Using a prescription safely is vitally important for maintaining proper health. Physicians prescribe medications for patients who are experiencing acute or chronic medical conditions. Drugs manufactured for illnesses can have side effects that are mild or severe. Each individual prescribed a medication is carefully evaluated by a physician to make sure the dosage is correct. The physician considers the criteria concerning a patient such as gender, age, weight, health, allergies and other medications before a drug choice is made.
Follow Physician's Directions
In addition, a prescription drug container will have written information about side effects and correct dosages. A pharmacist will advise customers on the times of day or night to ingest the drug. Pharmacies, physician's offices and dental practices carefully monitor the dispensing of prescription drugs to keep track of potential problems such as drug abuse and theft. A patient must understand how to take a prescription medication according to its directions.
Careful Monitoring of Medications
Many prescription medications interact with other drugs or alcohol to create a dangerous health situation for people. Individuals who misuse prescribed drugs can have emergency complications such as changes in heartbeats, reduced blood flow, muscle contractions, slower reflexes, convulsions or other life-threatening reactions. Prolonged use of many prescription medications can lead to addiction. Drugs prescribed to cut pain are a commonly abused medication. These types of drugs are monitored carefully to prevent long-term use causing the body to require the addictive chemicals.
Accidental Overdose
Prescription painkillers alter the body's chemistry changing an individual's reactions causing anxiety, perspiring, headaches, sleeping difficulties, urine retention, vision changes and other symptoms. Individuals who stop taking a prescription abruptly will feel intensely uncomfortable while experiencing fever, pain, restlessness, nausea and anxiety. According to FreedomDrugRehab.com, accidental overdoses to painkillers are common because addicted individuals increase dosages. Overdose of painkiller medications can lead to breathing difficulties, heart arrhythmia, low blood pressure, coma or death.
Avoiding Prescription Drug Addiction
Before taking prescription medications for an illness or injury, a patient should discuss healthy alternatives with a physician. Alternative treatments such as biofeedback techniques or physical therapies can cut physical discomfort without dangerous side effects. If a prescription medication is the only way to assist a condition, then learn ways to avoid interaction with foods or other drugs. A physician should recommend counseling for anxiety disorders instead of addictive sedatives or sleeping tablets. Patients must only receive prescription medications from one physician to help in preventing drug abuse.
