Learn the medication effects and side effects of the 10 most common prescriptions. Managing chronic health conditions typically involves the use of prescription medications, each with its own set of effects and potential side effects. However, integrating alternative healthcare approaches—such as nutrition, chiropractic care, and acupuncture—can complement traditional treatments, potentially reducing reliance on medications and enhancing overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore ten commonly prescribed medications in Colorado, discuss their primary uses and side effects, and offer alternative strategies to manage these conditions.

1. Medication Effects and Side Effects of Levothyroxine (Synthroid)

Purpose: Levothyroxine is prescribed for hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce sufficient hormones.

Common Side Effects: Increased appetite, weight loss, heat sensitivity, excessive sweating, headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, and anxiety.

Alternative Approaches:

  • Nutritional Support: Ensuring adequate intake of iodine, selenium, and zinc is crucial for thyroid function. Foods rich in these nutrients include seaweed, Brazil nuts, and pumpkin seeds.
  • Chiropractic Care: While chiropractic adjustments don’t directly affect thyroid function, they can improve nervous system health, potentially aiding overall endocrine function.
  • Acupuncture: Acupuncture may help balance the body’s energy flow, supporting thyroid health and alleviating symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.

Recommended Supplements:

2. Medication Effects and Side Effects of Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)

Purpose: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.

Medication Effects and Side Effects: Cough, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and in rare cases, elevated blood potassium levels.

Alternative Approaches:

  • Nutritional Support: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products can help lower blood pressure. The DASH diet is particularly effective.
  • Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments may help reduce blood pressure by alleviating nerve interference.
  • Acupuncture: Regular acupuncture sessions have been shown to lower blood pressure by promoting relaxation and improving blood flow.

Recommended Supplements:

  • Metagenics ArginCor (supports vascular health and circulation)
  • Pure Encapsulations Nitric Oxide Ultra (supports healthy blood pressure levels)

3. Medication Effects and Side Effects of Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Purpose: Atorvastatin is used to lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Common Side Effects: Muscle pain, fatigue, digestive problems, and increased blood sugar levels.

Alternative Approaches:

  • Nutritional Support: Incorporate foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseeds, to improve cholesterol levels.
  • Chiropractic Care: While not directly affecting cholesterol, chiropractic care can enhance overall health, supporting cardiovascular function.
  • Acupuncture: Acupuncture may assist in regulating lipid metabolism, contributing to balanced cholesterol levels.

Recommended Supplements:

4. Medication Effects and Side Effects of Metformin (Glucophage)

Purpose: Metformin is commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar levels.

Common Side Effects: Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a metallic taste in the mouth.

Alternative Approaches:

  • Nutritional Support: A low-glycemic diet focusing on whole grains, lean proteins, and fiber-rich vegetables can help manage blood sugar levels.
  • Chiropractic Care: Adjustments may improve pancreatic function by enhancing nervous system communication.
  • Acupuncture: Acupuncture has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.

Recommended Supplements:

5. Medication Effects and Side Effects of Amlodipine (Norvasc)

Purpose: Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and angina.

Common Side Effects: Swelling, dizziness, fatigue, and palpitations.

Alternative Approaches:

  • Nutritional Support: Increasing the intake of potassium-rich foods like bananas and sweet potatoes can help manage blood pressure.
  • Chiropractic Care: Regular adjustments may aid in reducing hypertension by improving nervous system function.
  • Acupuncture: Acupuncture can promote vasodilation and relaxation, assisting in blood pressure reduction.

Recommended Supplements:

  • Metagenics Vasotensin (supports healthy blood pressure levels)
  • Pure Encapsulations Astaxanthin (supports vascular health)

6. Medication Effects and Side Effects of Omeprazole (Prilosec)

Purpose: Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Common Side Effects: Headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and potential nutrient deficiencies with long-term use.

Alternative Approaches:

  • Nutritional Support: Avoid trigger foods such as spicy dishes, caffeine, and alcohol. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help.
  • Chiropractic Care: Adjustments, particularly in the thoracic spine, may alleviate GERD symptoms by reducing nerve interference.
  • Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help regulate stomach acid production and improve digestive function.

