side effects
Side Effects May Include…
For thousands of years the cannabis plant was used medicinally throughout the world. It is even mentioned in the Pen-ts’ao Ching, the world’s oldest pharmacopeia. This dates back to 2000BC and is listed as a treatment for malaria, beriberi, constipation, rheumatic pains and female disorders. It was a standard item in any physician’s black bag until the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 outlawed it. Also around this time, the chemical-based pharmaceutical industry began its reign over medicine. Men had relied on herbs and tonics, with mixed results, for a long time. The scientific method combined with modern industrial practices led to codifying medicines. In 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin and soon after, other doctors were able to reproduce it in quantity. The treatment of infections with antibiotics was a breakthrough that changed the face of medicine and disease. The pharmaceutical industry was growing in leaps and bounds; recommended dosages were effective, and people were relying less on home remedies. As is the case with any company providing a needed product, the pharmaceutical industry has grown into a multi-billion dollar global industry that supplies everything from baby aspirin to cancer treatments and antidepressants.
Despite the successes of the industry, there are a few shortcomings to modern medicines. Most medications take a targeted approach. For a bladder infection, doctors recommend one drug; for chest pains they offer another. It seems as though they shy away from holistic approaches to health, preferring to stick band-aids on all the little problems instead of treating the underlying causes of disease. For depression a physician may prescribe Prozac or Zoloft. It helps a person get through the day, maybe. But when the drug wears off, the patient is still depressed. And then of course, comes the fine print. At the end of every tv commercial for a pharmaceutical comes those four words, “Side effects may include…” And most of the time those side effects sound worse than the ailment itself. Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a sleep aid medication. Some possible side effects aren’t so bad, like dizziness, lightheadedness and loss of coordination. That is to be expected from something that will put you to sleep. How do these sound, heartburn, decreased sexual desire, painful menstrual periods, or breast enlargement in males? Is sleep really that important (yes it is) but who wants to risk hives, rashes, swelling of extremities, difficulty breathing or swallowing? A good thump on the head will put you out for the night too.
Prozac (Fluoxetine) is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants by physicians and psychiatrists. It is used for treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and eating disorders and others. It also has some very serious side effects, especially in younger patients up to 24 years of age. In younger people it can occasionally cause worse depression, aggressive behavior, self-harming, panic attacks, frenzied excitement and thoughts of suicide. How is that helpful to someone who is depressed? Other “regular” side effects can include nausea, dry mouth, weakness, uncontrollable shaking, hives, fever, joint pain, swelling of extremities including head and neck. Those symptoms don’t help alleviate depression.
NSAIDs (NonSteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs) are a class of drugs that have many uses and can be quite effective. Advil (ibuprofen) is probably the most common one utilized by Americans. NSAIDs are used to treat inflammation, mild to moderate pain, and fever. It’s great for headaches, arthritis, sports injuries and even menstrual cramps. Another commonly prescribed NSAID is Mobic (meloxicam) and in low doses is also good for long-term use on aggravating injuries from sports such as mild rotator cuffs or ligament sprains. But these drugs also have their drawbacks. It’s interesting that they can cause diarrhea, or constipation hitting both sides of that spectrum. Other effects may include fast heartbeat, nausea, pale or yellowing skin, tiredness, ulcers, cloudy or bloody urine. They can also cause random death due to heart attack or stroke, because of how it effects blood and clotting.
Actiq (Fentanyl Transmucosal) is a pain medication often given to cancer patients, or others suffering from long-term pain. It is used as a “breakthrough pain” reliever; that means a patient will be on some other pain medication but if the suffering spikes this is administered in conjunction to “rescue” the patient and bring the pain down to tolerable levels. A drug such as this one must be carefully administered because patients are usually on many other medications and doctors must be wary of interactions and synergy effects. Its side effects are also numerous, including (but not limited to) nausea, constipation, trouble walking, vomiting, fever, exhaustion, muscle aches, loss of appetite, hallucinations, and death from overdose.
So, those are just a few of the many thousands of drugs that modern science has given to the world. As a species are we much better off having them? It seems that we are unfortunate that so many that seem meant to give life back, on the one hand, so easily can take it away as well.
Marijuana also has its side effects. They include the munchies, which are uncontrollable appetite urges, particularly towards sweets. This can be laughable, but can have serious effects on some users. More sedentary users may find themselves with significant weight gain and at higher risk for diabetes. There is no chance for death by overdose; people have tried but they fall asleep long before they hit the L.D. 50. But it does increase the chance of accidents and injury because it effects motor control, balance, and perception of external stimuli. Anytime a person is “under the influence” of marijuana or other drug with neurological effects, they should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. The side effects of marijuana pale in comparison to the prescription drugs on the market. The range of treatments marijuana can be used for seems to be growing everyday, without the surprise unknown side effects which can be hidden in fine print until an unfavorable statistic makes it news. But that time the damage is usually done.
