Below is a list of 25 commonly used medications, along with their uses and potential side effects.

Prescribed Medications:

1. Lisinopril

- Use: Treats high blood pressure and heart failure.

- Common Side Effects: Cough, dizziness, headache, fatigue.

- Serious Side Effects: Swelling, elevated potassium levels, kidney complications.

2. Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

- Use: Lowers cholesterol and reduces risk of heart attack.

- Common Side Effects: Headache, muscle pain, digestive issues.

- Serious Side Effects: Liver problems, muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis).

3. Levothyroxine (Synthroid)

- Use: Treats hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

- Common Side Effects: Hair loss, sweating, mood changes.

- Serious Side Effects: Chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat.

4. Metformin

- Use: Manages blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.

- Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach.

- Serious Side Effects: Lactic acidosis, vitamin B12 deficiency.

5. Amlodipine (Norvasc)

- Use: Treats high blood pressure and angina (chest pain).

- Common Side Effects: Swelling, dizziness, fatigue.

- Serious Side Effects: Heart palpitations, chest pain.

6. Metoprolol

- Use: Manages high blood pressure, angina, and heart failure.

- Common Side Effects: Fatigue, dizziness, depression.

- Serious Side Effects: Shortness of breath, slow heart rate.

7. Omeprazole (Prilosec)

- Use: Treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

- Common Side Effects: Headache, abdominal pain, nausea.

- Serious Side Effects: Kidney damage, low magnesium levels.

8. Simvastatin (Zocor)

- Use: Lowers cholesterol and reduces risk of heart disease.

- Common Side Effects: Muscle pain, digestive issues.

- Serious Side Effects: Liver damage, muscle breakdown.

9. Losartan

- Use: Treats high blood pressure and protects kidneys.

- Common Side Effects: Dizziness, nasal congestion, back pain.

- Serious Side Effects: High potassium levels, kidney issues.

10. Gabapentin

- Use: Manages nerve pain and seizures.

- Common Side Effects: Dizziness, fatigue, edema.

- Serious Side Effects: Respiratory depression, mood changes.

11. Hydrochlorothiazide

- Use: Diuretic for high blood pressure and fluid retention.

- Common Side Effects: Dizziness, headache, dehydration.

- Serious Side Effects:*Electrolyte imbalances, kidney issues.

12. Sertraline (Zoloft)

- Use: Treats depression and anxiety disorders.

- Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, insomnia.

- Serious Side Effects: Suicidal thoughts, serotonin syndrome.

13. Furosemide (Lasix)

- Use: Diuretic for edema and high blood pressure.

- Common Side Effects: Increased urination, dehydration.

- Serious Side Effects: Electrolyte imbalance, kidney problems.

14. Alprazolam (Xanax)

- Use: Treats anxiety and panic disorders.

- Common Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth.

- Serious Side Effects: Dependence, respiratory depression.

15. Pantoprazole (Protonix)

- Use: Treats GERD and excessive stomach acid.

- Common Side Effects: Headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain.

- Serious Side Effects: Bone fractures, low magnesium levels.

16. Citalopram (Celexa)

- Use: Treats depression and anxiety.

- Common Side Effects: Nausea, dry mouth, sleep issues.

- Serious Side Effects: Heart rhythm changes, serotonin syndrome.

17. Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

- Use: Treats depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

- Common Side Effects: Nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness.

- Serious Side Effects: Liver damage, suicidal thoughts & tendencies.

18. Warfarin (Coumadin)

- Use: Anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots.

- Common Side Effects: Bleeding, bruising.

- Serious Side Effects: Severe bleeding, skin necrosis.

19. Zolpidem (Ambien)

- Use: Treats insomnia.

- Common Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness.

- Serious Side Effects: Complex sleep behaviors, dependence.

20. Fluticasone (Flonase)

- Use: Nasal spray for allergies.

- Common Side Effects: Nasal irritation, headache.

- Serious Side Effects: Nosebleeds, nasal septum perforation.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications:

21. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

- Use: Pain reliever and fever reducer.

- Common Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated.

- Serious Side Effects: Liver damage.

22. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

- Use: NSAID for pain and inflammation.

- Common Side Effects: Upset stomach, dizziness.

- Serious Side Effects: Stomach ulcers, kidney damage.

23. Aspirin

- Use: Pain relief, fever reducer, heart attack prevention.

- Common Side Effects: Upset stomach, bleeding tendency.

- Serious Side Effects: Stomach ulcers, allergic reactions.

24. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

- Use: Antihistamine for allergies.

- Common Side Effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness.

- Serious Side Effects: Urinary retention, blurred vision.

25. Loratadine (Claritin)

- Use: Antihistamine for allergy relief.

- Common Side Effects: Headache, somnolence, dry mouth.

- Serious Side Effects: Severe allergic reactions.

Each medication can have varying effects based on individual health conditions and should be used under a healthcare provider’s guidance.

Always consult a medical professional for advice tailored to your health and educate yourself!!!