MyFox
 

stanleyg's Blog

by stanleyg from park hill

Last Post 58 days, 22 hours Ago


Prescription Medications
May 7, 2008 | 7:21 PM
Category: News
Report This Post

does anyone else feel that we are a totally over-medicated society?   my mother takes pills to counteract the negative effects of other pills she takes.  my mother in law died from taking neurontin.  my wife doesn't feel good if she doesn't take the narcotics prescribed to her.  she has high blood pressure, and migraines, but nothing that would cause chronic pain.  i take no prescriptions, and feel generally well every day.  opinions please.

18 Comments |  Add a Comment

Member Comments Total Comments: 18
Page 1 of 2
1
2
 Last
GarageGuy read my blog
May 8, 2008 | 9:59 AM

I agree. If there isn't a syndrome that fits your misery, you can just make one up.

Just to fit in, I'll go to the dentist or get drunk once in a while so I have an excuse to take an advil.
Boots1
May 8, 2008 | 3:31 PM

I agree, Doctors have sold their souls to the drug companies.

These "legal drugs" are big business, In many cases I think they do more harm than good.
Raysmom
May 8, 2008 | 3:35 PM

Garage- LOL!

I take Thyroid meds- without them I am a SLUG. I resisted taking Imitrex for my migraines and suffered for years- my neighbor insisted a few years ago, and now I can't believe I suffered like that for nothing!

That being said, I do not take my cholesterol meds the way I should, or my heart murmur pills unless I need them- the side affects frighten me and I try to live healthier, instead (except when I join Garage in a beer or three, then I happily gulp aspirin)!

The pharmaceutical co's and Dr's make big bucks off of pumping people with pills- get a Health Spending Account with a high deductible catastophic policy, manage your own health care, and even if you have some health problems, as I do, you will be amazed at how much better you feel and how much $$$ you save not paying for co-pay insurance and unneccesary treatment! It's the answer to the HealthCare problem, in my opinion!
GarageGuy read my blog
May 8, 2008 | 3:39 PM

Doc gave me some blood pressure pills and all they seem to do is make me tired (I'm only 40). I quit taking them and I seem just fine. I check my blood pressure once in a while and it's normal. I always wanted to ask where do they come up with what's "normal". Vitamins seem to be a load of crap too...but it could be just me.


and when the liberals take over (should say they already have), I may have to join the totally over-medicated society with my new t-shirt that reads "Sobriety Sucks".

I figure it's good to have a goal.
GarageGuy read my blog
May 8, 2008 | 3:44 PM

not to encourage anyone not to take their prescriptions....don't get that wrong.


HI MOM!
Raysmom
May 8, 2008 | 3:58 PM

Oh, I want one of those T-shirts! It would go well with my bumper sticker, "Annoy A Liberal- Work Hard, Be Happy!

OK- nobody get mad at me- we wouldn't want you to have to go on Garage's BP meds!
DiMur view my photos
May 8, 2008 | 4:15 PM

My grandmother was on about 20 different prescription meds, some to counteract side effects of others, and she ended up with drug-induced psychosis. I still think we should have filed a malpractice suit.

What cracks me up is how they disclose every possible side effect in the commercials. After listening to that, who would take any medicine? You might grow a third eye, but you won't fart anymore? No, thanks!

We are definitely an over-medicated society. I personally don't take anything unless I have to. Well ok, maybe an adult libation now and then...
WKD-RDR
May 8, 2008 | 4:31 PM

GG - Not to preach, but since you asked....

Blood pressure ranges are determined by studies that indicate that above a given level, you have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke (cardiovascular events). Below this identifiable risk is considered "normal".
Optimal BP (lowest risk) is around 120 / 80

High blood pressure does not have any physical symptoms that you would notice, and it is the single biggest factor when looking at heart disease and stroke prevention.


And, yeah, most vitamins (and herbs) are crap.


stanleyg - if your wife doesn't feel good if she doesn't take her narcotics, physical addiction may be an issue. These meds have terrible physical withdrawl symptoms.
How did neurontin kill your mother-in-law?
WKD-RDR
May 8, 2008 | 4:41 PM

What you guys should be pissed about is the fact that drug companies are making very few new drug entities. They are taking old ones, giving them a "tweek" so they may be more convenient to some, and marketing the hell out of them. These modifications cost less, require less (if any) studies, as it just the same stuff....but they still charge an arm and a leg.
Google Operation Shark Fin Nexium...

This is just one example of what happens, creating long acting forms, extracting isomers, using the active metabolites as drugs, etc... The drug companies are into the low risk options, as drugs with a new mechanism have a high failure and or risk rate (i.e. being sued for long- term effects not detected in studies).

What ya'll should be really upset about is that the production of antibiotics is very low compared to the rising rate of resistance. Drug companies do not want to invest in antibiotics as the risk of failure is great. Superbugs are a growing concern to doctors and patients, but drug copmpanies would rather give old men boners and make cash.
Raysmom
May 8, 2008 | 5:55 PM

Very interesting stuff, WKD. How do you know so much? Are we getting a little insider info, here? My mother has rheumatoid arthritis, and the meds are VERY SCARY, yet surprisingly similar even though the dosage is very different. I am having the blood test done, as I am showing early symptoms- we both have the auto-immune issues. I am nervous, and you have given me some food for thought. Good post.
Raysmom
May 8, 2008 | 5:57 PM

DiMur- a third eye...Funny!!!
WKD-RDR
May 8, 2008 | 9:31 PM

The best thing I can say on a internet conversation is.....

It comes down to risk/benefit.
Do the potential RISKS of these meds outweigh the benefit of this med (preventing permanent damage to your joints). Dont focus plainly on the risks of the medicines. The disease can be quite scary if not properly treated, especially early on.

Treatment of RA has a very strong medication component, they are essential. See a specialist (Rhuematologist), ask questions & listen to what they say, that is their career... they know the meds and can guide you.
gjflash read my blog view my photos
May 9, 2008 | 4:57 AM

I agree, it might be time to take a step back and look at prescription drugs.

I have a (very wealthy) client with NO medical conditions at all. She takes 10+ pills a day, mostly for pain and "anxiety" (I don't know what she's anxious about, she inherited millions and has never worked a day in her life).

I think that a lot of these medications are being taken just "because they're there".

Personally speaking, I self-medicate with Coors Beer and Stranahan's Whiskey.
stanleyg read my blog
May 10, 2008 | 7:52 AM

to answer, the official cause of my mother in law's death was toxicity caused by neurontin. after her passing, i researched neurontin overdoses on line, and was not able to find any fatalities directly linked to that drug. im no expert by far, but i suspect that the neurontin may have reacted to one of the many prescription meds that she was taking.
stanleyg read my blog
May 10, 2008 | 7:55 AM

demand for quick fixes has helped cause this problem. new medications are not tested on a long term scale before going on the market. all of these "miracle drugs" may be destroying our bodies slowly and we just won't find out for several years. my m.i.l.'s case was just an extreme, yet tragic example
Page 1 of 2
1
2
 Last


Write your comment below:




stanleyg

just another dad and husband working hard to put food on the table

Member Since: 5/4/2008


 

RSS: XMLWhat is RSS?