Given my ranting and raving on drugs elsewhere, you might enjoy some specific examples of why and how drugs aren't always the answer - things that doctors think about all the time.

Viagra

I worked a bit with a doctor who said that he got about three calls a week from men asking for Viagra. He then said that he got about six calls a week from women asking him not to prescribe Viagra for their husbands. Viagra is a great example of a lifestyle drug - a drug that is not needed to extend life or treat what would be considered by most doctors a serious medical condition. Due to the press, patients ask for Viagra by name. But it's important to remember that there are other drug and non-drug alternatives. For instance, Viagra does not increase the desire to have sex, but counseling can. There are several other Viagra-like drugs on the market, too, any of which could be more effective in your case. Why are Viagra and other lifestyle drugs like Rogaine prescription medications? Because Viagra and Rogaine could kill you, assuming you're a certain type of patient. Patients taking Viagra, for instance, have died of cardiac failure during Viagra-supported sexual escapades.

Claritin

Heavily advertised, Claritin and other allergy drugs (Allegra, Flonase) can be taken to prevent the annoying symptoms of hay fever. And they work, assuming you take them regularly and not just when you have symptoms. The problem is that: a) these drugs have side effects and b) lots of other things can be done to prevent allergies. The winner for the best way of preventing allergies is not loading up on synthetic chemicals that evolution just happened not to include in your body. Instead, try this: a) get rid of carpet, b) vacuum every week or so, c) use air conditioning instead of keeping your windows open, d) get rid of those dogs and cats, e) put a mattress cover on your bed, and f) wash your sheets in hot water every couple of weeks. Or you could take a pill. But check out the insert first and pay close attention to the section entitled Adverse Reactions.

Flexeril

Flexeril is a common drug for patients with frequent, recurrent back spasms. I would bet that people with frequent, recurrent back spasms would be asked by the Turkish doctor mentioned in the prior chapter to describe what's wrong with their lives. At any rate, neurologists and rheumatologists - doctors that often wind up with chronic back pain patients - often feel good about prescribing this drug since it satisfies the urge to treat back pain with medications other than pain pills. The way Flexeril works is not completely known. But here's a clue: the chemical structure of the drug is almost identical to the structure of common antidepressants known to doctors as tricyclics. The structures are pictured below. Can you find the difference? It seems that the Turkish doctor has a good point.

Beta Blockers

I discuss these drugs - beta blockers - because they are drugs that are prescribed, perhaps not enough, to treat a disease that most people don't even know that they have: hypertension. The trick is to get patients to take these drugs even when they feel great. High blood pressure causes vascular disease, which means heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms, etc. But hypertension has no symptoms. Unfortunately, taking beta blockers does have symptoms - like impotence. "Mr. Johnson, I need you to take this medication, probably for the rest of your life, to treat a disease that you'll never even know that you have and everything will be OK except that your sex life will go down the tubes." This is one drug that Mr. Johnson, and many of the rest of us, would do well to take. Like beta blockers, HMG CoA reductase inhibitors are drugs that patients without symptoms, but with high cholesterol, should take. In fact, there is evidence that everyone should take them, high cholesterol or not.

H2 Blockers

H2 Blockers are drugs that many people are asked take when they don't have any disease at all, much less any symptoms. On an episode of "Seinfeld", Jerry made this point when he was discussing the relatively new over-the-counter regimens of these drugs, which are known by such household names as Zantac and Tagamet. His general message was that the pharmaceutical company marketing department gets an A+ if they've convinced you to take drugs when you're not even sick. H2 blockers reduce the stomach's acid secretion, which is most prominent when you are eating. So you take these medications before meals, when you are perfectly well, to prevent disease - in this case, ulcers. Vitamin C and E are also drugs that are taken to prevent disease. It's often hard to convince people to take drugs when they aren't even sick, but - and you've heard this before - trust your doctor.

