MovieChat Forums > The Union: The Business Behind Getting High (2007) Discussion > They never mention any negative side eff...

They never mention any negative side effects..

posted 15 years ago by ccbobby2000
49 replies | jump to latest

First of all, if you think that there are no negative side effects associated with smoking marijuana, you are retarded. Of coarse there are, as there is with every drug. The only thing I didn't like about the movie was that these things were omitted.

www.erowid.org list the negative side effects as:

* nausea, especially in combination with alcohol, some pharmaceuticals, or other psychoactives
* coughing, asthma, upper respiratory problems
* difficulty with short term memory during effects and during periods of frequent use (Ranganathan M, D'Souza DC, Psychopharmacology, 2006)
* racing heart, agitation, feeling tense
* mild to severe anxiety
* panic attacks in sensitive users or with very high doses (oral use increases risk of getting too much)
* headaches
* dizziness, confusion
* lightheadedness or fainting (in cases of lowered blood pressure)
* paranoid & anxious thoughts more frequent
* possible psychological dependence on cannabis
* clumsiness, loss of coordination at high doses
* can precipitate or exacerbate latent or existing mental disorders

They briefly mention that it can cause schizophrenia in people who have a family history of it, but that is it.

Yes marijuana is great medicine for some people, as you saw with the guy that had multiple sclerosis in the movie. And yes, I do feel marijuana should be legal with the same restrictions as alcohol. But don't think you arn't doing any harm to your body by smoking marijuana.

To be a truly non-biased movie, I felt the should have at least went over these things.

[–] foxyroxy96 15 years ago

They do mention allot of these things, watch the movie again. They have Dr Lester Grinspoon Harvard MD and probably the worlds most renown scholar when it come to Cannabis research, state that MJ addictiveness is less than that of coffee, but that it is can be additive.

They also mention that excessive use can paralyze the cilia in your lungs by in taking heated plant matter.

Also the criminologist from Simon Frazier Neil Boyd, says "If you smoke Cannabis constantly for a year and quit, your going to feel some effects, but nothing of that of quitting tobacco or heroin.

Then the host clearly says that Cannabis poses no more of threat than substances we already regulate.

Also when is states the FDA list of side affects from Merinol, it states that you may feel dizziness, nausea, feeling of exacturated happiness and then compares those symptoms to that of being high.

The film also lists during the film, and in the credits, AND on it's website, the studies, such as the Nixon report, for to examine yourself, which explains very cleary the harms and uses for Cannabis.

Quite simply, The Union is the best Cannabis film on the market, HANDS DOWN! there's a reason it's now being screened to taught at universities all over North America

[–] horst-kackebart 15 years ago

"They have Dr Lester Grinspoon Harvard MD and probably the worlds most renown scholar when it come to Cannabis research, state that MJ addictiveness is less than that of coffee, but that it is can be additive."

Yeah right, I've come to know hundreds of people who have used cannabis frequently and so have I (along with a number other psychoactive substances). Trust me, there are physical cannabis withdrawal symptoms. I have no idea why that keeps being denied, but it should so obvious for everyone who's been using it for a long time. In most cases there's at least insomnia and increased sweating, but also symptoms like diarrhea or decreased appetite during the first period of cannabis withdrawal.

These are either solely or to at least to some degree physical withdrawal symptoms. There are various studies about the subject. just google "cannabis withdrawal syndrome"

Of course this is a very very mild form of physical withdrawal compared to alcohol, benzodiazepines or opioids which can make you wish you were never born lol. One more reason to make these facts known instead of denying or arguing against them.

[–] Midnight_Aviator 15 years ago

I'm curious, I haven't seen the film and i'm not educated on the pros or cons of marijuana, but I would like to know something. How come in high school, all the people that I knew that started smoking pot started to slip in their classes? Not a single one was better off academically. I also knew people who started drinking quite often but their grades did not slip noticably. If marijuana is not worse than alcohol then how did this happen?
I'm not trying to start an argument, I'm really curious as to why that happened.

Thanks and Gig'em.

