The Popular Drug Quiz
September 18, 2007 by laura
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Recently I wrote a post about a drug called lyrica, that that had an overwhelming response of people chiming in, to talk about the side effects that they are experiencing. So many comments, that I felt it was necessary to cut off that section for the post. However, the response prompted me to think about whether we have any idea what the drugs that we take are actually doing to us.
Take my example, when I was diagnosed with CFS, the only thing that really helped me at all was long term antibiotic use. While I have no regrets for that treatment (I went in with my eyes wide open), it did get me to a point of almost good health. I now have a lot of problems with respiratory illness. Illnesses that are treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics that no longer work for me, and so I have no choice but to search for alternative treatment. Alternative treatments, that I am glad are available to me, even though my insurance will not cover them.
However, I wonder how many of us know exactly what the drugs that are being prescribed – actually have the potential to do . By this, I am meaning the not so great stuff. Drugs are not always the answer. I think I have found a way to prove that statement.
I found a quiz, where you match up the drug to the side effects. The answers may surprise you. I thought I knew a lot…but I only scored 5 out of 10.
The quiz can be found here, in one of my very favorite magazines, mental floss.
If you decide to take the quiz, I would be interested to know what you thought and/or how you did.
**Image Source – boingboing
I got 8 out of 10, having reversed Paxil and Topomax.
wow!
Jennie you did great!
I read a comment that a pharmacist who took that quiz only scored a 3
I’m a certified Druggie.
I got 10/10.
I’ve been on 2 of those (topomax/paxil) and am on one now (ambien). My neuro tried to get me to try Botox for my headaches (I said NO), and I think my dog was on Frontline for awhile.
Yes I am a bit OCD about the fine print, why do you ask?
I got 2 out of 10, and I’m not surprised, the only ones I had heard of were the botox, obviously, and the frontline that we give to our cat. I still got these two wrong though….Do you get a lot of medication advertisments in Canada? Maybe this is why you’ve such a formidable knowledge, oh, and well done, I think!
angel…
ummm wow!
i had heard about botox for headaches – I think I would have passed on it too, had someone recommended it to me.
abi,
Don’t worry about your 2 – I got 5 – and I thought I aced it! Like I said before – a pharmacist took that test – and they only scored a 3.
We get a few advertisements for drugs in canada – but I have no idea what they are about. It took me years to figure out that Rogaine, was for hair replacement. All I would see is people swimming, playing tennis, and dancing – smiley happy people….then the words “Rogaine -consult your doctor”. who would know that was about hair replacement.
Most drug ads on television here-are of that vague quality….or I am not playing close enough attention.
I got 4 out of 10. I don’t know as much as I thought I did!
Sandy,
sadly your statement sums up just about everything in my life.
I keep reminding myself – that acknowledging one’s own ignorance, is the first step in overcoming it.
anyway, that quiz just reaffirmed that I don’t want to be on any drug….and will do just about anything to avoid them.