When it comes to any kind of medication, know what you are taking. Be aware of possible side effects and interactions with other medications or chemicals in your body. And if a doctor gives a warning about something, you should generally listen them.
Marijuana contributes to Patients’ Quality of Existence
A primary reason medicinal marijuana is heralded has related to its positive impact on the patients’ quality of existence. We are not talking about the “high” and “buzz” nor shall we be speaking about how exactly it inspires creativeness in artists. The medical advantages of discomfort relief are enormous. Traditional remedies for extreme discomfort sufferers include drugs and opium-derived medicines. Although individuals are frequently effective types of discomfort relief, they’ve unwanted effects that may be crippling unwanted effects including sedation, respiratory system depression, and constipation. Drugs cause physical and mental dependency which have destroyed 1000’s of lives. Also, as tolerance accumulates to individuals drugs, bigger doses are needed. So when someone is finally completed with them, they face withdrawal syndrome which could frequently be as debilitating because the initial illness these were dealing with.
As new strains of marijuana happen to be developed, concentrating on high CBD content minimizing THC, marijuana’s medical benefits have jumped. Patients are now able to self-medicate and carry on living a usual daily life after they have discovered the very best strain for his or her condition. We request ourselves, isn’t that the purpose of medicine, to deal with disease and permit patients to operate in society? The number of pharmaceutical drugs have side-effect lists which are worse compared to illnesses? A current medical study including marijuana from Tel Aviv, Israel has proven huge enhancements for patients quality of existence. A investigator was cited as saying “After three months’ treatment patients reported improvement generally health perception, social functioning, capability to work, physical discomfort and depression.” For individuals who are suffering from IBD and Crohn’s the mental respite from symptom reduction is enormous. Suppose every single day you awaken and also have to organize your entire day around being not able to manage your bowels. It’s a debilitating fear to reside with, that certain moment you may be on an outing and all of a sudden you’ll need access immediately to some bathroom. Furthermore, patients seek privacy and hygiene too. IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease) could be crippling inside a world where public bathrooms frequently don’t meed public demand.
Medicinal marijuana provides relief with this and a whole lot. People are feeling better and can go enjoy existence. They are able to get away from home and choose a hike, or visit the beach. Patients can bask on a sunny day and do not need to worry. Discomfort is relieved, anxiety reduced and there’s generally a large grin evidently of patients. Even large information mill being attentive to the life-style enhancements that is included with medicinal marijuana use. Cheeba Chews, those who win from the Colorado Cannabis Cup (food items category), are thinking about sponsoring a snowboard team. This straightforward corporate move demonstrates several positive factors. For just one, clearly the organization supplying medicine for thus many does well financially. Furthermore, if your sponsorship of snowboarders does develop it might shows a conditioning of anti marijuana sentiments. Cheba Chews may likely get their title the main attraction of major competitions. This may lead to more education and knowledge of the existence patients live.
Medical Marijuana Decreasing Obesity?
Terrible nutrition choices surround us. Health has given way to convenience and the American lifestyle is one that easily induces obesity. Constantly eating out and a lack of proper exercise have resulted in an overweight nation. Obesity rates have been on the rise over the last several decades and currently, over one third of Americans fall into this category.
The search for a magical weight loss solution has been coveted almost as much as the Holy Grail. Unfortunately, many of the pills have turned out to either not work well and/or cause serious side effects. Sanofi-Aventis’ Rimanabant initially had high hopes only to have to FDA decline approval for the drug due to concerns over increased depression and suicidal behavior. Other weight loss drugs have also faced their demise by the hands of the FDA. Meridia was pulled from the market last year due to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Recently, there has been more positive news on a potential weight loss product. A study conducted by Dr. Yann Le Strat which was published in The American Journal of Epidemiology has discovered a link between lower obesity rates and marijuana use. The study does not provide concrete conclusions on exactly why this has occurred, but the findings are interesting. There are lifestyle factors that could also contribute to weight loss. Perhaps cannabis users eat less or are more active than stereotypes would suggest.
The recent study linking marijuana use to lower obesity does not necessarily solve America’s weight problem. However, with more research and a full understanding of why marijuana users are slimmer, we may be able to draw some helpful tips on losing weight in the future. With the side effects and high costs associated with dietary prescription pills, this link deserves further examination.
For more information, see:
HealthLand.Time.com | Marijuana Slims? Why Pot Smokers Are Less Obese
Time.com | The Diet Pill Dillema
Prescriptions.Blogs.NYTimes.com | Setbacks in Diet Pill Study