by Carol Gilmore | October 30, 2018 6:38 am
Many people use over the counter alternatives to their medication because they are cheaper than the brand name alternatives, but are just as effective and safe. They are easily accessible through pharmacies or supermarket chains without necessarily needing a prescription.
While OTC options do not have the prescription backing, they are widely used to address a range of conditions. Without these drugs, people may not be able to afford any medical help. But are they really good for you?
The biggest appeal of OTC medication is their reduced price. With OTC medication, you can manage your condition without having to pay over the odds.
OTC drugs are also readily available and can be accessed by any interested person.
OTC alternatives will help you get the medication you need without having to experience the side effects of name brands that you may be allergic to.
If you are unable to access certain medication because of the cost or availability, OTC alternatives could help you get the necessary cure.
Like other medications, OTC treatment plans share potential side effects. Depending on the drug, you could be at a higher risk of experiencing headaches and migraines, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia, as well as other minor side effects. You could also suffer from complications if you have diabetes or underlying heart problems.
OTC medication is generally safe if used within the recommended dosages. However, overdosing might result in system failure and death.
OTC drugs are not considered as addictive as other types of narcotics. People do not feel that they can get addicted to OTC medication, and therefore do not treat OTC medicine like they would other potentially harmful substances.
They can be abused and may result in addiction. While this is not the case for all OTC drugs, a significant number carry this risk.
It is difficult to identify, control and eradicate addiction because people can get them easily, and at affordable prices.
The ease of acquiring and prevalence of use of OTC medication may result in the development of substandard medicines. These drugs may also be susceptible to counterfeiting.
If your medication is inauthentic, you may not be able to manage your condition. OTC drugs can be risky if they are not legitimately designed to address your problem.
Some common symptoms of withdrawal from OTC medication include confusion, anxiety and significant changes in mood. Should you experience any of these, it is advisable to consult your doctor and stop any further use of OTC medication until everything is cleared up.
If you find yourself needing more of the same OTC drug, you should visit a doctor and explore the possible development of addiction.
You could consider patient assistance programs for medication[1] that you may not afford instead of risky OTC alternatives. Remember, the wrong options can prove to be costly in the long term.
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