Recommended Supplements:

  • Metagenics GlutaClear (Advanced Glutathione support for GI lining integrity)
  • Pure Encapsulations Arabinogalactan  (soothes digestive inflammation)

7. Medication Effects and Side Effects of Simvastatin (Zocor)

Purpose: Similar to atorvastatin, simvastatin is used to lower cholesterol levels.

Common Side Effects: Muscle pain, weakness, digestive issues, and increased blood sugar levels.

Alternative Approaches:

  • Nutritional Support: Adopt a Mediterranean diet rich in healthy fats, lean proteins, and whole grains to manage cholesterol.
  • Chiropractic Care: Enhancing spinal alignment can support overall health, indirectly benefiting cholesterol management.
  • Acupuncture: Regular sessions may help balance lipid levels and support cardiovascular health.

Recommended Supplements:

  • Metagenics Lipo Gen (supports healthy lipid metabolism)
  • Pure Encapsulations CholestePure Plus (natural cholesterol-lowering support)

8. Losartan (Cozaar)

Purpose: Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure and protect the kidneys in diabetic patients.

Common Side Effects: Dizziness, back pain, nasal congestion, fatigue, and elevated potassium levels.

Alternative Approaches:

  • Nutritional Support: Increase intake of potassium-regulating foods such as leafy greens, beets, and nuts to balance blood pressure. Reduce processed foods high in sodium to naturally lower hypertension.
  • Chiropractic Care: Regular spinal adjustments can improve circulation and reduce nerve interference, helping blood pressure regulation.
  • Acupuncture: Studies suggest acupuncture helps lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure by reducing stress and improving vascular function.

Recommended Supplements:

9. Gabapentin (Neurontin)

Purpose: Gabapentin is prescribed to treat nerve pain, seizures, and conditions like fibromyalgia.

Common Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, weight gain, swelling in the limbs, and cognitive impairment.

Alternative Approaches:

  • Nutritional Support: Increase anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, and omega-3-rich fish to reduce nerve pain. Avoid processed sugars and high-glycemic foods that may worsen nerve inflammation.
  • Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments to alleviate nerve compression, reducing neuropathic pain. Specific techniques like soft tissue therapy and spinal decompression can aid patients with chronic nerve pain.
  • Acupuncture: Acupuncture has been shown to reduce nerve pain and improve function by stimulating the body’s natural pain-relief pathways and increasing circulation.

Recommended Supplements:

  • Metagenics Ceriva (supports cognitive and nerve health)
  • Pure Encapsulations NeuroPure (supports nerve function and reduces discomfort

10. Albuterol (Ventolin, ProAir, Proventil)

Purpose: Albuterol is a bronchodilator used to treat asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions by relaxing airway muscles.

Common Side Effects: Increased heart rate, tremors, nervousness, headaches, dizziness, and throat irritation.

Alternative Approaches:

  • Nutritional Support: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like garlic, ginger, and dark leafy greens can help manage asthma symptoms. Avoid dairy, processed sugar, and refined grains.
  • Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments, particularly in the upper thoracic spine, may help reduce nervous system interference and improve lung function.
  • Acupuncture: Acupuncture has been found to improve lung capacity and reduce asthma symptoms by supporting the body’s immune and nervous system regulation.

Recommended Supplements:

Achieving optimal health, peak athletic performance, and longevity requires a holistic approach integrating good nutrition, proper exercise, and regular chiropractic care. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients fuels the body, while consistent physical activity enhances strength, mobility, and cardiovascular function. Chiropractic care maintains proper spinal alignment, improves nervous system function, and prevents injuries. When combined with alternative therapies like acupuncture and targeted nutritional supplementation, these lifestyle practices can significantly improve overall well-being and reduce dependence on medication. Prioritizing these natural approaches can help you live a healthier, more active life for years to come.

If you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain, contact our office to schedule a FREE consultation to learn how Chiropractic, Dry Needling, and Low-Level Laser therapy can improve your performance and speed healing after an injury. Still not sure? Check out our hundreds of 5-Star Google reviews!