[–] cheepnis 15 years ago

to canadians are our friends--

I'm no expert, but this is my theory on why pot smokers grades may slip:

While it may not really make you dumber, weed makes you care less about things, and it turns many people into couch potatoes. As stupid a song as it is, "Because I got High" by Afroman sums it up... I was gonna do my homework, but I got high, I was gonna go to class, but I got high, I was gonna study for that test, but I got high... I was gonna play video games and listen to jam music all day... oh wait, that's normal when you get high.

I'm not saying all pot smokers sit around doing nothing, but many do... at least early on, then they build up their tolerance and are able to carry out their daily functions almost as if they never smoked at all (which to me, seems to defeat the whole point of smoking in the first place).

Also, unless you're a raging teenage alcoholic, most people at that age are just getting drunk on the weekends at parties, not really cutting into school time. I think pot smokers tend to get high at any time, making it more likely to affect school.

Just to completely contradict what I said, my high school valedictorian was a regular pot smoker (now a brain surgeon -- no joke) and many of my friends smoked frequently and still managed to pull good grades and get into good colleges, so take that for what it's worth.

[–] mannequeen 14 years ago

Cheepnis - Thank you for that last example of successful smokers!

Why is it that when arguing about people (which is what this is fundamentally about) hardly anyone retains a sense of subjectivism?

'People drop out of school when they smoke pot' is an invalid conclusion... The fact is, if someone fails academically, they were probably going to already. People see a causal relationship where there isn't necessarily one because it makes life easier. If you're interested in finding truth as opposed to simple answers, you will consider reading between the lines. Obviously.

In short, stupid people are stupid. With or without marijuana.

Personally, I'm currently smoking more than ever before, and am achieving the highest grades of my lifetime. Let's not forget that everything that taps into new functions of our brains will ultimately increase our intellect; anything from a puzzle to a musical instrument. Certain drugs tap pragmatic powers forcefully.

~wild weeds flower in wind and snow~

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] boeri1jd 14 years ago

Dude, you didn't say anything that couldn't also be said about video games, television, reading, crossword puzzles, sports, or music. Marijuana isn't a bad decision in and of itself. And you can do it on a regular basis and still be successful. All things in moderation, friend.

[–] cisned 13 years ago

Correlation does not mean causation, that's psychology 101. I agree most pot smokers are lazy when they are high, few are lazy all the time. I believe that people usually smoke though because they don't have anything else to do and are bored, rather than smoking prevents them from being a good contributor to society. Like you said, there are different people in the spectra that smoke weed. I think pot gets a bad rep because it attracts a lot of troubled teens, although to tell you the truth when I was in high school there are very few people who believe the myths of pot smoking. Many have tried pot, but still rather drink because its more socially acceptable, and trying to smoke can cause you to get into more trouble with the law, job, and family.

My opinion, for what it's worth, is that having pot legal would likely prevent more crimes, car crashes, and violence caused by only having alcohol as the legal substance used in social events. Productivity may go down, but most people who abuse pot are up to no good anyway, so its better if they stay home eating doritos and watching tv. Plus smoking pot increases creativity and self-reflection in some people that have resulted in great music, movies, and ideas. While alcohol has resulted in death, and much regretful actions.

[–] keykeyx100000 11 years ago

"I'm not saying all pot smokers sit around doing nothing, but many do... at least early on, then they build up their tolerance and are able to carry out their daily functions almost as if they never smoked at all (which to me, seems to defeat the whole point of smoking in the first place)."

This explains my former roommates. All 4 of them have been smoking since age 15 or so. One got a full ride scholarship for football. One studies computer programming. The other studies neuroscience.

The fourth decided to do cocaine and drink in addition to smoking. He is serving a year of house arrest.

The GPAs of the first three are all 3. The one studying neuroscience has a GPA of 3.6, and he said before he smoked his GPA was 2.8.

Before I lived with them last year, I saw pot smokers as losers. I even told them openly how I felt about them at first. They didn't seem to mind. Time proved me wrong. Three will graduate with honors next year.

[–] carey7755 14 years ago

[–] rrpostal 14 years ago

I smoked regularly in school and then went on to win medals at university for the highest grades achieved in 2 faculties. Not everyone who smokes pot is dumb. I believe it is better for you than alcohol, although, like any drug, it does have side effects. Moderation is the key.

