Why Does My Medication Give Me Side Effects?

The cold remedy you take makes you sleepy. The sinus decongestant makes your heart race. The antidepressant gives you a headache. Why are side effects so common?

Medicines often work by taking the place of the body's regulating chemicals to readjust balance. This seemingly simple idea is complicated by the fact that the body often uses the same chemical to regulate more than one process. The drug is not selective and therefore affects the target problem and other aspects that do not need adjusting. Examples include Viagra a drug that helps with erectile dysfunction or impotence but can also cause flushing, headaches, nasal congestion, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and painful urination. The antidepressant Zoloft eases depression but also causes blurry vision, dry mouth, constipation, weight gain, changes in sex drive or ability, and sleepiness. It is impossible to know what side effects you will experience as no two people taking the same drug will experience the same effects. In fact when millions of individuals use a drug the list of side effects seems endless. This does not even begin to note the long term effects that are often discovered after years of customer use and requiring that the drug be pulled from the market. I am sure we all remember Vioxx's recent appearance in the news. Long term effects where shown to be quite serious including heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and possible kidney failure. Anti depressants now have a new label warning patients that risk of suicide may increase with use. Our nation as a whole seems to be searching for a quick fix and pill popping is quick; but at what price? Side effects alone can lead to serious health risks. You must educate yourself to the drugs expected benefits and the potential side effects. If the risk seems to great know there is new hope for relief!

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are options that help guide the body to heal itself, naturally and without side effects.

*One study conducted on impotence involved 93 cases. Treatment involved the use of Chinese herbal medicine. Of the 93 individual participants 66 (70.9%) were cured and 21 cases (22.7%) improved with a total amelioration rate of 93.6%. No participants incurred any side effects from treatment

*Psychologist John Allen and acupuncturist Rosa Schnyer conducted a study on treating depression symptoms with acupuncture. Over 50% of the participants no longer met the diagnostic criteria for depression after the study. The study findings suggest that using acupuncture alone could be as effective as other types of treatments for relieving depression such as psychotherapy and drugs.

*Acupuncture offers powerful pain relief due to its anti-inflammatory properties; acupuncture presents an effective and safe alternative to prescription pain medications. A recent study involved 48 patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The participants received both acupuncture and massage therapy for pain relief. 91.7% of the participants felt the treatment was effective in relieving symptoms.

Viagra, Zoloft, and Vioxx (now being replaced with Celebrex) are three powerful medications mentioned here that you can see through scientific research are no longer your only option for relief of impotence, depression, and arthritis. Many medications are over prescribed but remember never stop a current medication without consulting with your doctor. If you would like to learn more about different options and how acupuncture can be used in place of or in conjunction with western pharmaceuticals please call Sarah and Michael at Nashua Acupuncture 598-1515.