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The Dangers of Mixing Medication

One body, multiple drugs: It can be a recipe for disaster.

Arthritis patient Edith Manley of San Leandro, Calif., is exceedingly careful when mixing medication, and with good reason. Nearly three years ago, Manley's 39-year-old daughter, Megan Nelson, died unexpectedly during a visit to Manley's home. Nelson had back pain for several years and occasional bouts of depression. Although her medical conditions weren't fatal, mixing prescriptions apparently was. "She was taking antidepressants for her depression and painkillers for her back pain," recalls Manley. "Her primary cause of death was listed as an accidental drug overdose.”

Manley and Nelson's teenage son, Mike, still grieve. And Manley is determined to get the word out: Mixing medications can be deadly, especially for people with arthritis or older Americans, who often have more than one health condition that requires medication.

Multiple Meds = Increased Dangers

Oscar Gluck, MD, clinical professor of medicine at the University of Arizona School of Medicine and director of the Arizona Rheumatology Center in Phoenix, says most of his patients have several diseases. In addition to a rheumatic disease, the most common diseases his patients have are diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Although people of any age can have multiple health problems, the greatest risk is among those 50 and older, he says. As people age, their propensity to develop other health problems – and the likelihood that they are mixing medication – increases.

A recent study of adults in the United States showed that more than 90 percent of people 65 or older use at least one medication per week. More than 40 percent use five or more medications, and 10 percent use 12 or more.

"It's not unusual to see people with arthritis taking a dozen drugs. And if they're taking that many, I can usually find three or four that have the potential to interact," says Don Miller, professor and chairman of pharmacy practice in the College of Pharmacy Practice at North Dakota State University and pharmacotherapy specialist at Veterans Administration Hospital in Fargo.

Obviously, the more drugs you need to take, the more likely you are to be taking two that don't mix. But even if you are young, relatively healthy and just occasionally take medications for other problems, such as a cold, headache or infection, you could be at risk for medication reactions – if you and your doctor aren't careful. 

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edward
06 Feb 2012, 07:42
getting facette shots in my upper right neck. seem to help was given morphine 25mg raised t 30mg. also,fentenyl 50mcg patch, I quite the patch, no problems. now I get morphine head aches for which i medicate with morph. pain in neck is periodic but i am taking morh more for maintenance. (irritating side effect:itching.)

I have had trouble sleeping all my life it seems. I mix a toxic cocktail to sleep:morph,trazdone,zolpediem zamex.

