A leading UK pharmacist has issued a stark warning about seven common medications she would personally avoid, highlighting potential long-term health risks and dependency issues that many patients may not be aware of.
The Medications on the Blacklist
Deborah Grayson, a pharmacist with 13 years of professional experience, has revealed the seven pharmacy staples she would "never" take herself. Her concerns range from creating "zombie-like" drowsiness to developing dependencies that could leave patients in a worse condition than before treatment.
1. Codeine: The Addictive Painkiller
Codeine, available over-the-counter in lower strengths combined with paracetamol, is a powerful opioid painkiller that Grayson avoids due to addiction risks. "Opiate painkillers are all converted to morphine in the body and act on opiate receptors to dull the pain response," she explained. "Many of them also produce a warm and fuzzy feeling, often referred to as a buzz." She recommends using paracetamol or ibuprofen for mild to moderate pain instead, advising patients to consult their GP if these don't work rather than reaching for addictive opioids.
2. Statins: The Cholesterol Debate
Prescribed to millions of Britons to lower cholesterol, statins remain controversial in their true impact. Grayson emphasises they should only be taken when absolutely necessary, as they might do more harm than good for healthy individuals. "For women, the protective effect appears even smaller, raising questions about whether many are being medicated unnecessarily," she states. Known side effects include muscle pain, fatigue, and increased risk of liver inflammation. She advises thorough medical consultation before starting statins to explore potential alternatives.
3. Anti-depressants: Sky-High Prescriptions
With anti-depressant use in the UK reaching unprecedented levels, Grayson acknowledges their value for some patients but warns that side effects and withdrawal symptoms can outweigh long-term benefits for others. She notes the NHS remains strained in offering cognitive behavioural therapy, which might provide more sustainable benefits. "Side effects of antidepressants include nausea, headaches, sleep problems with longer term risks of weight gain, diabetes and gastric bleeds," she revealed. Some patients may experience sexual dysfunction over time, while withdrawal can cause dizziness, nausea, 'electric shock' head sensations, crushing anxiety, confusion, irritability and insomnia.
4. Gabapentin and Pregabalin: Nerve Pain Medications
These medications have become standard treatments for nerve pain and fibromyalgia, but Grayson believes their risks are frequently underestimated. "They can cause severe drowsiness, problems with balance and co-ordination, difficulty concentrating and longer-term impacts include weight gain and memory impairment," she explained. These initial effects are often so intense that many patients discontinue use before experiencing benefits, which can take weeks to appear. Both medications are controlled substances due to their potential for creating strong physical and psychological dependence.
Common Treatments with Hidden Dangers
5. Steroid Creams: Skin Treatment Risks
Widely prescribed for eczema, psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions, steroid creams are often used longer than recommended according to Grayson. "Steroids are often used for much longer periods than is recommended, as patients have them prescribed with little to no follow-up," she clarified. Long-term risks include skin thinning, painful reactions and increased susceptibility to infections. This can trap patients in a cycle where steroid cream becomes the only effective treatment for their discomfort.
6. PPIs: Heartburn Quick Fix
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole and lansoprazole rank among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the UK for heartburn and acid reflux. Grayson describes them as a "quick fix" that can cause serious problems with extended use. "Stomach acid is essential for digestion and nutrient absorption," she emphasised, noting that PPIs dramatically disrupt this process, effectively turning your stomach into a "compost bin" where food doesn't break down properly. These medications can cause nutrient deficiencies and shouldn't be used long-term. Instead, she recommends dietary adjustments and stress management to control symptoms.
7. Laxatives: Bowel Dependency
While millions suffer from constipation and many laxatives are available over-the-counter, long-term use can make the bowel become "lazy" according to Grayson. "Sufferers may become dependent and unable to go without them," she warned. Short-term side effects include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, bloating and wind. For chronic sufferers, she suggests dietary changes to increase fibre intake or using laxatives like Fybogel (ispaghula husk) or Macragol sachets that work by drawing more water into the bowel.
Professional Guidance for Medication Safety
Grayson's revelations highlight the importance of understanding both the benefits and potential risks of common medications. Her professional stance demonstrates that even widely prescribed treatments require careful consideration of individual circumstances and potential long-term consequences. Patients are encouraged to have open discussions with healthcare providers about medication risks, side effects, and alternative treatment options that might better suit their specific health needs and long-term wellbeing.
