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Why not make sleeping meds and other meds that treat mental illeness over the counter drugs ? There is simply too much friction to get proper medicines in USA.

by tn13 10y ago

Why not make sleeping meds and other meds that treat mental illeness over the counter drugs ? There is simply too much friction to get proper medicines in USA. A walk into drug store lowers human dignity as one is treated like a criminal by default.

mercer 10y ago
The problem is that medication isn't a cure-all, and can actually significantly worsen a situation. It would be like selling 'radiation devices' people can use to treat their own cancer. Of course, if we have medication that has been proven to work without side-effects, I'd be all in favor.
- tn13 10y ago
  I know people who had psychological issues. The doctor gave them a simple prescription for "Restyl"[1]. The person has then simply buys the medicines by walking into a drug store with the same old prescription for the rest of his life. One doctor's visit that is all. In USA the guys will have to make several doctors visit, renew the prescription every month. Not to mention the insane amount of friction to get that doctor's appointment. I do get the point you guys are making but letting the drug companies actively advertise their medicines will help in informing customers what drugs they may buy. [1] Restyl, also known by the brand names of Niravam, Xanor, and Xanax, is a benzodiazepine-class, short-acting medication used to manage moderate to severe panic attacks and anxiety disorders. It is also used as an auxiliary treatment for anxiety caused by moderate depression. It's available in both generic form and extended release form (Xanax XR). In America, this medication is a schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
DanBC 10y ago
Sleeping meds - the Z drugs (like Zopiclone) - have some potential for addiction. (One of the top ten drugs obtained using stolen prescription pads in France; increased numbers of people attending drug rehab services in Ireland). And for most people they need to be doing other stuff before using the meds. Working through sleep hygiene first. The anti-psychotic meds are pretty harsh. They have harsh side effects. And it's hard to work out the correct dose. And, again, they're part of a package of care. A bunch of other stuff should be happening for people who need to take mental health meds (and for the people who care[1] for them). [1] "Carer" in UK is someone who provides care but who is not paid to do so. Normally a relative or spouse.
nommm-nommm 10y ago
This is a horrible idea. These are powerful medicines with potentially very serious side effects. Their use (especially dosing) needs to be regulated by a trained medical professional. Medicine should also be balanced with non-medicine treatment. There is OTC sleep meds, benadryl is the main one.

by tn13 10y ago

mercer 10y ago

The problem is that medication isn't a cure-all, and can actually significantly worsen a situation. It would be like selling 'radiation devices' people can use to treat their own cancer. Of course, if we have medication that has been proven to work without side-effects, I'd be all in favor.

tn13 10y ago
I know people who had psychological issues. The doctor gave them a simple prescription for "Restyl"[1]. The person has then simply buys the medicines by walking into a drug store with the same old prescription for the rest of his life. One doctor's visit that is all. In USA the guys will have to make several doctors visit, renew the prescription every month. Not to mention the insane amount of friction to get that doctor's appointment. I do get the point you guys are making but letting the drug companies actively advertise their medicines will help in informing customers what drugs they may buy. [1] Restyl, also known by the brand names of Niravam, Xanor, and Xanax, is a benzodiazepine-class, short-acting medication used to manage moderate to severe panic attacks and anxiety disorders. It is also used as an auxiliary treatment for anxiety caused by moderate depression. It's available in both generic form and extended release form (Xanax XR). In America, this medication is a schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

DanBC 10y ago

Sleeping meds - the Z drugs (like Zopiclone) - have some potential for addiction. (One of the top ten drugs obtained using stolen prescription pads in France; increased numbers of people attending drug rehab services in Ireland). And for most people they need to be doing other stuff before using the meds. Working through sleep hygiene first. The anti-psychotic meds are pretty harsh. They have harsh side effects. And it's hard to work out the correct dose. And, again, they're part of a package of care. A bunch of other stuff should be happening for people who need to take mental health meds (and for the people who care[1] for them). [1] "Carer" in UK is someone who provides care but who is not paid to do so. Normally a relative or spouse.

nommm-nommm 10y ago

This is a horrible idea. These are powerful medicines with potentially very serious side effects. Their use (especially dosing) needs to be regulated by a trained medical professional. Medicine should also be balanced with non-medicine treatment. There is OTC sleep meds, benadryl is the main one.