fear has taken over. i read heath ledger's od and respiratory failure has me frightened. any suggentions out there, thank's
Darlene
05 Feb 2012, 08:54
I take Super Motrin, 400 mg for headaches daily since I was involved in a car accident 7 years ago. I take approx. 3-4 daily. I have started taking vitamin B12 and D along with a daily vitamin for women over 50 and a potassium suppliment daily. Friends of mine go to Dr. Bernsteins and get regular vitamin B12 shots daily. It costs to much money for me to attend but they told me they get the vitamin B12 shot and are told to take a daily vitamin with potassium daily in order to lose weight. I am taking 2000 mg of vitamin B12 with the other vitamis and the potassium on my own. Will the mixture hurt me? Thanks, Darlene
Jennifer
25 Jan 2012, 21:54
Hi, I see alot of pain, physical and emotional expressed here and for your losses due to accidental overdoes, I am deeply sorry. I almost lost a dear friend the same way (methadone and Xanax). I am 30 years old and have three ruptured discs in my back, arthritis in my hips and knees, and guess what. No insurance of any kind for surgery or proper health care. I have a primary care physician that I see semi-regularly. When the pain gets to be too much to handle. Six years ago, he started me out on a low dose of lortab (5mg)3x a day and slowly I've worked my way up to 10 mg percoset 3x a day. I also am bipolar with an anxiety disorder so I see a psychiatrist as well. Both doctors agree that my chronic pain does not help my manic depressant moods at all. When I have my "meds" I am happy, I can do things. When I don't have them, I don't function. At all. physical dependence? probably. I don't blame the pharmaceutical companies or the doctors for putting drugs on the market meant to help us with REAL issues. I blame the people who abuse them and those of us who need medication to live some semblance of a "normal life" are given grief because of them now. I absolutely hate the fact that I am so young and have these issues. But I had cancer at 21, I have only one and a half kidney and I have celiac disease to boot. Currently I am taking 10mg percoset 3x a day for my back, hips, and knees, .5mg klonipan 3x a day for my anxiety(sometimes) I dont usually only take it at night though, and 10mg of Bentyl 3x a day for my celiac (stomach). Added to this? I take ibuprofen with EVERY dose of pain med i take. Seems to make it last longer. I am truly pain free as long as I take the ibuprofen with it. my doc has tried me on prescription strength AI's but it upsets my celiac so that I can't handle them. I have three young children, a full time job, and a very productive lifestyle. It bothers me that for people who truly have problems that need be dealt with have problems getting the help we need because of the bad rap that prescription meds get. Yes, you should always be cautious and never take two different meds from two different docs with out them knowing everything you are on and not taking meds that aren't prescribed for you. A little common sense goes a long way.
amy shumake
22 Jan 2012, 08:50
Out of all these post not one do i see that readlly indeed without a doubt can definetly kill you by mixing. You ask me how I lost my 19 year old son 4/30/08 he was in college he went to the dr he had been battling a absess tooth for a week his regular dr figured he would play dentist gave him METHADONE he was already on KLONAPIN 2MG PROZAC 40 MG AND ON TOP PRECRIPED METHADONE 10M MG 120 OF THEM... my son picked up the script at the drug store at 5 left my house at 650 was dead at 830 pm he was not found until 330pm the next day. AND HE WAS ASTHMATIC AND ON DEPRESSION MEDS. fda says you do not give methadone to asthmatic patients you do not start a patient on 10 mg and you give methadone to a herion addict which my son was not or a cancer patient or a arthritis patient that has it severely which he had none... this dr was so negliecent and he knew if . TWO DOWNERS WILL KILL YOU DEAD ESPECIALY METHADONE XANEX OR KLONAPIN IT SHUTS YOUR RESPITORY DOWN WITHIN LESS THEN A HOUR I AM LIVING PROOF. I HAD BEEN SEEING THIS DR WITHOUT INCEDENT FOR OVER 5 YEARS IF WE CAN TRUST OUR DR WHO CAN WE TRUST PEOPLE WAKE UP AND BE AWARE YOUR DR CAN KILL YOU EVEN IF YOU TRUST HIM!! JUST WANT TO GET THE METHADONE WARNING OUT THERE....FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME CAROLINASUGAR69@AOL.COM
