Six "miracle drugs" with major side-effects

This is an interesting article on six medications that have major side-effects. Although the side-effects differ, all six have one thing in common: they were all heavily promoted by the pharmaceutical industry. The article headline calls them "miracle drugs" which is partly true. For example, I would die without my beta blocker. It is as simple as that. I have a heart arrhythmia which left uncontrolled by metoprolol would be fatal. Therefore, I have chosen to live with the side-effects in favor of life.

But some of the other medications may not be miraculous. Tylenol for example. The proton pump inhibitors (PPI's) like Nexium have reduced mortality from peptic ulcer disease but they were marketed for gastroesophogeal reflux disease, too. Simple heartburn. I did instruct my patients to take them only as needed, not chronically.

Always learn as much as you can about your medications and discuss any concerns with your physician. Research ways you can achieve the same results with non-medical interventions such as behavior modifications and supplements. Before stopping any medication you are currently taking, discuss it with your doc first.

SOCIETY'S PERSONALITY DISORDERS

I want to talk about politics. Yes, I know, this site is about health and well-being not politics but it is exactly the current political climate that got me thinking how health (in this case mental health) and our society are connected.

What prompts me to consider this connection was the ground-breaking book People of the Lie by M. Scott Peck, M.D. In a nutshell, he attempts to scientifically analyze evil by advocating for making it a psychiatric illness. He links evil with Narcissistic Personality Disorder but fails to make finer distinctions, such as listing the other personality disorders that contain elements of narcissism. The following

Cluster B (dramatic, emotional or erratic disorders)

• Antisocial personality disorder: a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, lack of empathy, bloated self-image, manipulative and impulsive behavior.
• Borderline personality disorder: pervasive pattern of instability in relationships, self-image, identity, behavior and affects often leading to self-harm and impulsivity.
• Histrionic personality disorder: pervasive pattern of attention-seeking behavior and excessive emotions.
• Narcissistic personality disorder: a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.

From Wikipedia