Aspirin

My father, the neurologist, once told me in the 1970s that aspirin is a wonder drug. Nearly 25 years later, and many decades after the discovery of aspirin, he's still right. Aspirin is a member of a class of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Other members of the class include Tylenol and Motrin. Here are just some of the things that aspirin does:

• reduces pain
• reduces fever
• reduces inflammation (heat, swelling, redness)
• inhibits platelets (part of the clotting factors in your blood, reducing the potential for atherosclerosis)

And aspirin may also prevent colon cancer. However, aspirin causes stomach ulcers in many people. Ulcers can be avoided to some extent by taking enteric-coated aspirin, available - as all aspirins are - at your local drug store. The current idea is to take one every day, but before you start such a routine, your doctor will want to consider whether you have prohibitive ulcer disease (or a family history of such), kidney disease, or exposure to other medications (like other NSAIDs, blood thinners, etc.) that would combine or interfere with aspirin to yield bad results. Remember that aspirin is still a drug. In fact, nearly all, if not all, "over-the-counter" remedies should be considered drugs, which means that they have the potential to harm you as well as help you.

Antibiotics

If I could stand on a soap box and preach about just one medication, it would be antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria (not viruses, not fungi). These drugs have revolutionized the practice of medicine and are one of the key live-saving discoveries of all time. But antibiotics are deadly and, in my opinion, are some of the most misused drugs - even by MDs. The more antibiotics are used, the less effective they become because bacteria develop resistance. That is, bacteria mutate in the presence of antibiotics so that the drugs cannot kill them. This is especially true when patients don't complete their entire course of antibiotics, which is usually seven or ten days. When Penicillin was first developed, for instance, many species of bacteria were vulnerable to the drug. Now, after many years of somewhat indiscriminate use, Penicillin treats a much smaller group of bacteria. As you read this, there are people dying in hospitals around the world from bacterial infections that we cannot treat. Part of the reason for such deaths is overuse of antibiotics. Patients with symptoms of cough or runny nose (e.g., the common cold) should not receive antibiotics. Why? The symptoms may be caused by a virus (viruses are not susceptible to antibiotics) or the symptoms will likely go away on their own. All too often, patients are in the business of requesting antibiotics from their doctors. Unfortunately, MDs often yield. Patients who expect antibiotics and doctors who prescribe them indiscriminately are shooting themselves in the foot. Resistance will develop and the odds that more people will die of incurable infections will increase. In fact, there may be a not-too-distant future where we will be feebly treating bacterial infections as we did in the pre-WWII era - by nothing more than sweating them out.

The reason why Viagra, Claritin, and other prescription drugs are available only by prescription is that they can cause serious or annoying side effects, like constipation or even death, in certain patients. Often, the best way to treat disease has nothing to do with drugs. Some drugs are best taken when there are no noticeable symptoms of disease or even when there is no disease at all, but the trick is getting patients to be compliant. Antibiotics are best suggested by MDs, not patients, given the risk of multi-drug resistant bacteria.

1. Antibiotic are best suggested by your doctor. Generally, it is best to refrain from requesting antibiotics or any other drugs. Also, be sure to finish your antibiotic prescription so that you will diminish the likelihood of nurturing a resistant strain.

2. Certain drugs are best when taken regularly to prevent disease or treat disease that you can't tell is there. By reminding yourself of this, it is easier to follow drug regimens regularly.

3. Hypertension is a serious but silent disease, leading to heart attacks or strokes. Take it seriously.

4. Look to improve your allergies by changing your environment and exposure to allergens (getting rid of your rugs, pets, etc.) rather than, or at least in addition to, taking drugs.

5. If you're not already, consider taking an aspirin every day, perhaps in conjunction with Vitamin C or E, for cardiovascular health - but ask your doctor first.

___________________

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Accutane..i was on it the first time 4 years ago for severe acne, at 38 years old. I went for blood work every 2 weeks to check lipids. Lost night vision, very dry skin (to the point of bleeding), and joint pain. When treatment was done, (5 months later), my skin was beautiful...and all side effects went away within one month. Acne returned this past September, went back on Accutane, with the same results! I have been on every drug out there prior to Accutane, and for me this is a wonder drug. I will admit, putting up with the side effects was difficult, especially the joint pain. Near the end of the treatment, it was all I could do to walk across a room. But, if the acne (and i mean severe acne)returns and I can go back on Accutane, I will.

