The Perils of Using Nonprescription Medications
If you aren’t ready to see a doctor for your needs and instead plan on using nonprescription medications, it is essential to understand what you are getting into.
Using Nonprescription Medications – What You Should Know First
by Brooke Chaplan
There are a variety of medications that you can choose from to help improve your health. While some of these medications require a prescription, others are easy to purchase over the counter whenever you’d like. If you aren’t ready to see a doctor for your needs or have seen a doctor who recommended a vitamin or mineral supplement to help you feel better, it is essential to understand what you are getting into. To help make your shopping experience more accessible, it makes sense to try and obtain both prescription and over-the-counter, or nonprescription medications from the exact location. This article explains when and how you can do just that.
Protecting Against Abuse
First and foremost, it’s important to understand why certain medications aren’t available without a prescription. Most often, medications are protected by a pharmacy to prevent drug abuse. When taken in large quantities, any medication can be harmful to your health. In addition, many medications can be addictive if not used properly. That’s why medications have to be tightly controlled by pharmacies and dispensed by highly trained pharmacists. Just because the medication you’re using to feel healthier doesn’t require a prescription, it can still be abused. Use the medication as recommended by the manufacturer or by a certified physician helping you with your medication.
Changing Classifications
Another important factor to keep in mind is that the classification of certain medications can change over time. For example, some medications that are currently only available with a prescription may someday be available to anyone, at any time. These classification changes are controlled by the Food and Drug Administration and are carefully monitored by each pharmacy. This will ensure that you can always get the full amount of medicine to feel better. Medications like Tylenol, for example, can be purchased without a prescription, but there is still a prescribed amount available over the counter vs. a prescribed amount.
Different Availabilities
Whether a medication is over-the-counter or prescription-only, you can typically obtain all types of medicine from a pharmacy. For over-the-counter medications, all you’ll typically need to do is ask your pharmacist for the medication the next time you’re there. They will be able to give you the appropriate amount and allow you to pay right at the counter. If a pharmacy is located inside a drugstore, you’ll likely be able to find more over-the-counter options elsewhere in the store. Additionally, if you have a specific ailment, the pharmacist may be able to recommend a nonprescription medication to help you. Additionally, they will be able to provide you with details such as medications to avoid taking together and whether or not you should be supplementing with nonprescription medication.
Over the Counter With a Prescription
In some cases, you may be able to obtain over-the-counter medications from a pharmacy with a prescription from your doctor. This can be a benefit if your insurance covers a particular medication to obtain it for free or at a reduced cost compared to the cost of buying it yourself. The over-the-counter medications you’ll get from a pharmacy are identical to those you can buy from any health section of any store.
Use Wisely
No matter how you obtain your medication, it’s important to use it as directed. However, taking too much of even the mildest medications can be exceptionally dangerous. Also, even using medications as directed when not needed can cause problems. Used correctly, though, you can enjoy the benefits of modern medicine to help you work through various health problems. For example, magnesium can help support muscle and nerve function and energy, but if you have too much in your system, you risk nausea and cramping.
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About the Author
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan
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