Drug side effects are common, and they can often be quite bothersome. Major side effects, such as severe or life-threatening allergic reactions, require immediate treatment and discontinuation of the drug. Minor symptoms may be tolerable when weighed against the benefits of the drug, and sometimes, these side effects go away on their own as your body adjusts to the medication. But there’s another type of side effect you hear much less about the beneficial ones. Although uncommon, they’re worth keeping in mind when you’re starting a new medicine.
Aren’t All Side Effects Bad?
The term “side effect” is usually assumed to be a negative thing, and typically, that is true. However, this assumption overlooks the “good” side effects. Although relatively little is published on this topic, several notable examples illustrate beneficial side effects.
Minoxidil (Rogaine, Gainextra, other brands) was developed in the 1970s to treat high blood pressure, but it was found to also increase hair growth in study subjects. What was initially considered a bothersome side effect eventually became its primary use: topical forms of this drug are now commonly used to treat hair loss.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl or generic versions) is a common treatment for allergic conditions, with drowsiness as a side effect. For adults who struggle with allergies and have trouble sleeping, the sedative effect can be helpful. However, regular long-term use of diphenhydramine is not recommended as it may increase the risk of dementia.
Sildenafil (Viagra or non-specific adaptations) was initially created to treat high blood weight and angina. It didn’t take long for male clients to realize that the medication may trigger erections within 30 to 60 minutes. Recognizing that beneath the proper circumstances, this may be a profoundly advantageous side impact, sildenafil was endorsed in 1998 as a treatment for erectile brokenness.
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) was created to treat diabetes, but early clients have taken note of a diminished craving and critical weight misfortune. Presently, a few definitions of these related drugs are endorsed for both diabetes and weight misfortune.
In a striking consideration, analysts found more than 450 reports of fortunate useful impacts of different drugs since 1991. This may indeed be an underestimation since report shapes did not particularly inquire for or name this sort of side impact, agreeing to the think about creators.
Silver Linings
While the discovery of beneficial drugs can arise unexpectedly, drug developers are increasingly using a more intentional approach: leveraging side effect profiles to find new uses for existing medications.
For example, a drug reported to cause reduced sweating as a side effect might be effective for treating hyperhidrosis, a condition marked by excessive sweating. Similarly, drugs that cause low blood pressure as a side effect might be effective treatments for high blood pressure (hypertension). New treatments for breast cancer may include older medicines that have a similar side effect profile as known anti-cancer drugs.
The availability of large side effect registries has made this method of identifying drugs for repurposing a more realistic option. Thus, even negative side effects can have a silver lining.
Bad Side Effects and the Nocebo Effect
While side effects can be positive, most are not. Medication side effects are a common reason people cite for not taking prescribed drugs regularly. Adverse reactions to medicines prompt up to 8% of hospital admissions, according to one analysis.
To complicate matters, the expectation of side effects can make them more likely to occur. Known as the nocebo effect, this phenomenon increases the chances of experiencing a negative side effect due, at least in part, to expectations. This contrasts with the placebo effect, where an inactive treatment can lead to beneficial outcomes.
Many people avoid taking medications because they fear possible side effects. This is understandable, but not taking a medication can mean missing out on its benefits. Additionally, anticipation or expectation of side effects can increase the likelihood of experiencing them.
Therefore, while it’s important to be aware of the most common side effects caused by the medicines you take, it’s also important not to overestimate your chances of experiencing them. And remember: there’s always a chance you’ll have a side effect you welcome.
Beneficial Drug Side Effects
While the intended purpose of a drug is to target a specific health condition, sometimes unintended consequences turn into unexpected advantages. Here’s a deeper look at the positive side of some drug side effects:
Sometimes a medication intended to treat one condition can have an unexpected advantage for another. Consider minoxidil as an example. It was unintentionally found that the substance, which was initially developed to treat high blood pressure, also promoted hair growth. As a result, the well-known hair loss medication Rogaine was created. Similarly, sildenafil, which was once developed to treat angina (chest discomfort), unintentionally improved blood flow to the penis, which led to its use as the popular erectile dysfunction medication, Viagra.
These discoveries can act as springboards for entirely new applications of existing medications. This is where “off-label” prescriptions come in. Doctors may leverage a drug’s side effects to treat a different condition it wasn’t originally designed for. This approach can significantly expedite and reduce the cost of developing treatments for new illnesses.
Not Every Side Effect Has a Silver Lining
It’s critical to keep in mind that the majority of side effects are just undesired side effects with no hidden benefits. When experiencing a side effect, always speak with your healthcare provider to explore the possible advantages and disadvantages. Without medical advice, don’t presume a side effect has any hidden benefit.
Conclusion:
While some drug side effects can unintentionally lead to breakthroughs, it’s not something to gamble on. When it comes to your health, always prioritize safety and well-being. Open conversations with your doctor about any side effects you experience are crucial. They can guide you through the best course of action, balancing the benefits and risks of any medication.
Remember, while the discovery of beneficial side effects is fascinating, the primary goal of any treatment should be to improve your health and quality of life in the safest manner possible. By staying informed and maintaining a dialogue with your healthcare provider, you can navigate the complexities of medication side effects more effectively.
