Are you mixing medications?

Question

Have you done this and then wondered why you were so sick?
"Aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen and a number of common antibiotics are among the top ten drugs that cause bad reactions. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices, also found that taking incorrect doses and taking herbal products that interfere with prescription medications are the most common kinds of problems. The report said the top 10 drugs most commonly implicated in adverse drug events treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments are: Insulin; anticoagulants; the antibiotic amoxicillin; aspirin; the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole; the generic pain drug hydrocodone/APAP; ibuprofen; acetaminophen; the antibiotic cephalexin; and penicillin; according to the report, released at the annual meeting of the American Pharmacists Assn., in Atlanta, GA."

Answer 1

bmac-I've read a lot of your answers and I'm usually impressed! (Just thought you would like to know) You use everyday common sense and seem well educated.

Now about mixing medications....most don't realize what they are doing when they start mixing herbal with Rx. They don't even really know what herb they are taking most of the time. Most just see "increase memory" "stay awake" "be more alert" they are looking for a quick fix because they can't seem to find the time to eat right, get plenty of rest ect.. ect.. ect.

Most people need to realize that ALL drugs and herbs have side effects and can be potentially LETHAL if ya don't know what your doing.

Maybe some have read your question and supporting documentation and ran to the medicine cabinet to see if they are mixing a lethal combination??? What do you think the chances are???

Thanks for throwing out the tidbit...where did you find your information?

Answer 2

Mixing medications without a thorough review is dangerous. There are so many interactions. For one drug, Warfarin, in the USP-DI, has pages of drug interactions.
Herbals can cause some nasty interactions. St. John's Wort is a notoriously bad drug when it comes to interactions. For most herbs, no good research have been done on interactions.