Preview

Natural and Unnatural Drugs

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1826 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Natural and Unnatural Drugs
Natural and unnatural medicines: advantages and disadvantages
Jae
Eastern Time
COM/220
Jewel Jackson

Which is better for the consumer, pharmaceutical medicine or herbal medicine? There are good sides and bad sides to both types of medicine. Because of my own personal experience with several different antidepressants and heart burn medicine made by pharmacy companies and their herbal, or natural, equivalent, I can provide my point of view with these two particular types of medicine, but does not mean it is true with everyone.

Before we begin, I shall start with my personal experience with the pharmaceutical antidepressants in comparison to their more natural equivalent, without going too much into detail. My own personal experience regarding antidepressants was horrible and the medicine itself didn't treat the problem, but made it worse. Over the years, I took the time to actually realize that the antidepressants my doctor prescribed me were not good for me at all so I stopped taking them all together. Even though these pharmaceutical antidepressants work well with my mother and some others in my family, it had a bad reaction to my own body chemistry. My depression was worse, I didn't care for hygiene, myself, anyone else around me, and I was always tired. When I stopped taking them, I began feeling better, I wasn't as tired but instead happily walking everywhere I go, more upbeat, cleaner, and people noticed how much happier I was. Unfortunately, I have rapid mood swings, that of which can cause a lot of problems in any social situation. My husband-to-be suggested that I start taking the natural equivalent of antidepressants called St. John's Wort. Before making such a decision, though I did not consult a doctor on this one, I did a bit of research on this particular herb.

I happened upon a website called 'National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine' (NCCAM), at the 'National Institutes of Health' (NIH), a government website that tells
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Powerful Essays

    Drugs in Society: Study Guide
    • 4296 Words
    • 18 Pages

    Drugs in Society: Study Guide

    According to the text, what factorshave been major contributors to the demise of the two-parent household?…

    • 4296 Words
    • 18 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    St John's Wart Research Paper
    • 636 Words
    • 3 Pages

    St John's Wart Research Paper

    It can either increase the effect of the drug or decrease it. It is broken down by liver enzymes, meaning any other drugs broken down by the same enzymes may cause an interaction. Atorvastatin is one of those drugs. St Johns Wart is known to decrease the effects of atorvastatin. St Johns Wart also increases the serum level of LDL and increases total cholesterol. Taking St Johns Wart with antidepressants may cause an interaction, mainly serotonin syndrome. A few medications that would cause this dangerous condition are Celexa, Zoloft, Lexapro, Cymbalta and Elavil. Serotonin syndrome symptoms include seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, confusion and could cause death. In people with major depressive disorders St Johns Wart may cause mania. St Johns Wart should be stopped 2 weeks before any surgery due to its effect on serotine levels in the brain affecting how sedatives work. Overall, St. John’s Wort can cause interactions with antidepressants, antihistamines, cough medications, anticoagulants, sedatives, alcohol, triptans, antifungals, and statins. Besides medications, St. John’s Wort should also not be taken with medications high in tyramine. Taking this herbal medicine with tyramine can cause an elevation in blood pressure. Foods with tyramine include sausage, poultry, beer, aged cheese, and cough medicines. Jeff should be educated on all of these negative effects of St. Johns Wort and his current antidepressant medication should be reevaluated for effectiveness. Another antidepressant or a combination of medications may be prescribed to better control Jeff’s depression and make his transition away from this herbal medication more…

    • 636 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Neurological Processes Research Paper
    • 1079 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Neurological Processes Research Paper

    Low levels of serotonin are associated with illnesses such as bipolar, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and depressive disorders. The brain is in need of creation or reabsorption process in order to function correctly. When serotonin fails to be absorbed back into the cells, the mood is greatly affected. Drugs called SSRI 's are often prescribed to influence the reabsorption of serotonin. Not unlike the effect of drugs on dopamine, drugs (such as LSD) can reverse the reuptake process of serotonin causing heightened mood and thought (Carlson, 2007). Many of the medications have side effects while taking the medication but usually will go away. The withdrawals can be a horrible experience when a person stops taking certain medications that is prescribed for these illnesses or disorders the side…

    • 1079 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Prescription Medication Pros And Cons Essay
    • 529 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Prescription Medication Pros And Cons Essay

    Natural remedy for diseases versus prescription medicines has been the topic of medical discussions from a long time. While majority of the patients rely on what their doctors recommend, others have commenced questioning the dangers that normally go with pharmaceutical medicines, moreover have boarded on the job of looking for harmless and extra natural options. There are other significant reasons to think about prior to settling on a cure to address health problems. Below are the common arguments one can make use of to think about the pros and cons of both natural treatments and prescription medications.…

    • 529 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    HCS/531: The Evolution Of The Treatment Of Depression
    • 1047 Words
    • 5 Pages

    HCS/531: The Evolution Of The Treatment Of Depression

    The newer antidepressants produce similar outcomes as found with the older antidepressants but often create fewer side-effects. In fact, depressive symptoms can be temporarily suppressed by many different medications, including barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and antipsychotic medications. The beneficial effects of antidepressant medications seem to last only as long as the patients continue to take the prescribed dose” (Overholser 2006).…

    • 1047 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY
    • 935 Words
    • 7 Pages

    COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY

    COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY By: Marjorie Anne L. Ozaeta Krestina Carla L. Mata COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY Complementary therapies add an extra dimension of care to Hospice’s commitment to nurturing the body, mind, and spirit. These non-invasive, holistic practices do not replace the medical, social, or spiritual care of the hospice team. Rather, they work with the total care of the interdisciplinary team to promote comfort and wholeness for both patients and their families.…