Pat
11 Jan 2012, 02:06
Is it safe to take plain MSM with psychiatric drugs as: Abilify,Lamotrigine, Trazodone and Citalopram?
Litaylor
22 Dec 2011, 00:02
Wowzers, lots of individuals with pain. To medicate or not to medicate that seems to be the real question here. I am in favor of medication, but in moderation. The plain truth is, that the body gets tolerant to the amount of pain medication that you are taking, so in return, we all feel that we have to turn up the volume. This is not the case with medication. Do not turn up the amounts. Tramadol is a great pain reliever for a mild pain. So use it as such. Not to be used all of the time. Then if you need a stronger pain killer get one, for the so called flare up days. Use for a few days, then get the heck off of them again. Yes, your gonna be in pain sometimes. That's why they call your disease just that, a disease. It super duper sucks! But, if we get off the pitty pot and be responsible adults with our perscriptions, these deaths could be eliminated. I hurt too, but the more I think about it, the more I hurt. I'm done with that way of thinking. Positive thinking goes a long way. I've read some of these excerpts and believe me my heart goes out to each and everyone of you. But, when I read, well I'm overweight and I hurt. Guess what, that extra weight isn't helping your joints. Start out slow, with an exersize regimen, very, very slow if you have to. I know you hurt when you get up right from the get go. Lay there for a minute and breathe in and out for about five minutes quietly, then take on the day. Take each day as it comes.
Joe McCraw
20 Nov 2011, 13:12
are there any negatives bye mixing the following:Ibuprofen, Doxazsiln, Trigosamine,
cephalexin.
Canuck
12 Nov 2011, 16:59
I would recommend to most of you to get a consultation with your pharmacist about drug interactions & then discuss the results with your doctor. If you have a good doctor he/or she should be willing to listen to advice from the Pharm D.
This has allowed me to change meds or dosage under doctor's care. Hope you will get relief & Peace to you.
I'll keep you all in my prayers.
Diane
05 Nov 2011, 01:45
Hello...is it ok to take soma, xanax, and naproxen all together at night?
Natasha Gajewski
02 Nov 2011, 19:16
Wow...this is an interesting feed. Some of the posts absolutely break my heart. I have MCTD, which is an overlap of lupus, scleroderma, and polymyositis, with a bit of RA thrown in. Meds have helped me so much, but I still resent taking pills by the handful. Plus, the methotrexate is thinning the hair on my head and prednisone is promoting hair on my face! How cruel is that? But I'm fond of breathing and dressing myself in the AM, so you do what you gotta do. I built myself a symptom tracking app. Helps me figure out what makes my symptoms better/worse. Happy to share with you... www.sympleapp.com. Peace and health to you all.
byron
13 Oct 2011, 05:52
I went to a Psychiarist named Dr.Amal Tanagho in Huntington Beach, California: STAY AWAY FROM HER!! who (without knowing my Medical Background) prescribed me: Klonopin, xanax, and Zoloff--4.5 pills per day which caused extreme sedation, distorted thinking and memory loss. The Klonopin and Xanax should never be mixed. This affected my rational thought process so much that I commenced drinking alcohol to the point of alcoholism!! PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM ANY Health care provider OVER-PRESCRIBES MEDICATIONS AND DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE SIDE-EFFECTS!! I hope that this doesn't happen to anyone else!! This person has destroyed my life and my family!!
liza
12 Oct 2011, 06:10
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Kris
04 Oct 2011, 22:30
My daughter died at 26, do not mix xanax with antidepressants. America is over medicated. Wake up america, drug companies make billions of dollars and doctors now have a license to kill. Legal prescription drugs is the number three killer in the united states. Do your research.

