The most lethal prescription and OTC drugs

Drugs designed to bring relief can in many cases cause more serious problems. These are the top 10 most commonly reported problem medications that can even lead to death (particularly when you consider that many people are prescribed more than one drug to relieve symptoms). Anti-inflammatory drugs feature strongly in this list.

Aspirin: prevents blood clots

Infliximab: anti-inflammatory

Rofecoxib (Vioxx): anti-inflammatory

Diclofenac: anti-inflammatory

Warfarin: prevents blood clots

Olanzapine: anti-psychotic

Venlafaxine: anti-depressant

Methotrexate: treats cancer and rheumatoid arthritis

Paroxetine: anti-depressant

Clozapine: anti-psychotic

A particularly vulnerable group are the over 65s who are commonly referred to as 'over-prescribed' and 'under-treated'.

Some of the above drugs are known by different names, but if you look at the leaflet that will be in your medication pack you will be able to determine if the drug you are prescribed could cause you problems.

^{Source: MHRA}

Do you think you or a family member is over-medicated and under-treated? Pain Medication Poll