Prescription Medication: Is it Worth the Risk?

Last night I was watching TV, engulfed in the normal Wednesday night "NCIS" mini-marathon, when I came across a commercial for a new prescription called Lyrica. Now for those of you who don't know, Lyrica is designed to treat fibromyalgia. It was in the midst of this commercial that I learned a couple of things.

First, major problem I have with this new product is the side effects. The very first side effect they listed was OCCASIONAL SUICIDAL TENDENCIES. Okay, for the record, I didn't hear the other side effects, because I was too busy laughing at the first one. Who in their right mind is going to take something that could possibly cause them to want to commit suicide?

Secondly, I learned there are way too many prescriptions on the market. I'll be 29 this coming Valentine's Day and I remember growing up there were three things you took if something were wrong: Tylenol for headaches and body pain, Robitussen for coughs and colds, and Vicks Vapor-rub if you were congested.

You look on TV now; you will see prescriptions for every possible known affliction known to the human brain. Everything from headaches, body aches, asthma, acne, even "Bob" has a beat on male impotence. But here's the thing. If you look at each new drug, each one will have 5-10 side effects that will make you seriously think twice about taking anything.

If you need any further proof, look back to the "Blue Collar Comedy Tour" movies. Jeff Foxworthy did a bit during one of them where he basically covered what I've just talked about. As an example, he made up a new product that supposedly cured "itchy, watery eyes." But then he listed about every side effect you've ever seen on the side of those warning labels. If it's all the same to you, no thanks...I'll stick with the itchy, watery eyes!