Research has found that 70% of the United States population is on one or more prescription medications. The truth behind every medication, including over-the-counter medications, is that each one slowly depletes essential vitamins and minerals. This can be of great concern bearing in mind many Americans are suffering from low levels of vitamins and minerals from a poor diet or inherent family history.

Unfortunately, this side effect is often overlooked and may be the cause of increased doctor visits and the development of underlying ailments. The longer a medication is on the market, the more research is done on the long-term side effects of the medication, including common vitamin deficiencies. It is very important to keep track of updated guidelines to better your health and quality of life.

At Injured Workers Pharmacy, we’ve made it our goal to provide you with the best care possible. You can avoid the side effect of vitamin depletion by speaking with one of our Staff Pharmacists and following the necessary steps to replenish nutrient depleting medication with natural supplements.

Research has also proven that by taking the suggested natural supplements your body is low in, you may better control chronic diseases such as osteoporosis (Calcium/Vitamin D/low bone mineral density), diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

The top 5 medication classes that deplete nutrients

1. PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitors)
   1. Omeprazole (Prilosec)
   2. Esomeprazole (Nexium)
   3. Pantoprazole (Protonix)
2. Opioids
   1. Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Morphine, Hydromorphone, etc. 
3. Psychotropic Medications
   1. Antidepressants (Prozac, Paxil, Nortriptyline, Bupropion, Buspar, etc.)
   2. Antipsychotics (Quetiapine, Clozapine, Abilify, Lithium, etc.)
4. Antibiotics
   1. Amoxicillin, Cephalexin, etc.
   2. Azithromycin, Doxycycline, Vancomycin etc.
5. Blood Pressure medications
   1. Furosemide, HCTZ, Spironolactone, etc.

What to do?

• Do NOT start any supplement without speaking to your pharmacist and doctor first. It is important that your health care provider(s) is aware of what medications you are on to make sure everything is being monitored correctly.
• After starting any natural supplement closely monitor your mood, energy level, mental health, and blood sugar (if necessary). It takes anywhere from 4-6 weeks to begin to see any potential changes in your health.
• When starting a new natural supplement start on a low dose to see how the body will tolerate it.
• If you have any questions feel free to call and speak to one our Pharmacist’s here at IWP, or your primary care physician.

The chart better represents which drug classes cause specific nutrient depletions.