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A general practitioner has expressed concerns about the continuous use of three prescribed medications, highlighting their potential for dependency and other adverse effects.
Dr. Asif Ahmed shared his insights via a TikTok video, recommending that patients who are currently on these medications consult their healthcare provider before making decisions about ongoing use.
He initially addressed omeprazole, a “proton pump inhibitor” utilised to manage conditions that cause excess stomach acid production.
“In my practice, I’ve observed that many individuals are prescribed these for common issues like heartburn and acid reflux without thorough investigation, leading to prolonged use that can last months or even years,” Dr. Ahmed stated.
“They get stuck on it, get rebound symptoms and can’t come off it and this has lots of side effects.”
He advised patients taking omeprazole for an extended period without adequate understanding to consult their GP, who might be able to help reduce their dosage gradually.
Dr Ahmed subsequently addressed gabapentin, a powerful pain relief medication primarily prescribed for nerve-related discomfort.
“When gabapentin is prescribed for pain, based on my observations and the literature I’ve reviewed, the necessary dose to manage pain levels can cause significant drowsiness and lethargy due to its high side effects,” he explained.
However, the GP stressed the importance of finding equilibrium between pain management and preserving life quality.
“In some patients it’s working great and the pain is well controlled and they don’t have many side effects,” he elaborated.
“But these cases are rare. Please ask your doctor if it’s something that you have side effects from.”
He added: “Although it is extremely effective, particularly for managing panic attacks and short-term use poses no problems, extended use can lead to addiction concerns.”
Dr Ahmed finished with a warning regarding diazepam, a medication commonly prescribed for anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.
“This is a highly, highly addictive medication,” he cautioned.
The GP added: “If you then try and come off it, you can get really bad withdrawal symptoms that can be life threatening.
“In rare cases, people need it to maintain a good quality of life, but these patients are normally ones who who have been on it for many years and it’s more risky to their health coming off it.”
The NHS advises: “All medicines are designed and prescribed in order to help patients overcome the symptoms of illness, or to prevent symptoms coming back. They are intended to help. It is true, however, that medicines can also cause unwanted effects, which we also call ‘side-effects’.
“No-one can promise, or be promised, that a treatment will not cause side-effects. This is not realistic or honest. A great deal can be done to share information about how small or large a problem or side-effect might be, whether it will lessen over time and what else can be done to reduce a particular side-effect. Do remember that information about side-effects is based on averages. Even a common side-effect doesn’t affect everyone who takes the medicine.”
The statement continues: “Understanding which side-effects a medicine might cause can make them feel more manageable and less worrying. This is clearly very important for patients. It is also important for healthcare professionals. Having honest and open conversations about side-effects helps patients to get the best out of medicines. Ignoring the issue can often result in someone not taking their medicines and becoming unwell again.”
For tailored advice concerning your medication, it’s always recommended to consult with your GP.