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001

dear sirs: i was diagnosed as having sciatica. i was given ibuprofin, flexeril, and darvocete to take. these medications have caused me more mental pain then physical. my whole week is a blur. i dont remember the week. i was just reading where flexeril is the same as an antidepressent in their physical makeup. can you explain to me why i feel so anxious, nervous and out of control by taking these medications. thank you, brenda

-- Anonymous, October 27, 2001

HELLO OUT THERE, I AM NOT REALLY SURE IF YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT ANY MEDS,BUT I DO HAVE ONE I AM TAKING AND HAVE BEEN FOR 7 YEARS , WE WHERE HANDED A LOT OF DEATH IN SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, ( SOME FAMILY SOME CLOSE FRIENDS) I COULD NOT SLEEP OR EAT OR EVEN THINK OF FACING THE DAY , OR ANYONE IN IT,I WAS HAVING REALLY BAD PANIC ATTACKS I WAS SCARED OF PEOPLE , ( NOT BECAUSE OF THEM BUT BECAUSE OF ME! (WELL I TOLD MY DR THIS WHO IS FROM THE OLD SCHOOL), AND HE PLAN WAS TO PUT ME ON XANAX, WELL THEY SOMETIMES DO RIGHT BUT I HATE THEM, I HATE NOT HAVING A PERSONALLITY OF MY ON, I HATE IT WHEN I AM NERVES AND MY KIDS AKS ME MOM DID U TAKE YOUR MED, YET, BUT INCASE YOU HAVENT GUESSED YET IT IS NO LONGER MY CHOICE TO TAKE THESE PILLS, NOW " I NEED THEM " I AM ADDICTED TO THIS STUPID LIL PILL ,I AM ANGRY I WASNT TOLD THAT YOU ARENT SUPOUSE TO BE ON THIS PILLS A TOTAL OF THE MONTHS "ONLY" I AM ANGEY BECAUSE I DONT DO ANY KIND OF DRUGS BUT NOW I AM ADDICTED TO SOMTHING MY DR SAID WWOULD HELP ME THROUGHT THE HARD TIMES,BUT TO TELL THE TRUTH THEY ONLY HELP ME GET MORE AND MORE FAT ( I STAY HUNGRY) I USE TO WEIGHT 135, (NORMAL FOR ME ) NOW I AM AT A VERY UNHEALTHY 205 , IN VERY BAD SHAPE BECAUSE I DONT HAVE THE ENGERY TO GET UP , JUST SO TIERD ALL THE TIME, I HAVE TRYED TO GET OFF AND MY GOD YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE WHAT THIS IS LIKE,ITS HELL BEING ON THEM BUT EVEN WORSER WITHDRAWING FROM THEM,I USED TO LOOK FORWARD TO LIFE NOW I JUST WANT TO SLEEP THOUGHT IT, BUT I AM NOT LUCKY ENOUGHT BECUSE NOW THEY HAVE LOST THERE STEANTH TO HELP ME SLEEP, SO I STAY UP UNTIL I AM AMOST INSAINE BECAUSE I REFUSE TO UP THE DOSAGE ANYMORE, RIGHT NOW I AM ON 1.5 , I DONT KNOW EXACULTY HOW IT IS PUT IN MILAGRAMES SO I WILL TELL U ITS A PURPLE(BLUE) AND A HALFA DAY, ANYWAY BACK TO YOUR QUESTION,I AM IN NEED OF FINDING AWAY TO MAKE MY DR SEE WHAT THIS IS DOING TO ME, I AM REALLY IN NEED HERE SO ANY ONE CAN HELP ME PLEASE EMAIL ME, I AM SORRY I DIDNT KNOW WHERE ELSE TO GO AND THIS IS A REALLY BIG STEP 4 ME , GOD IF YOU ONLY NEW ME YOU WOULD FREAK THAT I WOULD EVEN ASK FOR HELP, GOD BE WITH YOU,:)

-- anonymous, December 9, 2001

I am a 32 year old male and have been on klonopin for over a decade.Klonopin seems too be the only thing that helps my anxiety(extreme social anxiety).I have noticed that my mind has in some way been damaged and my ability to remember things as well as comprehend subjects has deteriorated substantially,for example I had a 97 overall average in high school and today i cannot pass simple test.I am burning out and dysfunctional sexually as well.I fear death and life without klonopin would be an even more anxiety ridden tortured life than i now have.Paxil has made my sexual dysfunction complete for i lose sensation and nothing turns me on.I will wait until the medical community understands the true relationship that is anxiety/depression and sexual dysfunction before i speak openly with a doctor for they are rigid minded and seem too be in the dark on this matter which in my opinion is common sence.

