One of my Aspie idiosyncrasies is focusing on types of TV commercials. At the present time I am following the "Ask Your Doctor about..." commercials, especially the side effects these wonder drugs may have on those who dare take them.
Possibly the most common side effects of any prescription drug are gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, constipation and diarrhea, because most drugs go through the digestive system to be absorbed. Other common aftereffects include drowsiness, pain and skin reactions.
Anyone who watches TV these days is well schooled on the side effects of the Ask your Doctor about... drugs. These infomercials begin with a pleasant scene featuring happy people. A new drug makes them happy. It cures or controls their medical problem.
There are three parts to these infomercials. Regardless of the drug they hype, the message has these parts:
Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects while taking [ ]
Nice way of saying that for every side effect, there is a drug to counteract it. You just need to ask your doctor. So, if you read this far, you are wondering where the Hidden Value lies in this composite of side effects and pleasantries.
Most of the ills these drugs are supposed to fix seem benign compared to their side effects. The human digestive system does a lot more for us than digest our food and sustain our life. It also alerts us when dangerous substances have been introduced into our food chain. When you experience a serious side effect, it may be an alert from your body. That alert is the hidden value. Silence that alert at your own peril. Your own digestive system knows more about you than your doctor.
Possibly the most common side effects of any prescription drug are gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, constipation and diarrhea, because most drugs go through the digestive system to be absorbed. Other common aftereffects include drowsiness, pain and skin reactions.
Anyone who watches TV these days is well schooled on the side effects of the Ask your Doctor about... drugs. These infomercials begin with a pleasant scene featuring happy people. A new drug makes them happy. It cures or controls their medical problem.
There are three parts to these infomercials. Regardless of the drug they hype, the message has these parts:
- Good news for folks who suffer from [ ] there is a new drug that can fix it.
- Ask your doctor if [ ] can fix your medical problem.
- Do not take this drug if you are pregnant or allergic to any of its ingredients.
Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects while taking [ ]
- Bladder pain
- bloody or cloudy urine
- difficult, burning, or painful urination
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- frequent urge to urinate
- lower back or side pain
- blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- chest pain or discomfort
- confusion
- convulsions
- dark-colored urine
- difficulty breathing
- difficulty with speaking
- difficulty with swallowing
- double vision
- inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
- inability to speak
- joint or muscle pain
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
- pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
- red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- red, irritated eyes
- seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- slow speech
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- sudden loss of consciousness
- swelling of the feet or lower legs
- uncontrolled repeated movements (tics)
- uncontrolled vocal outbursts
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- swelling of the face
- unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability
- feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
- painful or prolonged erection of the penis
- sensation of spinning
- painful, swollen joints
- continuing failure in men to experience a sexual orgasm
- lack of feeling or emotion
- lack or loss of self-control
- lack or loss of strength
- longer or heavier menstrual periods
- loss of balance
- loss of interest or pleasure
- memory problems
- mood swings
Nice way of saying that for every side effect, there is a drug to counteract it. You just need to ask your doctor. So, if you read this far, you are wondering where the Hidden Value lies in this composite of side effects and pleasantries.
Most of the ills these drugs are supposed to fix seem benign compared to their side effects. The human digestive system does a lot more for us than digest our food and sustain our life. It also alerts us when dangerous substances have been introduced into our food chain. When you experience a serious side effect, it may be an alert from your body. That alert is the hidden value. Silence that alert at your own peril. Your own digestive system knows more about you than your doctor.