I hear this all the time. Hell I used to smoke pretty heavily and managed to graduate with good grades from HS and Undergrad. I stopped somewhere in there because I just stopped enjoying it. Strangely I started to become paranoid and nervous, which was completely opposite of how it previously affected me. But, to my main point, it is a given there are many successful talented people who smoke often. I know several myself. But who's to say they have not retarded their development from an even higher level of achievement? You say you are doing great, and I bet you are. But how would you have been doing without the distraction?

I think people can certainly be successful despite their pot use. But it comes down to whether they have any obligation to reach their full potential. The above mentioned brain surgeon may have been the brain surgeon to unlock Parkinson's had he not been stoned so often. But does he OWE that to anyone if is is happier this way? I am a big quality of life guy, and I think having so vices can make this life more enjoyable.

[–] michaelrberg 13 years ago

Where would I be without distractions likes girls, video games, the internet, and IMDB message boards? If the worst thing pot does is make me watch TV more often instead of being productive, that is MY choice. This Giant of a Federal Government should not be my second parents... it should be there to protect me from actual, harmful criminals (which are ironically created by the drug trafficking the laws have created). I make quite a bit of money and it ticks me off my taxes are used to make sure I am not smoking pot. Just remember, the argument is about the law, not if its harmful. Hell, McDonalds is harmful, but you better believe I would be mad if they banned that, too. Its the principle of the matter.

[–] StrangeMFDoom 14 years ago

Canadians_are,

Well there are really two things that you must take into consideration about this subject;

1)Kids that age are typically looking for anything else to do, other than studying. And while marijuana certainly can aid in one's laziness in school work, it is not the root. Its (marijuana) effects are not as immediate or debilitating as alcohol, and certainly not as noticeable, so it is much easier for one to get away with while living with parents. Plus, as the film mentions, the ease with which one can obtain some marijuana is significantly easier than it is for an underage kid to obtain a fifth of liquor or a case of beer. Which brings me to point 2...

2)The misuse of any substance can hinder one's ability to perform well in academia or at work. And while some might be able to function "normally" when in the grips of addiction (i.e. the "functional" alcoholic), most cannot. However when a substance, especially one as widespread as marijuana, is on the illegal market, it is not regulated in any way. That opens the flood gates to anyone who thinks it might be ok for them to try it, children included. And children, yes, even high school children, are very susceptible to falling into rhythms of habit, especially when the habit involves something as enjoyable as marijuana, and physically, carries little consequence.

Then there is the stigma that comes with the illegality of it: "He smokes pot. Pot is in the same class (or schedule) as heroin and crack. He is a criminal." And while one reading this might think "nah, that part has nothing to do with it." I would beg to differ. I mean we are (in American anyway) brought up with DARE programs (or ones like it) that constantly tell us "you smoke pot, your life will fall apart, you will fail at school and blah blah blah." Well perhaps they have created their own self-fulfilling prophecy with this rhetoric. I mean, call me crazy, but it seems to me that if you constantly drive the idea of "if you do A, then you will be B" into the heads of children, then you are just increasing the odds of "B" happening if they do try "A". Especially when they are too young to really know what the hell "A" and it's effects to the body are, and way to young to even comprehend the consequences of becoming "B" are.

By doing that, you are just giving a crutch to the ones that do fail. "Oh, I failed all but one class... because I smoke pot." Well no, you failed all your classes because you didn't go to class or do any of your homework. And here is where the argument gets hazy. Some will say, "well the reason he/she didn't do homework is because they were smoking pot." But this is a red herring, and an excuse to keep marijuana illegal. It wasn't pot that MADE this person not go to class or not do their homework, smoking pot was just an excuse to find something else to do. It is the fact that this person is obviously too young, or more so, too immature to responsibly use a substance like marijuana and manage their time/responsibilities along with it. Which is why this prohibition we have with marijuana right now is nonsensical. You make it illegal, it becomes far more available to the ones who should not have it. You make it legal and regulated, sure there will be unregulated and underage use of it, but it carries much less of a mental and real-world consequence. There are plenty of lawyers, doctors, scientists and the like who smoked marijuana all through high school and college, and some even through their professional lives, and yet they seem to make it to appointments on time and finish their reports and etc.

