Posted by Dan Perkins on December 22, 2004, at 11:56:07
In reply to Has anyone participated in a drug study?, posted by dawnfawn on December 22, 2004, at 8:47:52
I have been in a couple of studies and, in general, I don't recommend them.
First of all, the whole process of a drug trial can be a hassle. You'll have to go to the clinic/hospital for an evaluation, then there will be several return trips to get your medication and for follow-up evaluations (assuming you meet the criteria for inclusion in the study). This is a real pain if you have a job as you will have to take time off and make up excuses for your bosses and co-workers (unless you are comfortable telling them you are taking part in a study for a drug treatment for mental illness).
Second, you only have a 50% chance of actually getting the active treatment (as opposed to a sugar pill placebo - assuming it is a double-blind study). Though, if you do receive a placebo, you may be offered the active treatment for a period of time after the trial period has ended.
Third, even if you do get the active treatment, there is no telling if it will work or not. There is always a chance that it will, but if you have really tried every other drug on the market and had no success, then ther isn't much of a reason to think that the drug in question is for you. Especially if the drug isn't specifically tailored to treat your particular condition.
Fourth, and this is the worst part of the bargain in my opinion, even if the drug does work great for you, you will only be allowed to take it for the length of the study (usually not more than 4-8 weeks). After that, you will have withdrawal to deal with which may leave you worse off than you were to begin with.
poster:Dan Perkins
thread:432801
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041217/msgs/432881.html