" say no to drugs" remember that? " say " no to your doctor and drug companies"
Sue
04 Oct 2011, 00:12
Walgreens.com has an excellent web site that includes the ability to check out all drug interactions. Check it out and best of luck to all.
Carolyn
21 Sep 2011, 17:10
My husband had multiple injuries/surgeries and had chronic pain. He was taking Percocet, Soma, Xanax, Cymbalta, Restoril and Plavix. He died on July 1, 2010 from an unintentional lethal combination of prescription medications. I was also on the first three plus some others, Verapamil and Levoxyl. I continued taking the drugs until October 31, 2010. At that time I decided I needed to stop the denial and get straight. It took me 2 months cold turkey to get the majority out of my system. 6 months to be able to sleep w/o drugs. I am in pain but nothing compares to the pain of losing my husband.
elizabeth p
20 Sep 2011, 13:17
I have had fibromyalgia for 18 years, as time wentt on I developed bursitis in my hips and arthritis in both knees.(OA) Now the OA is in my back and neck and I have buging disks. ALL my meds are controlled thru my doctors. I do not self medicate by taking more than prescribed, borrowing other's pain meds, or buying them off the street. My drs and my pharmacists are never more than one phonecall away. My hospital uses a computerized medicine checker, and if the dr tries to add a new med that will react badly with what I have, it flashes in red.I also go over my meds at every appointment I have with every dr. There is NO substitute for asking a dr or pharmacist the questions folks are asking here. If you don't trust your doctor, then get a new one. You pay their salary, they work for you. If you are afraid to change drs because you might not get your pills, you have more problems than can be solved on the Internet. Anyone with chronic pain needs a primary care dr, a pain dr, and a psychiatrist. Chronic pain affects your body AND your mind.
Melissa
20 Sep 2011, 12:10
Hi my name is Melissa
I have RA since 2005 and like many of you I take so mnay types of meds (Humira, Methrotaxate, Millipred, Boniva, Lyrica, Folic Acid 1mg, Vitamin D 50,000U, Welbutrin XL and Nucynta) now I have been with these severa types of heahaches on one side only and have a had two sessions of trigger point injections on that site,and, still have the pain,I can't sleep, have to work, take care of 2 children and the home. I am also doing my Doctorate. The pain in my hands (wrists) knees, neck and lower back are always there - do we really have to get used to these pains? What do I do?
*I do physical therapy every day at least 20 minutes in the pool, eat right, always have your meals don't skip them your body needs them.
*I bought this voice recognition software to do a lot of my hand writen work and school projects, change as many electronics as possible to be touchscreen instead of buttons (I hate those).
*I organize my self to run my day, I cook for 2 days this way I can just reheat the meal of the day before, ah and use a crockpot (dump it all in and let it run!)
*My co-workers know about my conditions and we work much better as a team.
*I need to travel a lot, so I use comftable clothes and SHOES!!!, carry only what I need (Sorry ladys, no more match your clothes with the shoes and the handbag) smaller and lighter luggage. Always carry healthy snacks in my bag, and, insteads of a book I have a Kindle have them all in one place and small light to carry.
I hope my best practices help any of you out there. Keep moving forward, let's not give up and lots of health to all. Thanks Melissa
Donna Grata
15 Jun 2011, 21:12
I'm taking achiphex 20mg,Lisinipril 20 mg and zanax 0.125 3x day for anxiety. I quit taking my celebrex because I wasn't sure how it would interact with the zanax but now my osteoarthritis is getting bad, can I take the celebrex with the zanax?
Sharon
04 Jun 2011, 16:34
I have Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis and I stay in extreme pain. What are people like me suppose to do to get through the day and even a minute of sleep without pain pills? We can not just "grin and bear it" for more than 20 years. There comes a time we need help. What are we to do then?
James Walker
29 May 2011, 02:14
Can ultram (tramadol) and tizanidine (carisoprodol be taken together?
LindaC
22 Mar 2011, 10:17
I hate the criticism from "well meaning people" concerned over our drugs. The majority of chronic pain suffers take their meds responsibly. I'm in a situation where there is no support for any of my problems. I have severe OA, and Fibro. These 2 conditions keep me tired, hurting and depressed most days. I just had my 9th operation in alittle over 5 yrs. 6 of those operations were OA related. I have OA in back and knees which so far I've held off surgery with local injections. My big outings are my DR. visits. It's a major to go to grocery store. I can't imagine having to deal with small children. The pain wears you down along with the attitudes of others. One post said drink lots of water(LOL) Most of us have gone the route of other treatments. We are on meds because other treatments don't work. YES meds have risks. I just was diagnosed with gastric ulcers most likely due to Celebrex. Now something else to deal with. I guess we do tend to sound whiney and defensive on these sights, but as in my case I have no one to express my feelings and concerns to. Here we can unload. People here know what we are going through. I would say most people who are responding to these posts are responsible in taking their meds and doing research on intereactions of meds. I've read extensively on my conditions and take magazines and newsletters with updates.Most of us just want respect and acknowledgement for what we have to deal with on a daily basis. When other people pre-judge you do to the meds you're on this is more likely to cause someone to not be forth coming with their meds and any concers. How can you talk to someone who thinks you're a drug addict or just need to pull yourself up by you're boot straps and suck it up. It is our responsibility to learn all we can on our conditions and meds. Never take anything for granted.