I could go on, but I think I have said too much already... They listen you know! lol

"Thanks, i try to keep it short, especially in the summer"

[–] Psadaa 13 years ago

Marijuana should not be smoked when your body/mind is still growing because it does have effect on the minds development.

But that is irrelevant - The effects on kids should not have anything to say in the choice to make it legal or illegal.

[–] Nick55419 14 years ago

The reason it's hard to pinpoint side effects of marijuana is that it's illegal! It has various potencies, people don't know how strong the stuff is they're smoking. There are only controlled studies and those don't reflect real world use.
Then you have the occasional smoker vs. the 5 times a day weed smoker. Like any overly used substance(coffee, cigs, booze, crack) they will have varying levels of side effects.

The movie does point them out, but it's not about weed is good weed is bad... it's about knowledge and spreading awareness.

From 10 years of on and off use, I can attest to the fact that it is not more addictive than fast food or cigarettes. Withdrawal symptoms hardly exist more than fatigue or boredom. It's not heroine folks. You can't die from withdrawal.

Anyways it needs to be regulated or at least made not illegal.

[–] denny7777 13 years ago

Yeah right, I've come to know hundreds of people who have used cannabis frequently and so have I (along with a number other psychoactive substances). Trust me, there are physical cannabis withdrawal symptoms. I have no idea why that keeps being denied, but it should so obvious for everyone who's been using it for a long time. In most cases there's at least insomnia and increased sweating, but also symptoms like diarrhea or decreased appetite during the first period of cannabis withdrawal.

These are either solely or to at least to some degree physical withdrawal symptoms. There are various studies about the subject. just google "cannabis withdrawal syndrome"

Of course this is a very very mild form of physical withdrawal compared to alcohol, benzodiazepines or opioids which can make you wish you were never born lol. One more reason to make these facts known instead of denying or arguing against them.

I've smoked the reefer once before in grad school, and trust me, TRUUUUUST ME YOU LITTLE YOUNGLINGS who've never smoked the reefer, ive smoked it before and I know, I KNOW, there are negative consequences, and even if you have smoked the reefer before and say there are no negative effects, well you are just 'retarded', you can't properly evaluate your own mind or the side effects.
If I drop some big words on you like benzodiazepine or alprazolam or 3,4-methylenedioxymethylalphamethylphenethylamine, you better listen to me because that means I am a self proclaimed druggy expert. I have navigated the google

did i mention that benzodiazepine withdrawals will make you wish you were never born lol, YOU DONT KNOW WHAT IVE BEEN THROUGH, lol, you dont even know so i'm going to throw in a few 'lol's, see, that means i am LAUGHING at how dumb and uneducated you are. LOL @ YOU ALL

I partook in smokage of the reefer only so I could give you all my OFFICIAL opinion on the subject matter, see im the type of person where my opinion always has to be OFFICIAL and if you dont believe me then i'm just going to shove my opinion DOWN YOUR THROAT because i am OFFICIALLY a DICKHEAD

Push the envelope, watch it bend

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] mannequeen 15 years ago

The message above has covered everything I wanted to respond with.

Simply, though, there CAN BE negative effects with the consumption of ANYTHING. Remember the boy who almost killed himself drinking too much Sunny Delight? An excess of anything can be harmful, and then there's the matter of relativity. It is necessary to talk about people as a collective because the world would move at a slow pace if we didn't. But it's out of convenience, that's all. Everyone is different, and internally so. Some people have no tolerance for alcohol, so they shouldn't drink.

Marijuana is no different. Some people, myself included, can smoke copious amounts, never experience negative results, and remain productive. Other people aren't so lucky, but they shouldn't smoke at all, or limit their consumption.

I think the documentary, once you read between the lines, was attempting to promote a sense of self-responsibility, which, lets face it, as a society we've completely lost. Intelligence will tell you that any foreign substance you put into your body, whether it be a narcotic, or processed food, has the potential to cause harm. Marijuana should not be hyped as something any different from anything else, was the point they were making.

