Prescription drugs are here to stay. They’ve had a positive impact on countless lives. New medications are being developed every day that could provide a cure for life-threatening diseases. At the same time, they have their drawbacks. Keep the following pros and cons of prescription drugs in mind so you can make an informed decision if your doctor recommends medication.
Prescription Medication Can Improve Your Quality of Life
Medications prescribed under the guidance of your doctor definitely have their benefits. When it comes to bacterial infections, they can send that bacteria packing so that your health improves. The main goal is to help you to feel better, whether you have strep throat, an ear infection, or bacterial pneumonia. If you have had surgery or a wound, an antibiotic can stave off an infection from ever happening. Many prescriptions are beneficial for helping people to manage chronic illnesses. They can keep pain and inflammation in check. They can help a person to remain mobile. Prescriptions can treat chronic back pain, keep memories sharper, control Parkinson’s disease, and even keep multiple sclerosis in remission. When prescribed at the proper dosage with the correct diagnosis, they can change lives for the better.
Prescription Medication Can Save Your Life
Prescription medications save lives every day. They help people with cancer, heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, and more. Thanks to innovative approaches, people are living longer than they ever did before with conditions that would have meant the end in the past.
Prescription Medications Can Lead to Addiction
While there is no argument that prescription medications have many advantages, they have their downsides as well. Addiction is one of the biggest concerns. This especially holds true with pain medications. Many people find themselves in a situation where they are entering drug rehab for addiction to prescription opioids. If you are prescribed an opioid after surgery for a health condition, talk to your doctor about dosages. Ask about a safe period of time to use that medication. Discuss other alternatives. If an opioid is your best option, ask your doctor what you can do to avoid addiction.
Prescription Medications May Only Mask Your Symptoms
One of the biggest problems with many medications is that they address your symptoms without giving you a solution to your condition. If you are dealing with pain, the best thing you can do is find out what the source of your pain is. Physical therapy, surgery, massage therapy, or acupuncture may help you to eliminate your pain. If you are struggling with a sinus condition, find out why. Controlling environmental factors could take care of the problem. Don’t be afraid to look at herbal remedies and natural supplements. Changes in diet or sleep habits could improve the way you feel. Exercise could be the answer. You may only need to lose weight. Every situation is unique. Find answers that are tailored to fit you.
Do your own research about prescription medications before you start using any. Learn about side effects and potential risks. If there are other options, explore them. If you must take medication, pay attention to your body. If you have any type of reaction or troubling symptoms, talk to your doctor. You may be able to change to a different type of medication. Be your own advocate for your health. Your healthcare professionals, including your physician, specialists, and pharmacist, are here to be a part of your support network.
