Prescription Drugs and OTCs on your health

Millions upon millions of Americans are now on prescription medication. That is, medication, to relieve a particular ailment, that is prescribed by a physician. But what happens when we take prescription medication? What happens to our bodies?

And what about OTCs (over the counter) medications that I would bet every single person in this country has taken at one time or another?

Prescribed medication and/or over the counter meds ALL have side effects that could, in some way affect our bodies. We have all seen the "warnings"...could cause dizziness, upset stomach, sleeplessness, may cause drowsiness, do not take if you have this condition or that condition, and on and on and on.......

So WHY do we take these "drugs"? Usually, because we have an "aligment" or a "conditon" that needs to be fixed!! But are taking these drugs having an effect on the "parts of our body that aren't broke?"

Some perfect examples:

Lipitor RX (used for lowering cholesterol) not only can affect your liver and you have to have your blood taken every three months but also boasts the following "precautions":

Headache, diarrhea, stomach/abdominal pain, or joint pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This drug may infrequently cause muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (which can rarely lead to a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop these muscle problems (especially with fever or unusual tiredness).

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, severe fatigue, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea, change in the amount of urine.

Ambien is an RX that is suppose to aid in sleep but has these potential side effects:

Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, upset stomach, diarrhea, and dry mouth may occur. To minimize the risk of falls, remember to get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

This medication may make you sleepy during the day.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding heartbeat, unusual tiredness, mental/mood changes (e.g., new or worsening depression, rare thoughts of suicide, hallucinations, aggressive behavior, anxiety), memory loss, unsteadiness...

Ultram Oral is used to control moderate pain and is similar to narcotic pain medication and works on certain nerves in the brain. Ultram has these potential side effects:

Nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, or weakness may occur.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, unusual or extreme stiffness in the muscles, shaking (tremor), severe stomach/abdominal pain, change in the amount of urine, vision changes.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: slow/shallow breathing, seizures, fever/flu-like symptoms.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Avoid alcoholic beverages because they may increase the risk of this drug's side effects.

To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

And who can forget Ritalin which is "the drug", it appears, for our children!! Our kids can't concentrate, their hyperactive, etc....is Ritalin really the answer? This medication is a mild stimulant that works by affecting the levels of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the nervous system.

Some of the potential side effects:

Headache, stomach pain, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, irritability, nervousness, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation or (rarely) drowsiness may occur.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: uncontrolled movements (motor tics or tremor), verbal tics (e.g., Tourette's syndrome), weight loss, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, chest pain, mental/mood/behavior changes (e.g., agitation, aggression, mood swings, depression, abnormal thoughts), difficulty urinating.

And the list goes on and on and on.......

If you, your family members, friends, etc are taking certain medications, please visit RXList-Internet Drug Index to see what potential side effects these drugs could cause!

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Now, no one is saying "Stop...quit your medication immediately" or anything to that affect! But wouldn't you be healthier and happier if you could feel better without that synthetic drug?

Studies have found that our bodies lack the proper nutrients and antioxidants it needs to fight potential harmful diseases due to improper diet, the air we breathe, our daily habits, etc. Our bodies need 5+ servings of fruits and vegetables to prevent many diseases such as heart disease, cancer, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.

Is there a better alternative? Yes, of course there is!! Are you willing to look at the alternatives? I hope so...for your health, your happiness, and your total well being!!!

E-mail me today for information!!!