Signs That You Are Overmedicated

About 70% of Nigerians take at least one prescribed medicine (especially Panadol) and around 50% of them take not less than two medicines in vogue like Lonart (antimalarial).

By looking at these statistics, there is no doubt that overmedication is a huge problem throughout the world now. The reality is that it is much more profitable for big drug companies to treat illnesses rather than cure them.

The older people and children are the two groups that are overmedicated most often. Statistics say that one out of every three persons over 65 years of age take five or more prescriptions; and the average person who is 75 years old takes more than ten medicines.

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It turns out that the most frequently prescribed pills in Nigeria are mostly painkillers, anti-malaria, and antibiotics. And the bad news is that this problem will not stop unless a patient or his or her family becomes proactive in taking control of the medical treatment.

Here are signs that you should be on the lookout for if you suspect that you or a family member is being overmedicated:

Signs That You Are Overmedicated:

1. Fatigue
This is a major sign that you are overmedicated, when you are frequently tired and have low energy even when you have hardly done anything at all.

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2. Unexplained weight loss or gain
Are you suddenly gaining or losing weight and have no idea why? Then you might probably be overmedicated.

3. Difficulty concentrating and memory loss
Have you noticed that you cannot concentrate on even the simplest things or that you are having a lot of trouble remembering how to do normal jobs?

4. Changes in sleep patterns
When you are overmedicated, there is tendency for you to feel groggy or drugged. You may also find it pretty difficult to sleep at bedtime.

In light of the above, here are some specific suggestions for learning about your drug intake and avoiding overmedication:

· Always take note of your current medications or make a list of all the dosages, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements and natural, herbal medicines.

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· Take it alongside with you to every doctor’s appointment and make sure that your doctors are aware of every drug you are taking.

· Inform your doctor about possible drug reactions.

· Research the drugs you are on and become more educated about side effects and possible drug reactions.

· Use one pharmacy for all your prescriptions.

Try as much as possible to follow the above steps diligently as they will definitely help you avoid being overmedicated.

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