Understanding Drug Side Effects: Risks & Potential Dangers

Any drug can have adverse side effects, but the risk of life-threatening problems and even death escalates when illicit drugs are used or prescription medications are abused. Substances such as misused prescription drugs, marijuana, cocaine, and LSD all carry a number of potentially unhealthy symptoms.

Prescription Sedatives

• Prescription sedatives such as Xanax are especially apt for abuse, and its side effects include seizures, nausea, coma, and a feeling of a hangover. Death from overdose is especially possible when alcohol is also involved.

Cocaine

• Cocaine is an illegal stimulant. Such drug use can result in tremors, seizures, psychosis, and possibly fatal heart or lung failure.

Marijuana and Hashish

• Short-term side effects of marijuana or hashish use include memory problems and increased heart-rate. Long-term drug use can lead to infertility, a compromised immune system, and lung damage.

LSD

• LSD can cause disorientation, fast heartbeat, nausea, and depression. Possible long-term side effects include psychosis and paranoia.

Narcotics

• Narcotic use can include the illegal drug heroin or misusing prescription painkillers such as Vicodin. Depression, impotence, dizziness, constipation, and seizures are all potential side effects.