W.C. Isiah
19 Mar 2011, 00:20
I am writing in response to "Wen" dated August 17, 2010. I too suffer from multiple pain illnesses. I have had 3 wrist surgeries including a tendon transfer to my wrist, a lamenectomy on my L4 and L5 tendons in my back, have developed diabetes and hypertension from the weight gain due to me also having Rheumatoid Arthritis, Carpul Tunnel and tendonitis. I often have trouble walking and often can't wait to get my 3 children off to school so that I can lye down because I am exhausted because I don't sleep due to chronis pain. My husband works nites so I often feel like a single parent because I have to get my 3 children off to school including my youngest daughter who has Autism. I have to walk down the street to her bus stop to put her on the bus and often have to wait between 20-40 minutes for her bus because it is almost always late. I don't want to be on pain medication but without it, I can't get out of bed. The first time I went to a pain doctor, he prescribed a medication that my pharmacist felt was too dangerous. She sent me to his pharmacist who filled the prescription and a week later, I suffered a heart attack. When Michael Jackson died, this pain doctor had the audacity to be on "The Today Show" giving his "opinion" on why Michael Jackson died. He wasn't Michael Jackson's doctor but he "was" mine and didn't work in my best interest. Suffice it to say, I would never go to him again and if I ever see his name on one of those sites where you rate a doctor I will rip him a new one. He had the nerve to be condescending and abrupt during my appointment. Never let a doctor talking to you in anything other than a respectful manner. We aren't seen by them for free. I too feel like I don't have any control over my life. I often have a list of things I want to get down the next day or with my children but my body doesn't always cooperate. I feel like I am a prisoner in my own body. I get up and do as much as I possibly can do including cooking dinner 2-3 times a week. My husband and I are now separated because he got tired of "taking care of me." He went to some of my doctors appointments and knew how sick I was but it didn't matter. I'm the one whow helps with homework, cooks dinner, goes to parent conferences no matter how much pain I am in. It's hard having constant chronic pain. It's like I don't feel like talking to people because they always ask how you're doing but very rarely do they care and really want to know since you can't tell them anything positive. My medicine doesn't make me feel "high." It just takes the edge off. I am sure that there are some people who lie to get pain meds like Corey Haim's bbt those of us who have struggleed with this for years are really suffering. No one in their right mind wants to be on all of these medicinces that only create more health problems. Anyone criticizing those of us on meds need to walk a mile in our shoes. You couldn't. It would be too painful!
Joanna
16 Mar 2011, 15:54
VERY DEPRESSING...We have all been used by the medical and drug companies. I have been a working nurse with RA since 18yr old. Tried every drug they thought up. RA changes through the years. The least pain I felt was while I was pregnant and nursing. I hear this is common. DO YOU THINK THESE OVERPAID RESEARCHERS HAVE LOOKED INTO THE WORLD OF HORMONES AND THE CAUSE AND EFFECT ON THE BODY??? Hell no and they won't in our lifetime because it is over their heads. Did you ever wonder why there is so many different treatments and diagnosis terms for Rheum arthritis? Maybe it is because we are just ONCE AGAIN...treating the symptoms not the CAUSE! Trust me. I have been in the hospital for 37years and basically we can stop the bleeding but rarely do we really FIX THE PROBLEM.(so to speak) I do not know anymore,I have so many doubts. I think Suzanne Summers is looking smarter everyday. In the meantime I SAY TAKES WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL THE BEST.
wen
17 Aug 2010, 21:42
i have 5 chronic pain illnesses. i have had 3 organs removed in the past five years. i know pain very well, to well. i am a stay at home mom of 2, a military wife and went threw a 7 month pull of doing everything alone. all the house work, yard work, and a whole winter doing it. i pushed myself to the max everyday bc i had to0. i could not let my kids see how much pain i was in bc they where 3 and 7 at the time. they didnt need to worry about me and add the stress of daddy being gone. i threw my back out more times than i can count during that time. it hard enough to do that with out being sick- add 5 chronic pain illnesses on top of it.