~wild weeds flower in wind and snow~

[–] druminfected 15 years ago

ccbobby2000

"But don't think you arn't doing any harm to your body by smoking marijuana. "

I guess you have never heard of a vaporizer before.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaporizer

[–] cory-spicer 15 years ago

If merely listing the negative side effects summed up the reality of cannabis use, nobody would use it. People who get paranoid, or dizzy, or get headaches are the people who try pot and decide they don't like it.

But for a huge number of people this is something they can do to enjoy themselves with virtually no ill effects. Certainly nothing close to the physical toll exacted by a few drinks after dinner.

[–] MrMediocre 14 years ago

most if not all of what erowid listed there are TEMPORARY. smoking weed isnt going to make you confused, anxious and clumsy for the rest of your life

[–] alexd1983 14 years ago

For me personally, I'm 26 years old. I only started using Marijuana a couple of years ago. I wish I had started sooner. It has improved my life significantly (I have cerebral palsy - though not wheelchair bound), as well as depression and bi-polar.

I could go on and on about the benefits of Marijuana. The only bad thing I can say about it, is that its currently illegal and those who get caught with it, have their lives un-necessarily ruined and even die. I heard about this one guy that needed a liver tranplant, but is being denied because he has used marijuana and they won't give perfectly good organs to "drug users".

I will end with this:

In my experience, marijuana will help you in the things you truly want to do. If you wanna vege out on the couch with some chips, it'll help you enjoy that. If you wanna spend 4+ hours cleaning the house, it'll help make that more enjoyable too.

Marijuana does not make you lazy, only YOU can do that. It's up to you, don't blame the harmless plant.

[–] wizz_kush 14 years ago

Well put. Laziness cannot be listed as a direct effect of using marijuana. Laziness is a choice made by the person; someone choosing not to get their objectives done on their agenda is not the fault of the plant, but due to the fact that the user is irresponsible and immature.
Why should we push everyone who uses marijuana into that category? There are some people who can smoke marijuana and go about their daily life without a problem. This doesn't defeat the purpose because marijuana, in my opinion, is a pleasure enhancer. I don't enjoy cleaning my room, but when I get high and clean my room I enjoy it much more cleaning it sober.

[–] dylanmiles-1 14 years ago

the movie does in fact address alot of that. also bud won't destroy your liver

[–] thekidprodigy 14 years ago

the side effects of ibuprofen sound alot worse to me.

http://health.yahoo.com/pain-medications/ibuprofen/healthwise--d00015a1.html#d00015a1-sideeffects

[–] MachoManRandySavage 12 years ago

People seem to have watched this movie and then ignored everything it had to say in favour of reinforcing stereotypes.

[–] flank123 14 years ago

"* nausea, especially in combination with alcohol, some pharmaceuticals, or other psychoactives "
-Only when used to excess, and like you said, in combination. Moderate use without mixing (its never a good thing to do) will not result in nausea, and in fact, nausea is one of the things that cannabis can treat (for example: chemo therapy users may smoke to alleviate the terrible side effects of the chemo).

"* coughing, asthma, upper respiratory problem"
-A 30+ year study concluded that marijuana does not have negative effects on the lungs. NO bronchial problems, no inflammatory problems. Also, the active ingredient in marijuana is actually GOOD for asthmatic folk since it opens up the airways. This negative effect is ONLY based around the fact that you are smoking a dried product, and has NOTHING to do with marijuana itself.

"* panic attacks in sensitive users or with very high doses (oral use increases risk of getting too much) "
-True, however this is the same as saying that if you drink to much water you can drown yourself (which is true), so thats a negative of water?

"* headaches"
-Since marijuana is often used to alleviate headaches, this is a situational argument only which bases itself on people who for some reason, get headaches on pot.

"* dizziness, confusion "
-Once again, only in the situation where the user is new / has taken to high of a dose.

"* lightheadedness or fainting (in cases of lowered blood pressure) "
-since marijuana increases blood pressure, this is once again a situational argument being made for the many, but only really effecting a small percentage of people.

