Steroid Side Effects
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Steroids are organic compounds that are both produced naturally in the body and created synthetically in labs. There a number of different types of steroids, each with its own specific uses, side effects, and dangers. Steroid categories include corticosteroids, such as those used in nasal sprays or to treat asthma, sex steroids, which are in Birth Control Pills, and anabolic-androgenic steroids, such as those used illicitly by athletes.
Typically, anabolic steroids are most often associated with dangerous side effects and abuse. However, all steroids have the potential to cause harm. Anabolic steroids can cause acne, breast development, liver damage and heart disease, and may also shrink testicles.[1] Corticosteroids can also cause major side effects, such as weaker bones and cataracts.[2] Sex steroids in birth control pills can build breast tissue, which may lead to breast, liver and cervical cancers.[3]
 Wikimedia Commons: Roberta F. | |
| Brand names | Various |
|---|---|
| Manufacturers | Various |
| Generics available? | Yes |
| Uses | Anti-inflmmation, birth control, building muscle tissue |
| Common side effects | Side effects of coticosteroids such as Prednisone - depression, eye pain and redness or altered vision, seizures. For anabolic steroids, kidney damage, heart problems, aggressive or psychotic behavior. For sex steroids, increased risk of liver, breast and cervical cancer.[4] [5] [6] |
| Who should not take steroids | Steroids have been banned by professional sports associations and the Olympics. |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Side Effects of Corticosteroids
A common prescription corticosteroid is the anti-inflammatory drug Prednisone. Some of the side effects of coticosteroids such as Prednisone - although they vary by drug - include depression, eye pain and redness or altered vision, seizures, flu-like symptoms, and, in extreme cases, even loss of contact with reality.[4]
Nasal sprays also often contain corticosteroids. Common nasal steroid sprays include Nasonex and Omnaris. Some of the side effects of nasal steroids include flu-like symptoms, extreme tiredness, muscle weakness, and vision problems.[7]
Side Effects of Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids, or anabolic-androgen steroids, are available in numerous prescription and over the counter varieties. Anabolic steroids copy the effects of male sex hormones. They cause an increased synthesis of protein that results in the growth of cell tissue, particularly in the muscles. Anabolic steroids are popular among athletes, who use them to increase strength, body mass, and endurance, even though their use has been prohibited by professional sports organizations and the Olympics, and their dangers have been widely publicized. The abuse of these drugs can cause a wide range of problems, including acne and skin cysts, kidney damage, heart problems including heart attacks, breast growth in men and shrinking of the testicles, aggressive or psychotic behavior, and liver disease or cancer.[5] [8]
Side Effects of Sex Steroids
Sex steroids include birth control pills for women and men's supplements such as DHEA. Every day, millions of women take prescription birth control pills, using steroids in ways that could have unforeseen side effects, including possibly on their brain structure and activity.[6] Steroid hormonal birth control drugs for women build breast tissue and increase the risks of liver, breast and cervical cancers.[3] Common steroidal oral contraceptives include Yasmin and Beyaz.
Drug Side Effects
Anabolic Steroid Abuse
A 2011 study concluded that male anabolic steroid users were considerably more likely than nonusers to have substance dependence disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, recent use of cocaine, and a history of sexual abuse.[9] Other studies confirm the profound effect that steroids can have on the brain. Steroids can contribute to psychiatric dysfunctions. For example, the chronic abuse of anabolic steroids can cause aggression and extreme mood swings that include manic symptoms. These symptoms can lead to extreme irritability, violence, sexual abuse, paranoid jealousy, delusions, and impaired judgment along with with feelings of being invincible.[8]
Also See: Nasonex Side Effects, Nasonex Coupons, Omnaris Side Effects, DHEA Side Effects, Yaz Side Effects, Femara Side Effects, Birth Control Coupons, Mirena Coupons, Plan B Side Effects, Plan B Coupons, Ella Emergency Contraception, Gilenya Side Effects,
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References
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/anabolicsteroids.html
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/steroids.html
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://www.bcpinstitute.org/brochure2.htm
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601102.html
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/anabolicsteroids.html
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=womens-brains-on-steroids
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000359/
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/steroids.html
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21923602