over the years i have tried every treatment i could to help with pain!! i work with a herbalist, i have took herbal classes, i am on herbs and vitamins, my husband and i both became a reiki masters. i have been to rhemys, neros, pain clinics, spine clinics, chrio, done acupuncture, gigong and pt etc. so far besides meds heat and reiki are the only things that work for me. some of that i know works for many- but for some of us we have to be on meds!!! we are not lesser people for taking them!!

i HATE with a passion when people judge others for being on pain meds or hell meds period- like someone did on this board.yes i am on a pain med and i am also on a med to control my panic attacks bc when i get into a ton of pain i can not control when the attacks hit. DO YOU THINK WE WANT TO BE ON THEM?? omg no- who the heck would want to?? having chronic pain illness suck- bc you feel like you dont have control! your sick and being on pain meds makes most people feel like they are addicts or weak. why people feel this way is bc many to many people judge us and make us feel bad. we dont use them to get high we use them to control pain. to be honest the most pain meds do is help easy the pain it never takes it away. so we can try to live as normally as we can.

i went threw 6 yrs of doctors and people telling me i was a lair, crazy, weak, mental and a junkie(at the time i wasnt on pain meds). i had shrinks laugh at me, doctors tell me to put my kids in day care and others tell me i was just lazy. lol sad bc i do more work in a day and i am on my feet more than most of them where. chasing after a toddler and a new born is no small task! yes some are jerks- i have been there many many times and it took me years before i said screw this. i bought into it all, thought i was nuts and maybe it was all in my head. then i got proactive and searched like mad to find a g.p that dealt with chronic pain illnesses. there are sites like fibro hugs that help your find doctors by state.
i know i sound like a witch but most of us feel bad enough!!
eva
02 Jul 2010, 04:03
any painpills are bad for you and very addicting including xanax and valium...no matter what anyone including doctor says...you should never ever be on anything addicting especialyy xanax longer than 2 months..there are other alternatives...especialyy chiropractic care..plenty of water...natural vitamins and herbs...i've been there did it...wrecked cares over dosed almost died...had chronic neck pain...stay away...not all doctors are good ones..they just want your money and want you out the door !!!!
mary
09 Jun 2010, 01:25
Iam prescribed percocet10/325, hydromorphine(Dilaid)4mg,wellbutrin, klonopin 1mg, Ambien 10mg, Requip 4 pills celebrex 400mg. Thhe percocet Ive been on for 6 years, Dilaided 3 years. Antidepressents 10 years also Ambien for about 10 years. I tried fentanly patch 50mg and later 75mg BIG MISTAKE made me stay in bed legs burned and very fast heart rate and breathing. I mentioned to my Doctor he said keep it on, so I told him it is time to seek new medical attention. Then he cut me off of everything. So know I feel awful and hurtting bedd-ridden not to mention withdrawls. This is not a good place to be, whatever happened to trial and error. What happened to weaning a patient or trying other things. The only meds that were working was percocet and Dilated. What do you all think about this. I need some feedback.
CJ
19 May 2010, 13:21
i have to take loratab 10 for my back everyday, i think that i have adhd too but i dont know if i go to the doctor and i do have it if it is ok to take loratab and aderall together.
Shana
20 Apr 2010, 22:51
Ihave had osteoarthritis as long as I can remember. I was in my teens when it started. I was supposed to have knee surgery when I was 20 , but I was scared and I walked out. Right now, I am 40 years old and I am in excruciating pain. I take methadone daily , at the clinic for a DIFFERENT reason and what I want to know is, if I take percocet or lortab , will that be okay to mix with the methadone. Well I have taken both before with the methadone and I was okay, but I am talking long time usage. Another thing that my doctor talked to me about is giving me diet pills. I have tried to see if I can mix that with Methadone as well. For personal reasons I have not told my doctor that I am on Methadone because , well one reason is I dont feel that I will receive equal treatment . I do not take anything without asking the pharmacist or some other qualified person about mixing with the methadone. If anyone can help me I would greatly appreciate it.
cindy
01 Apr 2010, 10:33
Ive tryed it all, Ive hadrehm this for 18 yrs. you must be very careful with all these drugs in combination. In the past ive tryed all this. Once I had a Dr. after doing my part bloodwork-ups and such Id had boils on legs stomach, they were over doseing me. The Dr. office never even called to tell me there was a problem. I had to call them. All Im a saying is always question what they do. Get copys!!!! I now eat and smoke mary j with methotrexate, I never stop exercising no matter how I feel, But I do go with how the body feels, I do feel DIET WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE eat green+ brightly colored, no fast food ever!!!! its a Death sentence
gary
29 Mar 2010, 06:25
why ask a question like everything else you can't get an answer without paying for it and i just don't have the money thank's for nothing.
jj
23 Mar 2010, 23:57
I've been taking 30 mgs of aderall and 1 mg of xanax daily. Is this ok?
diana
25 Feb 2010, 15:58
is it ok to take all of this together even thou it is suppose to be nautral? immuplex,pure msm capsules,estroven nighttime,high potency stresstabs. thank you diana
Dave D.
13 Feb 2010, 05:06
To check drug interactions, visit DrugDigest.org
bonnie
25 Jan 2010, 00:25
I have read all your comments and would like
to recommend swimming ,fish oil ,Holy basil,
oregano oil , old remmody is applecider vinegar 1teaspoon,and one teaspoon of honey 3xs aday in warm water and drink. I have found no caffine to help as it stores the toxins in our body and you need 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to flush out all the toxins from pills etc. I am doing all these
and wish to find the cure for all of us whom
suffer ever so much. Also eat organic as the
cells hold the toxins and no water causes the joints to suffer terribly. Processed food
is causing alot of our problems I can my own
and have a organic orchard and grow alot of myown veggies we can help ourselves by the
things we are doing I for one am fighting you just have to start one step at a time and study. Nature has alot to help we need to educate ourselves these meds. are bad and the dies they use I for one am allergic to yellow and reds. Hope this is of some good for any of you's out there.
Ebrahim
17 Jan 2010, 17:50
Good news for everyone suffering from r a pain. Please go and buy green tea .mix with hot water and massage into effected area 4 to 5 times a day the relief is amazing please try this inexpensive tretment its better than any rub ive used . I have ra for 15 yrs am walking with crutches past 2 yrs both hips excrutiating pain .am waiting for new med Tempostatin to be introduced will be the cure for all autoimmune diseases. if the drug companies let it out. Read sience journal april 2009. For ref.
marietta
16 Jan 2010, 16:08
I do not know about any one else,
But I have had back and neck surgery,
Take,Topamax,Maxalt,Zanax,Zanaflex,Elvil
Lidodien? patches Ambien,Plus,Lortab
And I need to. And it don't hurt me.