    • 935 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    VALUE CONSUMER PREFERENCE FINAL
    • 849 Words
    • 3 Pages

    VALUE CONSUMER PREFERENCE FINAL

    Pelletier, K. R., & Astin, J. A. (2010). Integration and reimbursement of complementary and alternative medicine by managed care and insurance providers: 2000 update and cohort analysis. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 8(1), 38-9.…

    • 849 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Adderall Research Paper
    • 1374 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Adderall Research Paper

    Holistic medicine is something people are starting to turn to avoid a lot of contact with their blood-pressure medicine and anti-depressants. Holistic doctors use all natural roots and herbal mixes to relieve common aches and pains. St. John’s Wort which is not specifically for anxiety but it is an effective mood lifter as opposed to the commonly used Zoloft. It also is a good remedy for diarrhea, viral chest infections and other valuable medicinal uses. Another popular root is the Valerian root, it’s a very effective sedative that’s used mainly as a sleep aid. The sedative qualities make it very effective in fighting mental and physical tension due to stress. The drawback is that it is not recommended to children under 12 years old, pregnancy women on people taking various antidepressants. Catnip, part of the mint family is designed to treat the symptoms of anxiety as well as cramps and spasms, reduce headaches caused by insomnia and improve one’s…

    • 1374 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Alternative Therapies For Urinary Problems Paper
    • 860 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Alternative Therapies For Urinary Problems Paper

    The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) defines complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) as the use of health care practices and products that are not considered to be part of mainstream health care practices (Jackson, Taubenberger, Botelho, Joseph, & Tennstedt, 2012). This could include vitamins, supplements, acupuncture, aromatherapy, or meditation. According to a study done by Jackson, Taubenberger, Botelho, Joseph, and Tennstedt (2012) 30% of all men who…

    • 860 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Antidepressants Pros And Cons
    • 1570 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Antidepressants Pros And Cons

    When deciding how to go about treating depression there are many options that must be considered. Many people feel that antidepressants are risky and have unknown factors but if used correctly and with the right combination of treatments, reaching remission is possible. The idea of antidepressants being a safe haven is false in the sense that medications can not fix everything. People have to work on themselves whether it be seeing a psychiatrist or finding a daily habit that helps them find a reason to look for happiness. The controversy over whether antidepressants are helpful is a never ending question that is considered when determining whether that is the treatment route they are willing to take. Depression…

    • 1570 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Abc Series Analysis
    • 895 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Abc Series Analysis

    The ABC series of Complementary Medicine gives insight to who uses complementary medicine, and why someone turns to complementary medicine. As well as the risks and concerns that comes with practicing a less researched, less practiced form of treatment. According to ABC series of Complementary Medicine “nutrition” and “science” “has always been a part in conventional medicine, however traditional practitioners are not taught, and therefore do not practice much in the way of nutritional therapeutics.” Complementary medicine is often downplayed because of the lack of education, and training complementary practitioners have. Therefore traditional medicine is always looked at as the “better” treatment.” ABC series of Complementary Medicine…

    • 895 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Herbalism Personal Statement
    • 612 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Herbalism Personal Statement

    My love for alternative medicine such as Herbalism emerged from anger. From a young age nothing frustrated me more than commercials about prescription medicine. I never understood why and how individual can recommend healing methods that cause more problems than positive outcomes. I am not completely against prescription medicine, however, it does worry me how many have the mentally that prescription drugs are the only option, when there are other ways to heal like acupuncture, herbalism and a healthy and nutritional lifestyle. Growing up I knew many family members and friends who have had to endure the painful side effects that come with taking prescription drugs. Many of whom could have tried a…

    • 612 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    What´s Electroconvulsive Therapy?
    • 403 Words
    • 2 Pages

    What´s Electroconvulsive Therapy?

    When treating a patient with major depressive disorder, finding an effective treatment plan is crucial, especially when many patients with this disorder are unresponsive to medications and psychotherapy. Many psychologists treat major depressive disorder, MDD, with a combination of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and psychotherapy techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy. Beidel, Bulik, and Stanley (2014) stated that monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs), Tricyclics, and SSRIs are the most common medications used for treatment. Although this combination works for some patients, many are unresponsive to this treatment. The main goals for antidepressants is to balance the neurotransmitters in one’s…

    • 403 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Argumentative Essay On Antidepressant
    • 2056 Words
    • 9 Pages

    Argumentative Essay On Antidepressant

    Some antidepressants can make depression worse. There is a long list of side effects that are not helpful to someone already suffering in their everyday life. If one is already upset, they do not want to have headaches, gain weight, sweat excessively, increase their anxiety and restlessness, and they do not want to increase their risk of suicide. Studies have shown about one third of depressed individuals taking an antidepressant have stopped due to the side effects (Bower, B.). People getting antidepressants are looking for help, but antidepressants are not too fond of helping them.…

    • 2056 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Antidepressants Negative Effects
    • 1147 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Antidepressants Negative Effects

    Reading all of these different articles got me to think of it from different perspectives. Although there may be good in antidepressants, I have found that there are much more negative effects than positive. Though there is plenty more I need to know, the articles I found have me leaning towards my original position—hesitant of antidepressants. Many people claim it is helping, and it probably is, but that is only temporary. Once they become tolerant of the drug, as they often do, there is very little they could do after that. Even if they do not become tolerant, they could become dependent and need it to get through every…

    • 1147 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More

Related Topics