-- anonymous, January 14, 2002

Dr,

I ran across a few statements in the drug section that I would like to comment on:

1) Claritin and Allegra can be taken prn. They are simply lipophobic antihistamines. No symptoms...no drug needed.

2)I have never heard of B-blockers causing impotence. The "Drug Information Handbook" lists this adverse event as "rare."

They are also used in low doses to treat CHF. They save lives and hardly ever cause sexual dysfunction.

3)Everyone should take -statins? Really? I'd like to see that article. They are far from benign drugs. If you think the adverse effects of Claritin are bad enough for people to not take it, how do you feel about rhabdomyolysis?

4)Tylenol is not an NSAID.

Nice work on the page. I especially like the "antibiotics" section.

Regards,

Dr Jason Martinazzi

-- Jason, January 20, 2002

claritin/nasacort raises blood pressure

i take altace for hypertension. i also started claritin/nasacort for allergies. claritin slows the onset time of altace significantly. nasacort causes a severe rise in my bp.

does this make sense to anyone. please help or refer me.

thankyou

james

-- james, February 24, 2002

over the years i have taken many a medication for stress. ive found that serax works rather well. im writing to share the bad experiences of the others ive had; lithium, depakote, tegretol. make me studder, and feel really weird... prozac, paxil,zoloft , zyban, ativan.. all made me loose my thoughts, not to mention i trembled and became 50x angrier than what i was b4 i started them. good luck to you all, and i hope the dr.s learn to give a cash paying patient exactly what they ask for...

-- tonia, February 28, 2002

i know how you all feel

-- Donald Jackson, May 13, 2002

Hey, getting rid of your pets is just about the most stupid thing I have ever heard. Pets need us and our apart of our families. They make people happy. I would rather take a pill with side effects, then hurt my family and our beloved pets by "getting rid of them" like they are some kind of bacteria.

Hey everyone, dont listen about the Pets. Pets are wonderful and they count on us to take care of them.!!!!!

-- Carrie, May 23, 2002

I have had pain in my knees since i was a child.Lately my legs and back have been getting worse for the same reason.I went to see an orthapitic surgen.I told him that i've been having alot of pain in my legs that has been getting worse.When i was young i went to a place called the easterseals clinic,both of my feet went almost striaght of to either side of my frame.It was corrected by braces and special shoes.The doc told me to go to physical therapy and take ibprophen.I work 12 hour days and have to children.Anyone who works and has children knows the toll it puts on your body!I also clean for my elderly father he has artheritis in his back i told him how hard it is to deal with this pain,when you have so many responsbilities that can't be naglected.My father had given me a couple on his pain med.I felt like a new person.So,i went back to my doc for the second aptment he told me that when they corrected my feet there were other things wrong as well my hit joints tilt to my sides more than nomal and that surgery would probly complicate things more so to continue taking ibprophen and stick to the physical therapy.I told him that therapy was taking more time away from my children than i already have to for work and sleep,and ibprophen gives me stomach ackes.So i told him that i had taken a couple pills of my fathers told him what they were and figured for sure he would give me something like that if it was gonna make me feel better.My docter tone of voice went up and he said,that medication is a narcotic and i am not gonna perscibe that to you.My docter made me feel like he couldn't beleived i asked.I read up on this drug and a lot of people have abused it.But i don't think my docter should have spoken to me like a child.

-- Melissa, July 9, 2002

My Doctor had prescribed Flexeril for my fibromyalgia.

I'm a female have been on the drug for 10 years 10 mg, and have noticed recently my hair thinning. Can this be an effect of the Drug?

Thank You.