I Have Chronic Pain.

Thank You
janice haner
16 Jan 2010, 11:24
hi, i'm 64 years old and have R.A. i take a lot of pills that worries me.in the morning i take SULFASALAZINE 500mg. 2 pillsand 2 in the evening.METFORMIN, 1000MG 2 in morning and 2 in eveing.ENALAPRIL 20MG. 1 IN MORNING AND 1 IN EVENING. METOPROLOL 50MG. 1 IN MORNING AND 1 IN EVENING. AMLODIPINE 10MG. 1 A DAY. LOVASTATIN 20MG. 1 A DAY. METHOTREXATE 2.5 MG. 5 PILLS EVERY SUNDAY. FOLIC ACID 1MG. 1 PILL A DAY. FUROSEMIDE 20MG. 1 PILL A DAY. I HAVE ASKED THE DOCTOR TO TAKE ME OFF OF SOME OF THESE, HE SAID NO. PLEASE HELP ME AM I HEADED FOR TROUBLE? OH AND ON TOP OF THESE I TAKE PREDNISONE 20MG. WHEN THE PAIN IS SO UNBEARABLE, AND GLIMEPIRIDE 4MG. WHEN MY SURGAR IS HIGH. I DON'T WONT TO LIVE LIKE THIS, AND I CAN'T AFORD ALL THESE PILLS ANY MORE. SOCIAL SECURITY DOESN'T GO FAR. PLEASE HELP, THANK YOU, JANICE
Amy
16 Jan 2010, 10:07
Marijuana helps with Pain more then any Man Made Pills, God Made this Plant to help all with very Little Side Affects. I am glad more states are legalizing Medical Marijuana...
Kari
15 Jan 2010, 10:50
An excellent website to find information about medications and the side effects/drug interactions/etc. is www.webmd.com. WebMD also publishes a magazine which I have found in many doctor offices/clinics/hospitals. It is a reliable site. Be certain to only click on sites that you know are reliable if there are other sites that ever are offered on the site---webmd, Mayo Clinic, university hospitals are fine. Best wishes everyone! Kari
sandra taylor
14 Jan 2010, 17:49
As an Arthritis Association member I am concerned that more sites are not available for a patient to check for interaction of drugs. I am proactive in my healthcare and being in the healthcare professions for multiple years I know most of the right questions to ask my physicians, however, seeing mutiple physicians for several chronic problems and taking many different medications is overwhelming for anyone dealing with Ra,Fibromyalgia,sleep disorder,thyriod and heart problems. Please help us to find a site where we can put in our medication and see potential dangerous side effects. Please address this need for all of us. Thank you
Connie
14 Jan 2010, 17:35
I'm in my upper 50s and I used to have sciatica and low back pain from an car accident I was in. It lasted for about 8 months, then after I was tired of taking 1000 mg. of Ibuprofin and physical therapy, with not much relief. I consulted with an orthopedic surgeon who said I had degeneration of the spine and he could do a laminectomy. I decided I didn't want to deal with surgery and also the recuperation time. So I went on the internet and found a great exercise program called Lose the Back Pain.com. The program was inexpensive and I was able to get the relief after watching a dvd that helped me diagnose my condition (sciatica and low back pain) and doing the exercises for that imbalance. In 2 weeks of doing the exercises, I was pain free as well as off of the Ibuprofen. For all the people who are on heavy duty pain meds, and also anti-depressants, you will need to see your Doctor to help you wean yourself off of those meds slowly because you will probably experience some withdrawal. Good luck with becoming pain free! My prayers are with everyone!
NL
14 Jan 2010, 16:43
I am a 29 year old young woman. At one time I was prescribed Lyrica (for pain), Cymbalta (for depression), Flexeril (muscle relaxer), Ambien (for sleep), Ultracet and Percocet (both for back pain), all by the same physician- a Pain Specialist. I was on this cocktail for about 6-8 months, and felt like those 8 months of my life were lost. I am glad I am still alive. I contemplated suicide twice and was an anxious mess. I don't remember much of daily life because I was so drugged up during these months. I felt very sleepy most of the time and was basically in a comatose sleep at night (I could do things and not remember I did them). Please be very careful about what meds you are taking and just because a doctor prescribes them doesn't mean you have to take them. I am now only taking the Cymbalta and Tylenol and ibuprofen for pain. I feel much better about myself and actually remember my daily life!!
Dorothy Zaragosa
14 Jan 2010, 15:15
Good question, can you take phenteremine appetite suppressant while taking Enbrel?
Tina
14 Jan 2010, 13:52
Some of these narcotic medications combined are a recipe for disaster. Extreme caution should be used when combining pain relievers, muscle relaxers and anxiety medications. If the combinations don't kill you, you could wind up in rehab.
Wink
14 Jan 2010, 13:41
I have been working with a "real" herbalist for over 8 years due to severe RA for 22 years. I am in NO PAIN.....he will do a consultation, make suggestions, and make custom-made capsules suited for an individual....the website is: www.yhsylva.com Read up and you decide! There is an email address at the website.
Debbie Kaczor
14 Jan 2010, 13:19
I have had RA for almost 4 years. Although I do exercise faithfully, last year I decided to start limiting the amounts of fats/carbs in my diet. Amazingly, within 2 months, RA pain was gone. I take Plaquenil only, but the change in diet has made the most difference. I had read that foods that cause inflamation in your body can really be bad for people with RA, I can certainly believe that. I can tell immediately if I start to eat those kinds of food, because I start to have mroe pain
Bill
14 Jan 2010, 13:16
I'm pretty sure you're not going to get answers by posting your meds here...why not try a online checker, like:

