Posted by yxibow on May 3, 2006, at 1:00:23
In reply to Re: Went to pdoc today ... what do you think? » yxibow, posted by ed_uk on May 2, 2006, at 15:54:53
> Hi J
>
> >Do you really want to not take cough syrup, sudafed, and various OTC meds?
>
> J, OTC cough syrups don't work. At best, they are minimally useful. Having to avoid dextromethophan is a trivial concern for someone who is severely depressed. Sudafed is not very effective. Moreover, nasal congestion is a minor issue compared with severe anxiety or depression.Sudafed is not very effective for some but its better than Sudafed PE. If I have severe sinus congestion, it's better than nothing.
True, for severe depression, I agree that an MAOI can be useful, but its a last resort, at the level of ECT. You just don't start there, its not just OTC stuff that can affect your body on such a drug. The thought of a medication in your body that could cause hypertensive crisis and a hospital visit which here would put you back $1000 just to walk in, is mind boggling. This isn't social medicine, you have to remember, Ed.
And you're right, some of the OTC medications are not as effective as prescribed ones -- but we don't have the luxury any more unlike you in England of going into a pharmacy and getting codeine for a bad cough. The last time that was available was in the late 60s in some of the states here. So DXM is all there is, to be able to get into work and function at half capacity.Tidings
-- Jay
poster:yxibow
thread:639045
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060429/msgs/639517.html