Posted by srd1074 on November 4, 2003, at 12:38:54
In reply to Re: Wow, some of the things I read here scare me. » srd1074, posted by tensor on November 4, 2003, at 11:19:19
I am not referring to not taking medicine at all. I am talking about people taking unnecessary and clearly uneducated chances with their meds. I remember for example that someone asked if it is okay to not wait the complete downtime after coming off an MAOI before starting an SSRI.
I am talking about the person who took adderal to help them think. It didn't seem like it was their prescription based on the posting. Could be wrong, but that is not why the drug should be taken. It should be for people who can't focus on one thing long enough to retain information. Yes, psycho-stimulants have that added bonus of clarity of thought, but this should not be taken for granted.
I am talking about people who take one drug to alleviate the withdrawl from another. I understand the necessity of this for something like cocaine or heroin, but ritalin? Go to sleep.
These are the types of things that I am talking about.
I take meds. I am narcoleptic. I also take two that have not been thoroughly researched as to the potential risks of their combined effects. In fact, other more potent substances are showing bad side effects.
However, I did this at my discretion and per my own idea. I also did it after fully discussing the potential problems with my doctor and my pharmacist and reading every little piece of information I could about both drugs and even their relatives. I carefully weighed all the potential pros and cons and watched my body like a hawk for the first few weeks. I still keep an open eye.
As for consulting paid professionals, I did not say ignore them or completely trust them. I said to listen to them and consider the source. Pharmacists are one of your best sources - Especially if you live in a state where they do not have the right to prescribe medication. The reason being because they are not as likely to be influenced by the pharmaceutical companies. They go to several years of school that focus on the chemistry and biology of the chemicals that we call medicine. They know their drugs well. They are the ones that frequently have to call the doctor and tell them "you can't mix these two." Doctors go to school to study anatomy, physiology, microbiology (to study disease), immunology.... and their specialties. They do study some medicine, usually those relative to their specialties, but it is a small, small fraction of their education.
My point is to get your facts by learning from all resources. Do not limit your resources or you will come up with only a partial truth. Consider the hidden motives of your resources. Consider the educational background and experience of your resources. Also, consider that these chemicals affect everyone differently. One person's side effects may not be another's. However, those warning labels and directions are there for a reason - not because YOU may experience something bad, but because studies have indicated that this is the safest parameter. Consider the fact that if it is too good to be true, it probably is. Look to the long run. I am seeing some microwave society problems withing the context of these postings. (The guy who didn't want to wait 2-4 extra days before starting the SSRI) We want a pill to just fix us. While, many of the issues that I am reading here need medicine, these medicines are not the only part of the solutions and probably aren't going to give a very fast solution. The opposite holds true as well.
S.
poster:srd1074
thread:276285
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031030/msgs/276503.html