"* paranoid & anxious thoughts more frequent "
-When high: Occurs when the user is new to marijuana and is not 100% familiar with the sensation of being high. This feeling will fade. Also, marijuana is frequently used to medicate anxiety problems.
When sober: only because marijuana is illegal. This is not a negative because of marijuana itself, this is a bi-product of government policy.

"* possible psychological dependence on cannabis "
-True. The same can be said about anything in the world (you can build a psychological dependence on anything), but still valid since marijuana makes you happy, and people who have addictive personalities may abuse it, that however, is the person's fault, not marijuanas.

"* clumsiness, loss of coordination at high doses "
-This to me is in the grey area. Its more negative than positive, but still not that negative. But yes, i guess, a negative in using marijuana, you might spill your water. The argument where you might crash while driving high, or harm someone while doing something important is not valid. That person should not of been high while doing those things.

"* can precipitate or exacerbate latent or existing mental disorders "
-NO proof has EVER been found about this. It has been pointed towards that it might induce schizophrenia if there is an underlying issue, however, there has NEVER been a report proving this.

I however, agree with you OP in the sense that when marijuana is being argues, both sides should be taken into effect. There are some negative (well, more on the negative side anyways) effects that should be mentioned. But are these effects really so crippling as to keep it illegal? I don't know, maybe spilling water is a felony in some states...

[–] aristaeus77 14 years ago

1/2
Side Effects of Aspirin - for the Consumer
Aspirin
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin:

Heartburn; nausea; upset stomach.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe or persistent stomach pain; unusual bruising; vomiting.

Aspirin/Carisoprodol/Codeine
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Carisoprodol/Codeine:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; indigestion; lightheadedness; nausea; mild stomach pain or upset; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Carisoprodol/Codeine:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry, or bloody stools; blurred vision; fainting; fast heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; loss of coordination; mood or mental changes (eg, agitation, depression, irritability); ringing in the ears; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness, drowsiness, or stomach pain; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; shallow or very slow breathing; tremors; unusual bruising or bleeding; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; wheezing.

Aspirin/Caffeine/Dihydrocodeine
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Caffeine/Dihydrocodeine:

Blurred vision; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; heartburn; lightheadedness; nausea; upset stomach; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Caffeine/Dihydrocodeine:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black stools; confusion; diarrhea; difficulty swallowing; excessive drowsiness; hearing loss; hoarseness; mood or mental changes; ringing in the ears; shortness of breath; sweating.

Aspirin with Codeine
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin with Codeine:

Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; heartburn; lightheadedness; nausea; upset stomach; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin with Codeine:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black stools; blurred vision; confusion; diarrhea; difficulty swallowing; fast heartbeat; fast, irregular breathing or shortness of breath; hoarseness; ringing in the ears or hearing loss; severe drowsiness or dizziness; sweating; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual thirst; vision changes.

Aspirin/Caffeine/Propoxyphene
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Caffeine/Propoxyphene:

Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; lightheadedness; nausea; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Caffeine/Propoxyphene:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); anxiety; black or bloody stools; cold or clammy skin; confusion; decreased urination; excessive sweating; hallucinations; hearing loss; loss of appetite; loss of consciousness; mental or mood changes; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe drowsiness or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or heartburn; unusual bruising or bleeding; vision changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Aspirin/Caffeine
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Caffeine:

Dizziness; heartburn; irritability; nausea; nervousness; upset stomach.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Caffeine:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; diarrhea; drowsiness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe or persistent dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or heartburn; shakiness; trouble sleeping; vomiting.

Aspirin/Butalbital/Caffeine/Codeine
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Butalbital/Caffeine/Codeine:

Dizziness; drowsiness; gas; indigestion; lightheadedness; nausea; stomach pain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Butalbital/Caffeine/Codeine:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; severe drowsiness; shallow breathing; unusual bruising or bleeding.

Aspirin/Carisoprodol
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Carisoprodol:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; indigestion; nausea; mild stomach pain or upset; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Carisoprodol:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry, or bloody stools; change in the amount of urine produced; fainting; fast heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; loss of appetite; loss of coordination; mood or mental changes (eg, agitation, depression, irritability); painful urination; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness or stomach pain; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; tremors; unusual bruising or bleeding; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; weight loss; wheezing.

