Commonly Used Drugs for Medical Illness and the Nervous System

This article provides an overview of the neurologic side effects of commonly prescribed medications, some of which can result in significant impairment if not addressed. This article aims to help clinicians recognize neurologic adverse drug reactions of a range of medication classes.

Adverse drug reactions are a source of significant morbidity and rising health care costs. Failure to recognize neurologic adverse drug reactions may prompt unnecessary testing to identify a primary neurologic condition and expose the patient to continued adverse effects of a medication. Familiarity with the side effect profiles of newer medications, timing of side effects, pattern of reaction, medication rechallenge, and concurrent medical issues and awareness of significant medication interactions may aid in the identification of a medication side effect.

Early recognition of neurologic adverse medication reactions can be challenging but is essential to prompt discontinuation of the offending medication or administration of specific symptomatic treatments in select cases. A high index of suspicion is needed to arrive at the correct diagnosis promptly, initiate a treatment plan, limit unnecessary testing, and reduce overall health care cost burden.