Summary: The Dark Side Of Prescription Drugs

Improved Essays
The Dark Side of Prescription Drugs
Medications have the capacity to affect how we think, act and feel. Tyler Page, author of the graphic novel Raised on Ritalin discusses his journey living with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for thirty-nine years. He was treated with Ritalin and Adderall, which impacted his life, family, relationships, and occupation. On the other hand, Ellen Forney comic artist of the graphic memoir, Marbles: Mania, depression, Michelangelo and Me, discusses her lifestyle as a comic artist along with her diagnosis with bipolar disorder. Although Tyler and Ellen have different disorders, they still have similar reasons for taking medications. They both have biological and physical symptoms, and they both
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Ellen was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which tends to affect people’s moods from time to time. Ellen was concerned that her drastic mood changes could affect her job. She talked to her doctor about what could help her, so the doctor suggested medication would be the right option for her. The doctor also explained that controlling her disorder with medications would be better than the alternatives of hospitalization or suicide (Forney 39:3:2). Furthermore, changes in mood are important because moods have the capacity to define people’s actions, relationships, friendships, work and school. Bad moods also tend to lead to some psychiatric disorders in people which can contribute to: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, changes in personality and behavior. Ellen, as a social person, knows that her disorder can define her public perception. Also, she might commit suicide or require hospitalization. Moreover, Ellen was confused if taking medication would affect the outcome of her job. Observing the suicide statistics of past artists and that of the world, she does not want to become a statistic, so she did what is best for her future by medicating

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