Chennai: Self-medication using prescription or over-the-counter drugs, or other substances carries a risk. It is always advisable to speak with a medical practitioner and make sure the medication is suited for you before taking any prescription. Self-medication side effects can result in drug dependence. In the worst circumstances, self-medication may possibly raise your risk of serious medical issues or even death. You cannot take medications blindly. Even for minor symptoms like a cold or a dry throat, self-medication—that is, taking pills without first talking to a doctor—can be dangerous.
It may result in unforeseen consequences: Patients and their care givers who self-medicate frequently do so based on inaccurate information that is available online. Without a thorough diagnosis, taking medication can have unanticipated side effects that are more detrimental to you than beneficial. For instance, people frequently use antibiotics on their own to treat viral diseases without recognising that using the incorrect drug and dosage can result in drug resistance which imposes a threat to the individual and community as well. It is also practised commonly that prescriptions are circulated among family members and friends for similar complaints and even for children, which is very dangerous. Medications are prescribed based on age, present health complaints, body weight, pre-existing health conditions, any other medications already adviced etc.
Self-medication for minor symptoms has risks as well. It is not advisable to take a medication without first talking to a doctor, even for minor symptoms like a cold or a dry throat. For example, taking excessive amounts of decongestants might result in atrophic rhinitis (nasal dryness), which can cause the mucosa (wet, inner lining) of the nose to be destroyed. In some cases, using too much cough medicine or drowsiness medication might inhibit brain function, create cognitive issues, or even trigger a seizure. Toxic effects can result from taking too much Paracetamol, which is frequently used to relieve pain and fever. Sometimes we take over-the-counter medicines like Combiflam for colds, but they might be dangerous for people who have underlying medical illnesses like renal issues. Therefore, even OTC medications carry a risk of side effects.
Consult a Physician for an accurate diagnosis and prescription: It is best to seek a Physician’s advice for an accurate diagnosis and to develop your treatment strategy based on their advice and interpretation of the illness. Doctors occasionally advise healthy adult patients with minor symptoms and no co-morbid conditions to take care of themselves at home. The general advice is to limit paracetamol use to emergency and symptomatic treatments for such individuals. For patients with underlying medical issues, the treatment differs. Antibiotics should never be used for self-medication. In addition, it’s crucial to follow a doctor’s prescription exactly and not skip any doses because doing so can result in the development of drug resistance.