Aspirin/Butalbital/Caffeine
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Butalbital/Caffeine:

Dizziness; drowsiness; gas; lightheadedness; nausea; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Butalbital/Caffeine:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; fast heartbeat; red, swollen, or blistered skin; stomach pain; unusual bruising or bleeding.

Aspirin/Salicylamide/Caffeine
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Salicylamide/Caffeine:

Heartburn; nausea; upset stomach.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Salicylamide/Caffeine:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; diarrhea; drowsiness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe or persistent dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or heartburn; shakiness; trouble sleeping; vomiting.

If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Aspirin/Oxycodone
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Oxycodone:

Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; heartburn; lightheadedness; nausea; stomach upset; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Oxycodone:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black stools; confusion; dark urine; decreased urination; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hearing loss; hoarseness; mood or mental changes; muscle pain; one-sided weakness; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe dizziness or drowsiness; severe or persistent heartburn or stomach pain; shortness of breath; trouble swallowing; unusual bruising or bleeding; vision or speech problems; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; wheezing; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Aspirin Chewable Tablets
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin Chewable Tablets:

Heartburn; nausea; upset stomach.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin Chewable Tablets:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe stomach pain; unusual bruising; vomiting.

Aspirin Controlled-Release Tablets
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin Controlled-Release Tablets:

Heartburn; nausea; upset stomach.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin Controlled-Release Tablets:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe stomach pain; vomiting.

Aspirin Delayed-Release Tablets
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin Delayed-Release Tablets:

Heartburn; nausea; upset stomach.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin Delayed-Release Tablets:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe stomach pain; vomiting.

Aspirin Effervescent Tablets
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin Effervescent Tablets:

Heartburn; nausea; upset stomach.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin Effervescent Tablets:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black stools; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe stomach pain; unusual bruising; vomiting.

Aspirin/Dipyridamole Extended-Release Capsules
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin/Dipyridamole Extended-Release Capsules:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; heartburn; indigestion; stomach pain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin/Dipyridamole Extended-Release Capsules:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty swallowing or breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the hands, mouth, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue); bloody or black, tarry stools; chest pain; convulsions; dark urine or pale stools; hoarseness; memory loss; nausea; severe stomach pain; stroke; unusual fatigue; vomiting with or without blood; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Aspirin Gum
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin Gum:

Heartburn; nausea; upset stomach.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin Gum:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe or persistent stomach pain; unusual bruising; vomiting.

Aspirin Suppositories
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Aspirin Suppositories:

Rectal irritation.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Aspirin Suppositories:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); rectal bleeding; Reye syndrome (nausea; vomiting; fever); ringing in your ears; stomach pain.

[–] aristaeus77 14 years ago

2/2

Side Effects by Body System
Gastrointestinal
Endoscopically identifiable gastric mucosal lesions occur in most patients who receive a single dose of aspirin. Clinically evident gastrointestinal bleeding has been reported in as many as 3% of treated elderly patients. Anorectal ulceration and rectal stenosis have been reported in patients who abuse aspirin-containing rectal suppositories. One case-controlled study has suggested that an association between aspirin (and other NSAID) consumption and appendicitis may exist.

The risk of developing dyspeptic events (i.e., epigastric pain, heartburn, nausea, ulcers) is low in rheumatic patients with no prior gastrointestinal symptoms who receive low-dose (less than 650 mg/day) aspirin therapy.

Gastrointestinal side effects have included epigastric distress (in as many as 83% of patients treated with regular aspirin), abdominal discomfort or pain, endoscopically identifiable gastric mucosal lesions, nausea, and vomiting. More serious gastrointestinal effects include hemorrhage, peptic ulcers, perforation, small bowel enteropathy, and esophageal ulcerations.

Renal
The mechanism of an aspirin-induced decrease in renal function may be related to inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis with consequent decreases in renal blood flow. Vasodilating renal prostaglandins may be particularly important in patients who exhibit arterial underfilling (i.e. heart failure, cirrhosis). The administration of high doses of NSAIDs to such patients has produced acute renal failure in rare instances.

