GP Reveals The 3 Prescription Medications You Should Avoid – Here’s Why

A GP has issued a stark warning about the potential addiction risks and serious side effects associated with three commonly prescribed medications. Dr. Asif Ahmed shared his concerns in a TikTok video, urging anyone taking these drugs to consult their doctor before making decisions about long-term use.

Dr. Ahmed began his advice with omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor used to treat conditions caused by excessive stomach acid, such as heartburn and acid reflux. He explained that many patients are prescribed this medication for simple heartburn, but it is often not fully investigated, leading to prolonged use, as reported by Bristol Live.

“In my experience, a lot of people are put on this for simple heartburn and reflux but aren’t investigated and are put on it for many months, even years,” he said. He warned that patients can become reliant on the drug, experiencing rebound symptoms and finding it difficult to stop. “They get stuck on it, get rebound symptoms and can’t come off it and this has lots of side effects,” Dr. Ahmed added. He advised patients who have been using omeprazole for a long time without understanding why to speak with their doctor, who may be able to help gradually reduce their dosage.

Next, Dr. Ahmed addressed the use of gabapentin, a potent painkiller often prescribed for nerve pain. He noted that while the drug is effective for some patients, the required high dosage to manage pain often leads to severe side effects such as drowsiness.

“When gabapentin is prescribed for pain – from my experiences and the studies I have read, the dose you need to treat pain is so high that the side effects of feeling drowsy and sleepy are so severe,” he explained. While acknowledging that gabapentin can work well for some, Dr. Ahmed emphasized the importance of balancing pain management with quality of life. “In some patients, it’s working great and the pain is well controlled and they don’t have many side effects,” he clarified. “But these cases are rare. Please ask your doctor if it’s something that you have side effects from.”

The final drug Dr. Ahmed highlighted was diazepam, a medication commonly prescribed for anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. “This is a highly, highly addictive medication,” he warned. “Whilst it’s also highly, highly effective – especially in treating things like panic attacks and short-term use is not an issue – any longer than this, people can become addicted.”

Dr. Ahmed further cautioned that withdrawal from diazepam can cause life-threatening symptoms, particularly for those who have been using it for extended periods. “If you then try and come off it, you can get really bad withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening,” he said.

The advice has resonated with many TikTok users, who shared their own experiences with the medications. One user commented: “I’ve been on omeprazole for years. If I miss a couple of days, I’m in agony. Very uncomfortable throat burning and acid gurgling in my throat.” Others shared their struggles with gabapentin and diazepam, highlighting the challenges of managing side effects or discontinuing the medications.

The NHS stresses the importance of understanding the potential side effects of all prescribed medications. “All medicines are designed and prescribed in order to help patients overcome the symptoms of illness, or to prevent symptoms from coming back. They are intended to help,” it states. “It is true, however, that medicines can also cause unwanted effects, which we also call ‘side-effects’.” The NHS encourages open communication between patients and healthcare providers to manage any concerns and ensure the best treatment outcomes.