-- flexeril, November 8, 2002

I have chronic back pain and a pinched nerve in my hip. My family doctor has tried about every non-narcotic pain pill and they dont help enough. He sent me to a specialist and he prescribed vicodin es. It helps and now i dont notice the side effects as much, except constipation. He cannot do anything for my condition and told me to see my family doctor. He will not prescribe narcotics because he is scared that i will abuse them. I dont know what his other patients did to make him this way. He is sending me to the pain clinic but my appointment is in 3 weeks and the pill he gave me dont work so great. Why he wont give something that works i have no idea but i think im going to find another doctor. why a some doctors so painoid that they wont give something that works. ANY IDEAS

-- Mike, December 29, 2002

For acne related problems try taking some vitamins, get a few extra hours of rest, and drink plenty of water(natural defense system). I have found that this helps get rid of acne and keeps my face/skin clear and beautiful!

-- Aisha, January 5, 2003

I live with chronic back pain, degenerative discs, spinal stenosis in my neck (bone spurs) every day of my life. I would rather get addicted to pain pills than pain. Most doctors don't give a damn and do not believe you are really in pain.

-- Chronic Pain Sucks, January 10, 2003

Heck, if your in pain take a pill. Just don't be so blinded by expecting your Dr. to tell you if the med.s are habit forming or what the side effects are. You should know to ask questions or read up on the pain pills, it's amazing what your pharmacist can tell you. Hey I have to take them and it makes my life easier,both for me and my family.

-- Rowan,pain pill popping believer, February 12, 2003

i have read other experiences on this page about doctors not wanting to prescribe narcotic class pain medication. I am 25 years old and I pulled something in my neck. It has bothered me for two years. i have tried every non narcotic on the market but the doctor keeps giving me naproxen. Naproxen has never done a thing for me but he insist that because I am so young that I cant have anything stronger. what I really want is for them to fix the problem. so far they ( the all powerful god like morons i have seen) havent figured out what is really wrong. but the slap in the face I keep running into is my age. all I have to say is fix it or relieve the pain already.

-- mark, March 25, 2003

i have had fibromyalgia for nearly 25 years. i have been on the medicne wheel . I have an excellent doctor, and i feel this is due to my"Patient' responsibility. i keep a med diary , a pain diary in the manner of poems. i take ultram , lexapro, and klonopin everyday. for flares i have vicodin, and percocet. I beleive no one should have to be in pain, and if someone tells you this show them some pain,,,, I feel people who judge me can go straight to h... and Im a minster.

painfree blessings

Kurt

-- Kurt, April 26, 2003

Just a note to the dear doctors of the site... so non-chalantly and dryly suggesting that allergy sufferers simply get rid of pets is disgusting and irresponsible. Certainly it's an option, though an option that exceeds the seriousness of this site... Pets, to many people, are family (closer in fact... I personally love my dog far more than any human and would gladly go on array of life-threatening medications if I had to in order to keep him... though I don't have children, and I suppose if I did they'd be on par with him... but other than that...). Aside from such emotional attachments, animals without homes flood the streets, animal shelters, etc... and are often killed due to overcrowding in shelters and whatnot (to make room for more which they'll likewise kill) because some quack doctor tells his patient to simply get rid of the pet to get rid of allergies and refuses an initial attempt at medication (prescribed or holistic). Human side-effects are rare relative to the almost certain resulting death of such animals. To not seem overly vulgar, I'll refrain from the closing comment I'd like to make... but I honestly suggest changing your stance on the "get rid of those dogs and cats" issue to at least not be so non-chalant and reflect the seriousness of such a decision. Good day.

-- Anonymous, July 7, 2003

For years I was bothered by allergy symptoms and fatigued, and it was getting worse by the year. I tried several doctors and treatments. Allergy shots did nothing, neither did antidepressant tranks, Claritin, Zyrtec (which is a good anasthetic), tried physical and psycho therapy, all to no avail.

Then I found a doctor in Cary, NC, who was a good listener. He ordered a whopping bunch of lab work and while ruling out dozens of possible causes found I have celiac. Apparently there are three antibodies whose presence indicates this.

