Understand that I am in NO way advising you NOT to take your prescribed medication.
Research is clear that What you believe will work, will work.
If you are satisfied taking medication, by all means continue to do so.
However, please understand that there are often alternatives to drugs,
sometimes with better results, and most of the time with fewer complications.
It seems that typical American "Health Care" has very little to do with HEALTH!
Alternative and Complementary Medicine is a growing field.
Natural remedies can be found, if you look for them.
Don't be fooled into believing that any treatment "covered by insurance"
is always better than one that isn't.
Even if your insurance will cover a treatment,
many Alternative Treatment practitioners do not take insurance
because of the incredible amount of red-tape involved and the slowness of payment.
Before you succomb to the knee-jerk treatment of chemical intervention,
LOOK FOR simpler remedies.
A major problem in our country is that we're a "microwave" culture.
We want IMMEDIATE RESULTS!
We want solutions to our problems that are FAST and EASY.
Drugs provide that.
When I have a physical problem that I could feel reasonable going to a doctor for,
I first ask myself:
> Is there something I can change in my environment that will make me feel better?
Can I get away from what might be making me sick?
> Because most medical issues are worsened by stress,
can I de-stress somehow? (Ask me how.)
> Is there something I can do, or stop doing, that will help?
> If I still feel like I need to "take something," is there a safer alternative
than synthetic laboratory products?
(Natural Valerian Root Tea is a natural alternative to synthetic Valium.)
> If not, is there something available over the counter that might work?
Side effects of OTC products are usually better known and less hazardous to your health.
(And often much cheaper, even with insurance!)
DON'T GET HOOKED INTO A FLAWED SYSTEM!
EDUCATE YOURSELF!
MOST OF THE TIME, YOU DO HAVE CHOICES!
DON'T JUST BE A PAWN.
There are always new ads and commercials glamorizing the use of the latest drugs,
exhorting you to "Ask your doctor" about ______ ."
Don't just listen to the Pharmaceutical Marketing Team.
(which does include many doctors...)
Instead:
You should learn as much as you can about ALL the possible side-effects
of ANY medication you're considering.
ALWAYS READ THE WARNING PAPERS WITH YOUR PRESCRIPTION!
Even if it's "Only 1%"...
If it includes YOU, that makes it 100% for you!
There are whole websites about them.
The lists of side-effects are long and sometimes worse than the original problem!
ANYTHING you put INTO your body,
has the potential to effect EVERY part of your body.
Some side-effects are known right now.
Many might not show up for years!
Learn what you can.
MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS.
Don't just be a medical pawn.
Example:
A recent commercial about Lyrica shows a beautiful woman gliding through life.
The REALITY is:
A simple Google search for "Lyrica side effects" brought up:
(The following is Copied and Pasted from rxlist.com)
What is pregabalin (Lyrica)?
Pregabalin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant.
It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.
Pregabalin also affects chemicals in the brain
that send pain signals across the nervous system.
Pregabalin is used to control seizures and to treat fibromyalgia. It is also used to treat pain caused by nerve damage in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) or herpes zoster (post-herpetic neuralgia).
Pregabalin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of pregabalin (Lyrica)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
(especially if you also have a fever and feel tired); - easy bruising or bleeding; or
- swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain.
- dizziness or drowsiness, anxiety;
- blurred vision;
- loss of balance or coordination;
- problems with memory or concentration;
- dry mouth;
- skin rash or itching;
- constipation, stomach pain;
- increased appetite; or
- joint or muscle pain.
Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about pregabalin (Lyrica)? You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
If you are taking pregabalin to prevent seizures, keep taking the medication even if you feel fine. You may have an increase in seizures if you stop taking pregabalin. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not change your dose of pregabalin without your doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work as well in treating your condition.
If you stop taking pregabalin suddenly, your seizures may become worse or you may have withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include headache, sleep problems, nausea, and diarrhea. Do not stop using pregabalin suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking pregabalin, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.
Pregabalin is described chemically as (S)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid. The molecular formula is C8H17NO2 and the molecular weight is 159.23.
Pregabalin is a white to off-white, crystalline solid with a pKa1 of 4.2 and a pKa2 of 10.6. It is freely soluble in water and both basic and acidic aqueous solutions. The log of the partition coefficient (n-octanol/0.05M phosphate buffer) at pH 7.4 is – 1.35.
LYRICA (pregabalin) Capsules are administered orally and are supplied as imprinted hard-shell capsules containing 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 225, and 300 mg of pregabalin, along with lactose monohydrate, cornstarch, and talc as inactive ingredients. The capsule shells contain gelatin and titanium dioxide. In addition, the orange capsule shells contain red iron oxide and the white capsule shells contain sodium lauryl sulfate and colloidal silicon dioxide. Colloidal silicon dioxide is a manufacturing aid that may or may not be present in the capsule shells. The imprinting ink contains shellac, black iron oxide, propylene glycol, and potassium hydroxide.
LYRICA (pregabalin) oral solution, 20 mg/mL, is administered orally and is supplied as a clear, colorless solution contained in a 16 fluid ounce white HDPE bottle with a polyethylene-lined closure. The oral solution contains 20 mg/mL of pregabalin, along with methylparaben, propylparaben, monobasic sodium phosphate anhydrous, dibasic sodium phosphate anhydrous, sucralose, artificial strawberry #11545 and purified water as inactive ingredients.
Last reviewed on RxList: 1/25/2010
NOW ASK YOURSELF:
IS THAT REALLY WHAT I WANT TO TAKE INTO MY ALREADY-ILL BODY????
MAYBE AS A LAST RESORT...