They are approved by the FDA; but are your medications safe? Many Americans die each year from prescription drugs.

The top 5 deadliest prescription medications in the last 10 years are strong opioid painkillers. Each one is dangerous on its own, but when combined, some of these medications can be deadly.

Oxycodone, which is a prescription opioid painkiller, this drug is generally prescribed for the relief of moderate to severe pain. This drug has reported side effects such as euphoria, fatigue, lightheadedness, dry mouth. High doses of the medication can cause shallow breathing, circulatory collapse, respiratory arrest and death. The use of this drug can be addicting.

Fentanyl, which is also a prescription opioid painkiller, is 100 times more potent than morphine. It is used to treat patients with chronic breakthrough pain and is commonly used in pre-procedures. The side effects of this drug are diarrhea, nausea, confusion and addiction. The use of Fentanyl has also been associated with aphasia; an acquired language disorder.

Clozapine, which is an antipsychotic medication, is used to treat patients who have been diagnosed with depression or schizophrenia. This drug has a black box warning for seizures, myocarditis, cardiovascular and respiratory effects.

Morphine, another opioid drug, is used to relieve severe pain and suffering. Like other opioid drugs Morphine acts directly on the central nervous system to relieve pain. The side effects of this drug are constipation, tonic gut spasms, dizziness, hallucinations and addiction.

Methadone is a drug used to help patients who have become addicted to opioid drugs. The side effects of this drug are dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and headache. Severe allergic reactions such as rash, hives difficulty of breathing and tightness in the chest have also been reported with this drug.

For consumers who have become addicted, sick or if you know someone who has died from the use of any or all of these prescription drugs, Los Angeles drug injury attorney may be able to help.

Before you begin any new medication always tell your physician what drugs you are currently taking, even over the counter drugs.