So I started a new diet, completely devoid of wheat, rye, barley, oats, and "modified food starch". The fatigue is gone. I'm 56yo and feel as strong as I did at 35. And while I get a lot more fat in my diet I also get a lot of rice and corn. My total cholesterol is down from 209 in January 2003 to 174 three months to the day later, without trying and without oats or meds.

I'm still a little congested but I've made a conscious decision to keep the pets. That said, I can offer this annecdotal experience that there's no curative medicine that works like removing the source of irritation. And the only places you have to look for irritants are your diet, your environment, your job and your lifestyle.

-- Carl Meredith, August 9, 2003

Youre a disgusting cold and highly irresponsible person to suggest people discard their pets.

Rugs and pets are th esame thing to you ?

Callow Jerk

-- ace, October 2, 2003

sorry if my spelling is off my gramer is week,i feel bad i went to a nerolgist today only because out the blue after i had 2 spanil sugery bfore the surg/i had real bad mingran

headaches and itook meds for it.ok that help for a bit but after my first surgery i started having seziures or balck out's i dont know any more the Dr said today i needed to go see a psychosomatic disorder Dr. what ever i know some happened to me in the hosptial I was fine befor never! had theese befor but because this is work related have to go where ever they send me. in the mean time i go out blcck and Pray to God that i see light cause its very dark when im out i dont trust Dr's any more I have to LOOK UP and trust in God and hope i make it thourgh his plan for me.chronic pain i can handle being out in the balck dark not knowing where iam not able to drive or work well life dose go on and I will find my way back to the landof the living funny thing is i use to be a school buss who knows whats up Gods sleve p.s.

Sorrow-Looks Back

Worry- Looks Around

Faith- Looks Up. any ? SHARON sorry if i took my day out on anyone

-- Sharon, December 23, 2003

I have this bladder infection that does not seem to be responding to antibiotics and I don't know why.I had gained so much weight when I was pregnant.That after the baby was born I started taking diet pills.But I dont why this would of mattered.Especially since I stopped taking them.Because they started making me sick. But now I'm afraid that I might be immune to the antibiotics.Is that possible.Or maybe I just need something stronger?

-- Lisa Laberge, February 25, 2004

WHY DOCTORS GIVE DRUGS TO THE CLIENTS WHILE THEY KNOW THE SIDE EFFECT OF DRUGS ?

-- ERASTUS TIESEN MUMOYE, April 3, 2004

I was prescibed Tramadol for pain because of a severe back injury. My doctor said it was easier to prescribe then other meds because of dea scheduling so I assumed it was safer than other pain meds until I had very scary withdrawl symptons {dizziness,nausea,cold sweat} all brought on by missing a dose of tramadol,my next physician prescribed Vicodin 7.5/500 to wein me off of what is deemed safe by the dea, makes no sense.

-- Anonymous, April 8, 2004

I have back PAIN form a car. MY pain is 10 and I cant stop it. I takeing lorcet 10/650 8 times a day and it is not helping me. Can you help my. ERIC CRAFT

-- Eric Craft, June 18, 2004

Having had kidney failure for many years, I have been on different medications over the years. When the Doctor prescribes a medication, do your homework, read about the ingredients, the interactions, the side effects, it is also your responsbility to be informed. You must be proactive, afterall it is your body.

-- Joyce, June 29, 2004

thank u for all

-- duke, August 24, 2004

For the last couple of weeks I have had three instances where out of the blue I have suddenly felt very light headed like I'm going to pass out, I feel a rush go up the back of my neck and my heart starts to pound.These feelings last for a few minutes and then my body trembles for about a half hour. Since having these horrible feelings I have been very tense about going places because I have this fear that it's going to happen in public. I don't want to suffer from an anxiety disorder!!! The only thing different I have done in my life is that I have stopped taking antihistamines after probably 10 years. Can this possibly be a withdrawl symptom? I hope that someone can help me. I feel like I'm going crazy.

-- Debbie, November 19, 2004

I have sores I am taking hydrochlorthiazide what is the side effects?

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2004

My Dr gave me Lortab 10/500 and percocer 10/325 because I have a history of bleeding ulcers and soma. i have alo gotten ms contin

-- shedevil , March 21, 2005

My doctor is a tosser and wont prescribe me tablets for my back pain, I have been prescibed in the past Dihydrcodiene and he refused me any more. No other pain killers help me apart from those so what am I supposed to do now?

