Neuromuscular Disorders—Drug Reactions

Also called: Side effects

Most of the time, medicines make our lives better. They reduce aches and pains, fight infections, and control problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes. But medicines can also cause unwanted reactions.

One problem is interactions, which may occur between

• Two drugs, such as aspirin and blood thinners
• Drugs and food, such as statins and grapefruit
• Drugs and supplements, such as ginkgo and blood thinners
• Drugs and diseases, such as aspirin and peptic ulcers

Interactions can change the actions of one or both drugs. The drugs might not work, or you could get side effects.

Side effects are unwanted effects caused by the drugs. Most are mild, such as a stomach aches or drowsiness, and go away after you stop taking the drug. Others can be more serious.

Drug allergies are another type of reaction. They can be mild or life-threatening. Skin reactions, such as hives and rashes, are the most common type. Anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction, is more rare.

When you start a new prescription or over-the-counter medication, make sure you understand how to take it correctly. Know which other medications and foods you need to avoid. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

• Angioedema (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Drug allergies (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Drug-induced diarrhea (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Drug-induced tremor (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Taking multiple medicines safely (Medical Encyclopedia)

Neuromuscular disorders affect the nerves that control your voluntary muscles. Voluntary muscles are the ones you can control, like in your arms and legs. Your nerve cells, also called neurons, send the messages that control these muscles. When the neurons become unhealthy or die, communication between your nervous system and muscles breaks down. As a result, your muscles weaken and waste away. The weakness can lead to twitching, cramps, aches and pains, and joint and movement problems. Sometimes it also affects heart function and your ability to breathe.

Examples of neuromuscular disorders include

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Myasthenia gravis
• Spinal muscular atrophy

Many neuromuscular diseases are genetic, which means they run in families or there is a mutation in your genes. Sometimes, an immune system disorder can cause them. Most of them have no cure. The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms, increase mobility and lengthen life.

• Apraxia (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Hand or foot spasms (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Muscle atrophy (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Muscle function loss (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Muscle twitching (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Myotonia congenita (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Spasticity (Medical Encyclopedia)