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Most adults don't think twice about taking aspirin, but should you give it to a child? Did you know that your migraine drug may be highly addictive? Or that diabetics using the drug Glucophage should not undergo an iodinated-contrast X-ray? Thrive Online notes that for more than 1,000 prescription drugs, dizziness is a potential side effect, and for more than 300 drugs, there is the possibility of depression. Mood swings, hallucinations and even psychotic episodes may result from certain medications. How Can You Tell? The first place to start is your doctor. With every

introductory appointment or new prescription, Thrive Online suggests you always give your or your child's complete medical history, including allergic reactions and current prescription and nonprescription drugs, to your physician or dentist. Even if it's something you've been taking for a long time, such as birth-control pills, or seemingly unrelated, like over-the-counter hay fever medication, tell your doctor.According to USA Today, people older than 65 are at greatest risk. One-quarter of all prescription and nonprescription drugs are consumed by the elderly, even though they comprise only 11 percent of the population. The majority also see more than one doctor and take at least two medications. Prescription Indexes Virtual Drugstore explains what the drugs are for, how they work, side effects, cautions and interactions.Thrive Online's comprehensive index to prescription and non-prescription drugs lists by generic name (acetaminophen) or category (e.g., pain reliever), but not brand name (e.g., Tylenol). Listings include brand and generic names, basic info, uses, dosage info, what the drug does, overdose symptoms, possible side effects, warnings and possible interactions with other drugs and substances. RxList lists 4,000 U.S. products.The search uses fuzzy logic, and assumes your input may be spelled incorrectly and attempts to find close matches. You can perform keyword searches for potential drug interactions, side effects and indications. The site also ranks the top 200 prescriptions.Infomed Drug Guide rates 100 drugs by lifetime value, symptomatic value and safety. Also included is information on pharmacology, indications, adverse reactions and interactions, contraindications and cautions, risk groups and reference materials. Johns Hopkins' U.S. Pharmacopeia describes the usage and side effects of drugs and dosage variations. It also gives advice on what you should know about the medication and what to ask your doctor.