Do you know anyone that is a clean freak and yet seems to be the one always getting sick? Think about this – why are farmers often much healthier than many others? Many try to attribute it to their work regime and healthy diets, but another key reason is that they are exposed to many pathogens through the course of their daily routine and that frequent exposure helps their bodies build up antibodies to fight major infections. Clean freaks, as I call them, don’t give their bodies the opportunity to build up antibodies so when anything goes around, they get sick.

Parents need to think about this in the way they raise their kids. Quite often, the kids that are allowed to get dirty and play are often healthier in the long run while those that are over-protected from dirt, from cold etc., tend to be sicker.

In a way, that’s what is happening with millions of people taking prescription medications. Doctors are often quick to prescribe drugs, as if they get some kind of kick-back from some companies for prescribing their drugs. However, those drugs may not be the right drug or they may mask other health conditions. Additionally, the longer someone is on a prescribed drug, the effectiveness of the drug tends to diminish.

We all get emails warning us about taking some of the more common drugs, but these are ads for other treatments from other companies that are just trying to get your money. Some may be true but you have to realize that if just half of them are accurate, then most doctors have no idea what they are doing. For example, I see emails all the time warning about taking metformin for type 2 diabetes (I’m a type 2 diabetic), but I’ve done some research on some of these claims have found many of them are somewhat dubious at best.

However, there are some groups of drugs that seem to be over-prescribed which could end up causing as much harm as it’s helping. Here are 5 groups of prescribed drugs that carry their own dangers that you need to seriously consider.

1) Proton Pump Inhibitors – many people have no idea what a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is, but it’s a multi-billion business. They used to be prescription only but now are available over the counter. They are used to treat acid reflux. The most popular PPIs are Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec. Yes, they help control acid reflux, but they have also been linked to increased risks of dementia, kidney disease, heart attacks, chronic constipation, low magnesium and bone fractures. The longer someone takes a PPI, the higher the risk of developing any of these other factors. There are non-PPI medications that are effective in controlling acid reflux. I use famotidine, generic Pepcid.

2) Prednisone – This is a steroid that is commonly prescribed for autoimmune disorders including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. It works by suppressing the body’s autoimmune system, which leaves you more susceptible to other health conditions. Long term use not only can lead to catching more diseases, but it has been associated with increased bruising, changes in body fat, low libido, acne, menstruation complications, insomnia, mood problems headaches, dizziness bloating and nausea.

3) Statins – Used to treat high cholesterol levels. In 2012, it was reported that 23% of adults over 40 were taking some kind of statin. The most common statins are Crestor, Lipitor, Livalo, Mevacor, Prevachol and Zocor. Short term use can increase chances of headaches, insomnia, bloating, gas, diarrhea, muscle aches and rash. Long term use increases chances of deficits of vitamin K2 and coenzyme Q10, increased risk of breast cancer, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.

4) Antidepressants – Ten percent of Americans 12 and over take antidepressants and 60% of them have been taking them for over 2 years. Side effects often occur, such as weight gain, low libido, nausea, constipation, anxiety, irritability, and problems sleeping. There is also an increased risk of suicide among children and adolescents.

5)  Opioids – used to treat pain but are highly addictive. Currently, there is a huge epidemic of opioid overdoses. Many are attributed to people who became addicted while taking them for pain.

Before you decide to stop taking any of these medications, talk to your doctor. If not satisfied, find a holistic doctor as they treat the whole body, but just symptoms or specific conditions. They often have alternative treatments that are less harmful than the standard prescribed drugs. Do some research as you may find an alternative worth pursuing.