By Alan Cameron
How often do you use over-the-counter painkillers and sedatives?
That was the question the IOL Poll asked readers in light of various articles appearing on the website regarding evidence that a pain killer may cause heart problems, that over-the-counter drugs are introducing young people to recreational drug use and the state's possible needle-exchange programme.
Readers were presented with three options:
- When necessary (519 votes, 80 percent)
- Every day (54, 8 percent)
- I prefer alternative treatment (76, 12 percent)
Here are what readers had to say:
Simon
I try never to use painkillers or sedatives. I know someone who is addicted to painkillers and diet pills and life can sometimes be hell for her.
Julian
I can't say I'm surprised by this revelation. My wife, for one, takes Syndol, and Myprodol, like Smarties. It has been the cause of many an argument in our house. I'm trying to protect her liver and kidneys... Personally, I almost never take chemical compound 'pharmaceuticals', unless prescribed by qualified medical doctor. That stuff is not good for you.
Boni:
Just go to Dischem on Saturdays! its like they are shopping for groceries.... trolleys full of medication. People just LOVE drugs. I just wish they could also buy some drug for whining...
Jentz:
Sometimes getting drugs over the counter is a lot cheaper than always visiting the doctor, especially if one is not on medical aid.
Anonymous:
My dad's addicted to Propain. Has been for 30 years now. He drinks 18 a day. My sister goes to tree different doctors a month. Each doctor gives her 30 sleeping tablets and 30 tranqies a month. Thats 90 of each and believe me sometimes she is still short coming the end of the month. I don't take anything though.
Loveablechere:
All my meds are prescription only. Even after operations - I stick to halving the dose and only taking for 2 or 3 days. People need to start listening to their bodies - not looking for a quick fix.
Irene:
I went to a specialist a while ago for what I thought was heartburn. It was then discovered that I had stomach ulcers - often caused by certain pain killers. So I just stay clear of painkillers now. I think , if possible it's better to fix the root cause of the pain than simply to numb it.
Godfrey:
I dislike manufactured medicines of any type for all their bad side effects. However us oldies have to take aspirin daily as a blood thinner.
Is'qhaza:
I never take western medication... saying that just reminded me of back in the day i think i was 6 or so i suffered a lot from toothaches but i never went to a doctor. Rather my granddad would give me some root to chew and it would kill the pain. I use herbs from my "inyanga" and they always work 10 times better then these other drugs. Yet again traditional healers are associated with witchcraft by modern day church and the elite.
JustMe:
My mom and aunt are both hooked on Grandpa's (even after they ate through my mom's stomach lining) causing her to almost bleed to death. A friend of mine lived on Syndol, she died about a year ago of kidney failure and the transplant she had never took, she lived on dialysis. I take a panado only when I have a headache (maybe once every 2 months)
Brett:
To is'qhaza: Where can a whitey like me find a reputable inyanga? Do you think they would treat me? This is an option (similar to homoeopaths) that more people should use as opposed to drugs - reading this poll its scary - kidney failures, burnt stomach linings etc. I say legalise dagga - that will make you forget about any aches and pains
Julian:
What about people that feed drugs to their children? So many little kids these days are being put on Ritalin. These are S5 drugs! What are you thinking? The long term ramifications are horrendous. We are living in a society where people use drugs to ease every little ache or pain, be it physical, emotional, or psychological. There must be a better way...
Dr Phil:
A friend of mine mom died of kidney failure, she took painkillers often. She was only 53. Better be careful of those pills. Rather treat the cause than the symptoms, if you can identify it.