Teens and Prescription Medication Safety

October 22, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Picture taken by myself of my Adderall prescri...
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There are many different ways for people of all ages to abuse prescription drugs. Recent studies show that as many as 1 out of 5 teens have abused prescription medication by loaning a prescribed drug to a friend or borrowing a drug from someone they know. A study published recently in the “Journal of Adolescent Health” based its conclusions on a survey of nearly 600 kids across the country between the ages of 12 and 17.

With more and more teens getting prescriptions to battle disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder and bipolar disorder, the pool of available drugs to share or swap with friends is fairly deep. There are many concerns associated with this type of prescription drug abuse, according to doctors, including the potential for side effects, addiction and withdrawal symptoms. For example, a stimulant like Adderall may be prescribed for a teen diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Some of the side effects with Adderall include increased heart rate and blood pressure. When prescribed by a doctor, the side effects are explained to the patient and family, who immediately report any issues to the doctor. However, when the drug is given away, there is usually no knowledge or concern about side effects.

Parents can take a number of measures to reduce the potential of teen prescription drug abuse, experts say. Perhaps most important is that parents should store and maintain control of any prescription drugs, giving out only daily doses. In addition, parents should take some time to explain the risks associated with prescription medication – the potential side effects their children should be aware of and the potential dangers faced by someone else taking a drug that isn’t prescribed to them by a doctor. This information should be shared with any relative who looks after the teen in addition to the parents.

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Healthy Ways to Deal with Anxiety

August 5, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Anxiety can be cause by many circumstances, some of which are true reasons for feeling anxious, others which are simply our reaction to a situation that may not be as bad as we think. Whatever the reason for anxiety, there are healthy ways to deal with it that do not require taking prescription drugs.

Prayer or meditation are both good ways of dealing with anxiety. If you are a spiritual person, then praying can be very effective, especially if you pray out loud. Sometimes, just hearing the anxieties as you voice them can have a calming effect, as you put them into words.

As you voice your thoughts, you may discover that being unable to identify your anxieties was really what was making you anxious. Just knowing what the real problem was can help you determine ways to deal with it.

If you do not pray, try meditation. Close your eyes, and let your thoughts just drift. If the anxieties try to intrude, try chanting a word over and over, such as “peace” or even “stop.”

Another healthy way to deal with anxiety is to get some exercise. Go for a walk, shoot some hoops, or do some other form of physical activity. The endorphins that are released as your exercise will help calm the anxiety.

Deep breathing can also help. Sit in a chair or lie down, and concentrate on breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Do this slowly so that you don’t hyperventilate.

If you see that your anxieties are becoming problematic, you may wish to seek counseling. At that time, prescription drugs may be prescribed for a very short period of time, at least until you feel that you are better able to cope. As soon as you have reached that point, stop taking them, to avoid addiction. If you do become addicted, seek drug rehab as soon as possible.

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Buying Prescription Drugs

February 9, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Novamoxin Prescription Drug - Amoxicillin Trih...
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At one point or another, most people probably will get a prescription for medication from their doctor. Prescription drugs are a booming business, with 3.8 billion prescriptions filled in the U.S. alone in 2007. And if you’re like most people, you want to get your medication at the best price possible, particularly if you don’t have insurance or the medication isn’t covered by insurance.

Where to Buy Prescriptions
Most people automatically think of going to their local drugstore to fill their prescriptions, but prescription drug prices vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. That means that you will need to call around to find the best deal.

You can also get your prescription drugs from an online pharmacy. This is becoming a popular option for many people, as the medications are frequently discounted and many offer free expedited shipping. However, you need to be very careful purchasing your medications online. There are many dishonest companies that will charge you and never ship the drug. Some companies will ship a drug that isn’t effective because it’s expired or isn’t the correct dosage. This could put your health at risk.

Finding a Quality Online Pharmacy
There are many reputable online pharmacies. When looking for one, be sure to check for the following:

• A valid license. Your online pharmacy should have a valid, up to date license allowing it to dispense drugs online. It’s also a good idea to check the online pharmacy using the Better Business Bureau.
• A physical address. The pharmacy should have a physical address telling you where they are headquartered.
• Customer service. There should also be a customer service line that offers extended hours. If you call the customer service line and the company seems unprofessional or if no one answers the phone, it’s a good idea to look elsewhere.

Buying prescription drugs online can save money, but it’s important to find a reputable pharmacy.

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