Most drugs and procedures have a multitude of reported adverse side effects; the information leaflets provided with virtually all drugs list possible side effects. Beneficial side effects are less common; some examples, in many cases of side-effects that ultimately gained regulatory approval as intended effects, are: •
Bevacizumab (
Avastin), used to slow the growth of blood vessels, has been used against dry age-related
macular degeneration, as well as
macular edema from diseases such as
diabetic retinopathy and
central retinal vein occlusion. •
Buprenorphine has been shown experimentally (1982–1995) to be effective against severe, refractory depression. •
Bupropion (Wellbutrin), an
anti-depressant, also helps smoking cessation; this indication was later approved, and the name of the drug as sold for smoking cessation is Zyban. Bupropion branded as Zyban may be sold at a higher price than as Wellbutrin, so some physicians prescribe Wellbutrin for smoking cessation. •
Carbamazepine is an approved treatment for
bipolar disorder and
epileptic seizures, but it has side effects useful in treating
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
schizophrenia,
phantom limb syndrome,
paroxysmal extreme pain disorder,
neuromyotonia, and
post-traumatic stress disorder. •
Dexamethasone and
betamethasone in
premature labor, to enhance pulmonary maturation of the fetus. •
Doxepin has been used to treat
angioedema and severe allergic reactions due to its strong
antihistamine properties. •
Gabapentin, approved for treatment of
seizures and
postherpetic neuralgia in adults, has side effects which are useful in treating bipolar disorder,
essential tremor,
hot flashes,
migraine prophylaxis,
neuropathic pain syndromes, phantom limb syndrome, and
restless leg syndrome. •
Hydroxyzine, an antihistamine, is also used as an
anxiolytic. •
Magnesium sulfate in obstetrics for
premature labor and
preeclampsia. • The
SSRI medication
sertraline is approved as an antidepressant but delays
sexual climax in men, and can be used to treat
premature ejaculation. •
Sildenafil was originally intended for
pulmonary hypertension; subsequently, it was discovered that it also produces
erections, for which it was later approved. •
Terazosin, an
α1-adrenergic antagonist approved to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) and hypertension, is (one of several drugs) used off-label to treat drug induced
diaphoresis and
hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). •
Thalidomide, a drug sold
over the counter from 1957 to 1961 as a
tranquiliser and treatment for
morning sickness of pregnancy, became notorious for causing tens of thousands of babies to be
born without limbs and with other conditions, or
stillborn. The drug, though still
subject to other adverse side-effects, is now used to treat
cancers and
skin disorders, and is on the
World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. == See also ==