Renal side effects have included reduction in glomerular filtration rate (particularly in patients who are sodium restricted or who exhibit diminished effective arterial blood volume, such as patients with advanced heart failure or cirrhosis), interstitial nephritis, papillary necrosis, elevations in serum creatinine, elevations in blood urea nitrogen, proteinuria, hematuria, and renal failure.

Hematologic
Hematologic side effects have included increased blood fibrinolytic activity. In addition, hypoprothrombinemia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocyturia, megaloblastic anemia, and pancytopenia have been reported rarely. Aplastic anemia and eosinophilia have also been reported.

Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity side effects have included bronchospasm, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis. Approximately 10% to 30% of asthmatics are aspirin-sensitive (with the clinical triad of aspirin sensitivity, bronchial asthma, and nasal polyps).

The mechanism of aspirin-induced hypersensitivity may be related to an up-regulation of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism with a resulting increase in the products of 5-lipoxygenase (such as leukotrienes).

Dermatologic
Dermatologic side effects have included Stevens-Johnson syndrome and a lichenoid eruption. In addition, isolated cases of unilateral aquagenic wrinkling of the palms and papuloerythroderma have been associated with aspirin therapy.

Hepatic
Hepatic side effects have included hepatotoxicity and cholestatic hepatitis.

Oncologic
Oncologic side effects have included reports of pancreatic cancer. Several epidemiologic studies have suggested that chronic aspirin use may decrease the risk of large bowel neoplasms. However, other studies have not found such a beneficial effect.

Metabolic
Metabolic side effects have included dehydration and hyperkalemia. Respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis, particularly during salicylate toxicity, have been reported. A case of hypoglycemia has been reported in a patient on hemodialysis. Salicylates have also been reported to displace triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) from protein binding sites. The initial effect is an increase in serum free T4 concentrations.

Cardiovascular
A 29-year-old female with a history of migraine developed chest pain, tachycardia and orthopnea following aspirin consumption at doses of 1500 mg per day for several days. After discontinuation of aspirin therapy, the patient's symptoms promptly resolved. The patient consented to a pharmacological challenge test which once again triggered the symptoms.

Cardiovascular side effects have included salicylate-induced variant angina, ventricular ectopy, conduction abnormalities, and hypotension, particularly during salicylate toxicity. In addition, at least one case of fluid retention simulating acute congestive heart failure has been reported during aspirin therapy. Antiplatelet therapy has also been associated with acute deterioration of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Nervous system
Central nervous system side effects have included agitation, cerebral edema, coma, confusion, dizziness, headache, cranial hemorrhage, lethargy and seizures. Tinnitus and subjective hearing loss (or both) may occur. Some investigators have reported that modest doses may result in decreased frequency selectivity and may therefore impair hearing performance, particularly in the setting of background noise.

Some investigators have suggested that tinnitus may be a less reliable indicator of salicylate toxicity than previously believed. Patients with high frequency hearing loss may have difficulty perceiving tinnitus. In a study of rheumatoid arthritis patients, those with tinnitus had no greater salicylate levels than those without tinnitus. Elderly patients may be less likely to perceive tinnitus than younger patients.

Other
Reye's syndrome typically involves vomiting, neurologic dysfunction, and hepatic dysfunction during or shortly after an acute viral infection.

Other side effects have included Reye's syndrome with aspirin use in children with an acute viral illness. Reye's syndrome has also been reported even more rarely in adults.

Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal side effects have included rhabdomyolysis.

Respiratory
Respiratory side effects have included hyperpnea, pulmonary edema, and tachypnea.

Aspirin desensitization has been used to decrease disease activity and reduce the need for systemic corticosteroids in patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease.

Endocrine
Endocrine side effects have included hypoglycemia (which has been reported in children) and hyperglycemia.

Ocular
Ocular side effects have included cases of localized periorbital edema

/Happy camping

[–] dinsdale-8 14 years ago

I'm wondering what the alternative to "oral use" might be. *LOL* I heard about suppositories many years ago, but that hardly seems convenient, not to mention taking a lot of the social element out of it. Who wants to sit around with a group of friends and......well.....I'll leave it at that.