Mixing Medications
Health commentator James Brunton advises caution when mixing medications.
So you’ve got some symptoms and decide to take something to make you feel better. Chances are, be it drug or complementary preparation, your reactions will be broadly in line with published effect and/or side effect. To put it another way, taking one thing on its own should be more or less predictable.
In my experience, however, lots of patients have to take several things to control complex conditions or multiple symptoms. Sometimes we’re talking about ten or more prescription medicines. That’s where advance warning of possible benefits and drawbacks becomes rather more of a lottery.
Whether their source is a doctor or alternative therapist, as soon as you mix your medications, you move into the unknown. Don’t panic though. Many therapies have been tried before, so you will not be alone. But you should be aware that some of the combinations used today are relatively new, especially where traditional and alternative medicines mix.
When I was a fledgling pharmacist, my boss made a name for himself by writing many papers on the effects of mixing both good and not so good drugs. It was a complicated subject then, but it’s much worse now.
Drug companies don’t necessarily test the possible effects of combining their products with other drugs used to control different aspects of the same condition. It becomes a matter of trial and error and practical experience based on theoretical considerations.
When consulting your health advisor, be they mainstream or alternative, it is in your interest to reveal all your current medications bought over the counter, on the internet or from other health professionals. You would not appreciate being the ultimate guinea pig.