-- Ash, April 20, 2005

I have a friend that is addicted to oxcicoden, painkillers. She wamts to stop taking them. What kind of withdrawls will she have, any ideas with how to deal with the withdraws?

thanks,

-- sara todd, June 10, 2005

i take a statin but now suffer allover body muscle cramps and painful joints what should i do

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2006

hello i am a janitor at school i hurt my hip and for about three days i wasnt able to walk well dont have any insurace to go to the doctor but jesus is who heals us. is there some kind of medicne i could take for this condition and would exercise help. sometimes if i sit quite a while it takes a little while for me to straighten my back up. any suggestions. thanks mary

-- mary, March 12, 2006

I have spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and a bulged disk at a very young age. I am only 24 years old and doctors are not doing much for me because I am so young. The pain seems to be getting worse and I don't know what to do. The pain management doctors keeps feeding me narcotics, and then tells me that I don't need to be taking them because I am so young. Really they are the only thing that controls my pain. Sometimes they don't control my pain because it is so intense. It seems that my age is the problem, like I am seeking the drugs to get high (that is what doctors think). The doctor has given me 3 epidural steroid injections and no luck. He said I am very young and they should have worked. In my mind I think to myself, does he really think that I want to be in pain! I would love to live a normal life, but I can't! I have tryed every medication there is to try and still no luck. I wish a doctor would actually listen to me instead of discriminating me because of my age. I have no relief exept the pain meds which I can't wait to get off of. I wish that a doctor could go throught the pain I go through, just for one day so they would understand what I feel. Even the pain meds only last for 2-3 hours at the max. I need a real relief. I wish I could find it and a doctor who listens.

-- Anonymous, March 19, 2006

Gabapenton was prescribed for

phantom leg pain after an

amputation of my left leg below the

knee. This drug worked well over

time but I also was told to stroke the

remaining part of my leg and

memorise it in effect to let my mind

realise what had happened. This is

more necessary with vascular

disease amputations as limbs lost

in accidents, don't seem to have so

much phontom limb pain.

Recently a friend was prescribed

Gabapenton for cronic back pain and

in just a few days, (after months of

pain that left her feeling suicidal), it

disappeared.

-- Glory Clibbery, July 9, 2006

hi, im a former epileptic; by that i mean i went off medication in october of 2005, had no seizures what so ever; but was awakened twice by what i thought was a seizure, on both occasions i took 200 mg. of tegretol. i didnt have the seizures. i noticed that last time i took it on sat night, late, when i woke up on suncay morning, i was convinced the world was a better place. i have been very depressed; and angry for some time now; and i liked the way i felt sunday. i also took one on sunday, and monday, today; but im concerned. should i just start taking it again? i did call my dr. and he is on vacation; and the nurse said it couldnt hurt me; but im confused. i love feeling better about things; but i also notice, im not as figity, and tormented, and i dont want to die. i dont know what to do. plaese help me. it seems on one hand that everything is good; but on the other hand, do i care enough about things to do something about them when i see something going on thats not right. thank you for your time.

-- kathy, July 17, 2006

I have had an eye infection since 4-12-05. I have had many cultures run and they ( 2 different opthamologist )tell me it is a staff infection and have prescribed drops and ointments, to no avail. I am miserable and do not know what to do. Any suggestions? It's like okay, you have and eye infection, use this for 4 days and see me in 4-6 weeks.

What can I do, Where can I go????

Thanks,( IN NEED OF ANSWERS )

Candy

-- Candy, July 31, 2006

i`ve been taking tegretol for two years, and i have won some extra kilos. sometimes i become sick. and i feel my stomach can`t take it anymore. sometimes i feel my belly is full of trash, and all that comes to my head is a bunch of tegretol pills. i`m beginning to hate it.

i`m going to stop taking this shit pills.

and i will get laid a thousand times with my girl to get back myself.

take it from me: drugs can take your soul away.

-- kamm, September 1, 2006

Experiences, Comments, or Tips of your Own?