Not every drug overdose happens to some junkie who is trying to get too high. Given the variety of legal drugs, it is quite possible to overdose, or mix drugs that should not be combined, with a lethal result.
So how can you protect yourself from a lethal drug interaction. Here are a few tips!
Protecting Against Adverse Drug Interactions
Mixing drugs always presents some danger. The best protection is not to mix drugs, though in some cases this is unavoidable.
#1 - Know what drugs you are taking, why, what their side effects include and if any special precautions are needed. This is best accomplished by taking notes at your doctor’s office and pharmacy.
#2 – use the same pharmacy for all of your prescription medications and get to know your local pharmacist. They are friendly and very helpful.
#3 – Be honest and tell your doctor and pharmacist about any over-the-counter, herbal or illegal substances you are taking and ask about possible interactions. There are some crazy things you may not be aware of – like drinking grapefruit juice if you are on cholesterol lowering statin.
#4 – This should be a no-brainer, but never take a medication prescribed for someone else. Just because it works for someone else does not mean it is right for you. A physician’s recommendation for you personally is necessary for all prescription medications.
Avoid one of the Leading Causes of Death
Adverse drug interactions are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Americans are quick to take medications from doctors who are quick to prescribe them. One recent study revealed that patients leave a doctor’s office with an average of 2 prescriptions.
Hopefully these tips will help you get started. I also would recommend taking a drug class to get to know each type of drug more intimately. If you want to learn in the privacy of your own home, there also are online drug classes.