#StopMedicationAbuse is helping others reduce medication abuse and manage their health with alternative methods. These evidenced based alternatives are often left out of the medical plan and can make a significant difference in your health. I analyze your medications for drug actions, side effects, and alternative ways to improve or reduce the number of medications and over the counter pills you need.
Medications have become the way of life for many people. Some are taking 10 to 15 medications or more, and taking 3 or more medications for the same problem. Are the medications working for you? Let’s explore how multiple medications may be affecting your health.
Your doctor has prescribed many of your medications. Are you sure of the side effects to report to your doctor? Many drugs have effects that are to be expected, some are not expected, and some may be dangerous.
The Pharmacist at your drug store can help you understand the drug at the time you pick up the medication. They do ask if you have questions. Do you ask questions? Sometimes the first dose of a medication may cause changes and many medications may build up over time and cause other problems. It is recommended to read the medication profile for each new medication to understand possible reactions.
As an example, Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen is a combination narcotic pill often prescribed after surgery to control pain. Other names include Loratab, Vicodin, Xodol, Zamicet, Lorcet, Margesic, Maxidone, and Norco. Side effects of Hydrocodone can include drowsiness, confusion, constipation, nausea and may be habit forming if used for more than a couple of weeks.
The daily dose limit of Acetaminophen is 4 grams and each drug above has a different dose of Acetaminophen. Side effects of Acetaminophen can include kidney and liver problems. It is recommended to take with food or milk, and to drink two to three liters of fluid a day unless you are on a fluid restriction. Report unusual bleeding in your mouth, blood in your urine, or if you have black stools. Report bruising, unusual fatigue and weakness. These are all signs of kidney or liver problems related to Acetaminophen. Don’t get this wrong. Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen are great drugs if used correctly for short periods of pain.
All drugs have an action to help the body and all drugs have side effects. Alternative medicine are methods to help the body without medications or to help the medication work better. As an example, there are other therapies that can also help pain. Post- operative pain is usually related to the inflammation of the tissues. Curcumin spice, or turmeric, is comparable to pain pills to reduce pain. Add 1 tsp to soups and foods. Turmeric is found in yellow mustard and can reduce inflammatory markers. Ginger also reduces inflammation. Capsaicin creams decrease pain and inflammation. Pomegranate juice and seeds on cereals reduces joint pains.
Other means to reduce pain are elevation, ice, and rest. Sometimes correct positioning can make a big difference. Elevation is placing the effected body part above the level of the heart. Ice can be used for 20 minutes, or less, several times a day. Be sure to place something between your skin and the ice. Rest is important to healing. If your not able to sleep 7 to 8 hours at night, take short 5 to 10 minute power naps.
This process of looking at each medication and understanding how the medication works and alternative methods can help many people improve quality of life. Your doctor or pharmacist should help you understand the action and side effects of the medication. It is important to keep professional nurses, doctors, and pharmacists informed of all your symptoms.
A medication specialist who has studied alternative medicine can help you understand alternative methods to help medications work better or they may even be able to help you reduce the number medications and over the counter pills. This process can be done with medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, stomach issues, asthma, restless leg syndrome, and many other problems. The specialist should work with your doctor for prescribed medications.
Mary Ann Wietbrock RN MSN is a Registered Nurse Specialized in Medications, Alternative Medicine, and in Fitness and Nutrition. She can be reached at www.cardinalelements.com or call 317-410-9140.
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