http://www.medscape.com/druginfo/druginterchecker

Pharmacists are much more aware of interactions than most doctors and most major pharmacies use computerized drug interaction checkers. I take a broad approach and use online tools, ask the pharmacist and the doctor. When I get a hit from one, I ask the others to get confirmation.

Good luck everyone.
Derek
11 Dec 2009, 14:29
I've just been diagnosed with arthritis in one shoulder and put on Amoxil and Tylenol Arthritis along with an exercise therapy. I am already using simvastatin, omeprazole and bezide. Are there any hazards?
Jo
07 Dec 2009, 17:03
I take Methrotraxate injections 1ml weekly plus Tylenol 3 daily for my RA. Is it safe to take Vitamin B12?
Melissa
14 Oct 2009, 11:45
I am taking Zoloft and Librium for anxiety and was recently prescribed Biaxin for a cold. I was told that I should also take a probiotic for any adverse affects of the Biaxin. Is there any danger with mixing these four substances?
Carolyn Matherne
11 Oct 2009, 21:02
My husband is taking
150 & 300 MG Welbutrin XL - 1 each daily
75 MG Plavix - 1 daily
40 MG Nexium - 1 daily
50 MG Metropol - 1 daily
1000 MG Metformin - 1 daily
5 MG Ramipril - 1 daily
0.2 Synthroid - 1 daily
plus Fish Oil 1000, Bayer Aspirin 325, Vita E 400. (I do not think this list is even complete)
Add to that a nightly dose of Nyquil flu & cold medicine, and a bottle of Dristan Nasal Spray at least 10 times a day.
He has no interest in watching hs diet as long as the doctors keep prescribing pills. He is diabetic- but controlled. He has had 2 heart stints in 2007. He is 53 & overweight and his health is going downhill steadily. What are all these medications doing to him?
jean marzullo
30 Sep 2009, 13:51
I recently was prescribed xanax for anxiety,soma,and tramodol for chronic back pain. Is there any danger mixing these prescriptions. please send me all information about any and all side effects.
Thanks, Jeani
Estella
15 Sep 2009, 16:54
I have been on Cymbalta 60 mg. for two and a half months and have lately developed headaches. I do get dry mouth so I drink plenty of water and try to have balanced meals but I can't seem to kick the headaces I have experienced. The cymbalta has helped me with depression but at times I still experience anxioty attacks and I begin to cough uncontrollably. Is there any other medication I can use alone with Cymbalta for this?
Crystal
11 Sep 2009, 10:54
Sunnie (August 10, 2009), there is so much information on various sites that could have given you the same info as the expensive chat. Seek all information and then see a specialist so you have questions in hand. Not all of us have the same symptoms nor react the way the medical community expects to various diseases. Have you considered that you may have Fibromyalgia? Are you certified to work in biohazard environments? This could certainly contribute to your symptoms. I hope you get answers and some peace. Crystal G
Melissa
02 Sep 2009, 17:55
I have a cold and would like to know what medication I can take for it. The Medicine I take is warfarin, pantoprazole, methotrexate,and hydrocodone.
Sunnie
10 Aug 2009, 19:08
I have been told I tested positive for RA and went to a young specialist. With no ins. I went and paid in cash for the expensive chat. He told me to hold my hand out and open my fingers telling me I probably didn't have RA,but might have osteoA? He said if you see dimples in your hand its PROBABLY NOT RA ?I went in because I hurt so bad at night I can't sleep. My hips ,knees,back and feet keep me awake. If I put my feet up for a short time I stand up like a senior person and hobble.I have nurontin low dose for leg and body cramps it helps aches too! I'm a woman owned business and it's very physical. I contract janitorial for buildings as well as biohazard mgmt/crime scene work.I need advice. Hopefully with the new contracts I can get some type of medical ins.
Thank you for your time,Sunnie
Aman
07 Aug 2009, 00:18
Hi, i have active RA for the last 13 yrs. im on Methotrexate 22.5 mg weekly + Sulfaslazine 3 Gm / daily. I was detected with Hypertention and doctor has started Telma-H / BD. Is this safe to take? im 36yrs old and overweight.

thx

Aman
Ro
03 Aug 2009, 22:11
I am concerned about someone that takes digoxin, plavix, lasix, pepcid, ms contin, neurontin, low dose morphine, and xanax. She is 85 pounds and elderly. Is there anything to worry about?
Tim Mullins
14 Jul 2009, 21:57
I have a friend taht has been thaking some scripts.
ambein 10 take 1 1/2 before bed
atavin 5 mg before bed.
adderal 30mg
vivelle dot patch 1mg
ib proffen 600mg
melatonin 3g.
also weekly b-12 injections.
31 female
high blood pressure. 159/110
5 foot four
125 pounds( do these drugs counter ack)?
carolyn
03 Jun 2009, 09:28
I take the following for the health problems I have: simvastin,prednisone,omeprazole,darvacet,
kelly
22 Apr 2009, 08:17
i have a 47 year old sister all problems started about 3 years ago with a back problem
these are her med...topamax 50mg..clonazepamo .5mg..valium 40mg..lasix 40 mg..promethazine 25mg..kadian 100mg..lortab 10 mg..lexapro 20 mg..aciphex 20mg..triazolam 0.25mg.. iron 27mg..lysine 500mg..potassium 99mg..calcuim..
i have asked her husband and her about these meds..they think its not my bussiness and get angery for it..she walks around like a person on a bad high..they think because it given to her by a dr. its ok...what to do
Alicia
14 Apr 2009, 18:33
To Molly, Elisabeth,

Those are serious meds you are taking. You need to talk to your pharmacist and your doctor if they can be taken together.
marilyn from hamilton
12 Apr 2009, 23:20
i have had fibromyalgia for 27 yrs. and i take several meds.
i still have not found 1 med. that actually have helped with all the pain.

i would love to take just a few med. and a lot less pills per day.

is there any med. out there that can help minimize the pain of this desease ???

there had to be something out there for others that sufour like i do.

is there something new to help us ???

thanks.

marilyn from hamilton.
Molly Benson
07 Apr 2009, 16:23
I take prednisone, cyclobenzaprine,Darvocet, Lyrica, Lotensin, Prozac, Allopurinol, Mucinex, Advair, Niacin supplements, and calcium. Are there any interactions among these?
Elisabeth Micalizzi
07 Apr 2009, 10:06
I am taking Tramadol, Lisipril and celebrex, Dr. precription, how to u feel about the Compination
Weekley
21 Mar 2009, 23:34
Is it okay to take Cyclobenzaprin with Tylenol PM?
lynne
18 Mar 2009, 21:01
can you take phentermine appetite suppressant while taking enbrel?
Rhoda Irwin
09 Mar 2009, 16:42
what about medications and herbs and vitamin supplements....taking Prednesone...with Bayer Aspirin and MSM and other bone and joint mineral type vitamins, i.e. vitamin D...is that a dangerous bunch of meds and vitamins? Would like to know. Thanks. Rhoda

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