emotional well-being, which may include anxiety , depression or post-traumatic stress.
Taking a drug above the recommended dose is an overdose.
Overdose
Overdose occurs when a person takes an excessive amount of a medication or substance, either accidentally or intentionally, and can have serious health consequences and even be life-threatening.
Symptoms of an overdose may vary depending on the drug or substance involved, but may include difficulty breathing, irregular or fast heartbeat, seizures, confusion, dizziness, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, and changes in blood pressure.
Some factors may increase the risk of overdose, such as taking doses that are too high, combining multiple medications that interact with each other, lack of understanding of dosing instructions, substance abuse, and underlying medical conditions that may increase the risk of overdose. sensitivity to certain drugs .
Overdose can have immediate and life-threatening consequences , such as respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, brain damage from lack of oxygen, coma, and even death. That is why it is a medical emergency that requires professional attention. Treatment may include measures to remove the substance from the body, such as gastric lavage or the use of activated charcoal, as well as monitoring vital signs, administering medications to counteract toxic effects, and intervention to stabilize the patient.
Even if a person survives an overdose, they may experience long-term health consequences , such as permanent organ damage, neurological problems, liver or kidney damage, and an increased risk of experiencing future overdoses. For prevention, it is important to follow dosage instructions, do not mix medications without medical supervision, store them safely out of the reach of children and pets, and seek professional help if an overdose is suspected.