MeSci
ME/CFS since 1995; activity level 6?
- Messages
- 8,231
- Location
- Cornwall, UK
I guess it would not be a problem if all prescribed drugs were only available through a physician:I don't know the answer to this but I am not sure it is quite so straightforward. Would you have mentioned the adverse effects listed in the drug information sheet?
I have only once tried a drug of the zopiclone class (z-drugs), which was zolpidem. I had such severe dysphoria (feeling terrified, disorientated and unable to control my thoughts) that I was sure I was having a stroke. Fortunately, a doctor neighbour came round and said he had had exactly the same problem and I managed to calm down without going to accident and emergency.
I guess none of it would be a problem if all prescribed drugs were only available through a physician - so getting them would entail advice from the physician and checking the diagnosis (the sleep problem might be due to an endocrine tumour perhaps). And it is interesting that zopiclone is a banned substance in several countries - presumably for a reason.
AND physicians were all competent and took the time to explore and explain all possible contraindications, interactions and possible adverse effects, and gave patients this info in writing along with advice on what to do in the event of problems.
But in all my 62 years, this has rarely if ever been the case, and I have had numerous adverse effects from prescribed meds. Even when I have pointed out adverse effects, they have been ignored/dismissed. One severe adverse effect which caused hospitalisation, permanent damage and loss of already-meagre income was not picked up by any of the doctors I saw throughout the 7 years I was taking a medication. It took a comment on here and a Radio 4 health programme to switch on the little light bulb over my head, and my decision/request to change medications. During those years of worsened health, doctor after doctor was blaming me for it, and being rude and abusive, so that I was driven to change surgeries to a more-distant one (and I have no transport).
I have had no adverse effects from drugs bought online, perhaps because I do have the time to explore all the things that doctors have not, and make very careful and well-informed decisions.
I know that this is not the case for everyone. Life is complicated.
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