Painkillers On Drugs

The prescription and over the counter drug markets have been rapidly increasing over the century. New drugs are continually being marketed to consumers of different ages for various symptoms and illnesses, some unheard of in the past as new scientific studies have determined newly found psychological and physical illnesses in recent years. New medications are becoming available for some form of treatment for every illness found (Levinthal 340). The government has increased restrictions for drug manufacturers to ensure safety and efficiency for consumer drug use. There are certain approval phases that must be thoroughly completed before a drug is approved to be placed on the market. Labels on drugs are now more detailed to include what …show more content…
Opioid painkillers have become an alarming concern to authorities due to the recent theft of these medications at pharmacies where the drug was the only thing being sought in the theft. Taken in unintended, higher dosages these and stimulant presciption drugs can create effects associated with illegal street drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Death has been associated with extremely high dosages of these medications or when combining with other drugs or alcohol. "Depressants, opioids and antidepressants are responsible for more overdose deaths 45% than cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and amphetamines 39% combined" (Foundation for Drug-Free World, …show more content…
Approval by the FDA is not necessary for these to be purchased by consumers. The only way the FDA can have a dietary supplement removed after it is marketed is to prove that it is not safe or is misrepresented. There is minimum direction sought by a physician by people using them, as people are instead diagnosing and treating themselves with information they find about illnesses and believe that herbs or dietary supplements are natural, effective, and safe alternatives to taking prescribed medications (NIH 3,5). Dietary supplements especially vitamins can be very good substitutes when a person is not getting vital nutrients like those contained in fruits and vegetables and other daily resources. When certain vitamins are added as recommended by a physician dietary supplements can be very instrumental in preventing deterioration of a person's health and immunity. Herbs and other natural remedies have been used for centuries and have been the foundation for some medications on the market today (Levinthal 354,