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Be cautious about taking some prescription medications

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Posted 3/24/2018 11:42 AM (GMT 0)
Over the years, I have had to up my melatonin intake. I now have to take 15 mg. I found I needed to take a larger dosage when my gastronologist talked me into trying another proton pump inhibitor for my gerd, a pill that never seemed to help my condition. I stayed on them a very minimal amount of time. The last time i stayed on the PPI for only one day. Each time I had pretty bad side effects. So, over the years, I went from take 3 mg to 6 mg to 9 mg to 12 mg to 15 mg of melatonin. And all of the needed increases occured while I was trying the PPI. I recently decided I will never try that kind of medication again.

Just to note: As we age we lose our ability to produce natural melatonin in our bodies.

I say all of this because I wanted to point out how careful we need to be when it comes to taking prescribed medications. We need to be our own best detective when it comes to taking care of ourselves. Our doctors are our overseers, but they do not know all especially when it comes to what goes on inside of each of their patient's bodies and also how each of their patients will react to specific medications.

Post Edited (almost medfree) : 3/24/2018 5:47:03 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/24/2018 2:44 PM (GMT 0)
hmmm... I agree. I mentioned how i thought that my brain fog had worsened since starting Topamax for migraines. My doc responded by increasing the topamax because it was a low dose and didn't seem to be working. Guess what? It's still not helping my headaches.
Posted 3/24/2018 3:02 PM (GMT 0)
scoobymummy, I'm not sure about now but there was a time that topamax was called dopamax and for good reason as you're finding out. Hopefully, it will get better with a little bit of time as you adjust to it.

I had to take it 2X a day but not more than the original amount that was first prescribed. It was a different neurologist that suggested I split them. Something you might or might not want to talk to you Dr. about.

It did help a great deal to split it but it wasn't until I got rid of the stress that they truly went away. I got off of topamax several years ago. Now, I'm getting headaches again but not very often and not very severe.
Posted 3/25/2018 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I had read about that, which was why I raised the concern with her. I really feel my brain fog has increased with the Topamax and I think it's done nothing for my headaches. But, as with everything, I'm on a tiny dose because I go haywire on meds. Tiny doses have a large effect on me, but conversly, docs think a tiny dose can't have a large negative effect on me. I go in Tuesday and I think I'm going to ask to go off it.
Posted 3/26/2018 10:46 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your replies scoobymummy and Lendi.

I believe we shouldn't take medications if they're not helping and especially if they're causing side effects.

It's amazing how much some doctors do not hear us and keep pushing those meds. Yes, some are needed and beneficial.
Posted 3/26/2018 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
Gotch, Almost.

My Dr. gets very frustrated with me for refusing or going off of a med I don't want to take.

I hope something is figured out to help you.
Posted 3/26/2018 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
almost medfree: I agree with you: It's always good to remember to be careful of prescription medications. If I take anything, I stay at the lowest level possible. I just don't like all the side effects.

Just wondering: I believe I read somewhere that aloe vera gel can help with GERD. Maybe you could discuss it with your doctor. I take aloe vera gel in water or juice to keep gastritis at bay. I take only a little at a time. It's not the greatest tasting drink, but does seem to help. I just did a quick search on 'aloe vera gel GERD,' and several things came up, if you want to read for yourself.

Also, somewhat related: Have you or anyone here heard anything negative about calcium supplements? I get email newsletters from The People's Pharmacy, and they recently discussed the dangers of calcium supplements. I was very shocked and now I'm not sure what to think about calcium supplements. Here is a link to their article: /www.peoplespharmacy.com/2016/01/18/what-is-the-story-on-calcium-supplements/
Posted 3/26/2018 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
Lendi, I can communicate with some of my doctors through their patient portal by sending them an email. The last time I did that though, the doctor prescribed another medication without his office contacting me.

I emailed him back and told him it has the same sort of side effects and I couldn't take it.

Thanks, Luv, I'll check those out.
Posted 3/27/2018 1:22 PM (GMT 0)
I’ve been taking calcium supplements for years and have had no problems. I’m also rebuilding my bones using calcium in combination of several other supplements. I find calcium to be quite beneficial. Here is what the Mayo Clinic has to say about calcium.

/www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/calcium-supplements/art-20047097

As with anything, every person is different. Until PROVEN differently, I will continue taking calcium. People shouldn’t depend on an Internet site in important decisions like this...especially if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia. The Mayo Clinic site is accurate and one of my favorite sites to refer to. Speak with your doctor before making changes.

Sherrrine
Posted 3/27/2018 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, do be careful of what you read, both on the internet and in the press. We are almost a little cursed with quick access to too much information. Every study is reported on, but little context is given. Very knowledgeable sounding people can give advice that sounds sensible, but you have to be very careful of your sources. I agree that mayo is a good one.
Posted 3/27/2018 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
I do take it, sometimes. I have a covered basket on the coffee table where I sit and it has chocolate calcium chews. Chocolate will get me every time. LOL

I also so agree that there is way to much media that may or may not be true. I usually try to get a few different sources but sometimes you get 10 and none agree.
Posted 3/29/2018 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
I certainly agree that we have to be very careful not to be taken in by comments made by "Joe or Jane net-surfer." Opinions are all over the map! rolleyes

I did find it interesting here, however, that the website included opinions by the BMJ, the New England Journal of Medicine, a doctor from the Harvard School of Public Health, and another. I would find them at least somewhat more reliable and credible than the comment boxes we see everywhere on the web.

For a while now, I've been considering switching to liquid calcium supplements. I really haven't researched that very much, but intend to. It would seem they might be more absorbable, too. I'm checking that out with my doctor.

I'm also looking more into calcium food sources. So far, I 've not had any issues with the calcium citrate I take. That's a good thing! yeah
Posted 3/30/2018 10:06 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, everyone, for your replies.

Luv, can you let us know what you find out from your doctor?
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