Mind Over Meds Summary

When it comes to medication errors several things may occur such as adverse drug event, unexpected deterioration, and even death in severe cases. AHRQ (2015) states, “an adverse drug event (ADE) is defined as harm experienced by a patient as a result of exposure to a medication, and ADEs account for nearly 700,000 emergency department visits 100,000 hospitalizations each year.” There are many ways that errors may occur such as dispensary errors, prescription errors

With access to prescription drugs, people are able to treat a multitude of diseases and illnesses. These drugs help deal with pain, inability to sleep, depression, and much more. Every day we are increasingly living in a world where there is better living through chemicals. However, what most do not seem to see is the rising tide of pain, illness, and ultimately death being caused by the pills people take every day. Most keep drugs in a special place in their minds, where they see them as harmless. Sadly, this is not the case, and in some cases our prescription drugs can be just as harmful as illegal drugs (King 68).

Adverse reactions to drugs are common and almost any drug can cause an adverse reaction.

The intended use of medications is meant to improve a person’ health, it is very important the individual administering medication or self-medicating use the drugs correctly, by following the doctors’ instruction for the medication prescribed. Medication is given to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. Medication can be very dangerous, which can potentially cause harm or even deaf if it’s not used properly.

The risks associated with administering non prescribed medication occur when there is not sufficient knowledge about contraindications and potential interactions with other medicines already taken. Before administering OTC medicine support workers should be familiar with organisational policy in relation to these medicines. Or see advice and guidance from pharmacist and/or GP and/or seek permission from your manager.

In most cases the reactions are mild and if they do occur then first-hand you should consult the medicine box/bottle/DOMAR where it will state any possible side effects on the leaflet or possibly on the main label ir you see on some pain medication ‘’Caution-May make sleepy do not operate heavy machinery’’ etc.

Adverse drug events are estimated to cause more than 1 million emergency department visits and 125,000 hospital admissions, affecting approximately 1.9 million hospital stays each year.

Medication errors are focused on: terms and definitions; incidence of and harm; risk factors; avoidance; disclosure, legalities & consequences (Wittich, Burkle & Lanier, 2014). Medication errors categories have been developed by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Examples of these categories are based on prescribing, omitting drugs not administered, timing, unauthorized drug, wrong dosage, wrong preparation, expired drug, not using laboratory data to monitor toxicity (Wittich, Burkle & Lanier, 2014). Additionally, this article examines in depth common causes leading to medication errors, drug nomenclature, similar sounding drugs, unapproved abbreviations and handwriting, medical staff shortages and manufacturer medication shortages. Even though this article provides an informative overview for physicians, other allied health personnel may benefit too. This is valuable knowledge for the health care professional not just physicians in order to provide safe care for their

The health issues listed here are just a glance at what this drug can do to one’s health.

Medication errors in the hospital setting have significant potential to result in serious injury and even death, thus effecting patients, families, health care professionals, and hospitals. Approximately 400,000 adverse drug effects (ADE) occur each year (Institute of Medicine, 2006). Considering that not all medication errors are discovered and reported, this number is likely to be underestimated. These errors not only contribute to patient morbidity and mortality, but also cause increased length of stay and hospital expenses. It is estimated by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) that $3.5 billion is spent annually as a result of ADEs (IOM, 2006).

There are three commonly abused drugs, and they are opiods, Central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and stimulants. Opioids such as Vicodin, Oxytocin, or Codeine, are taken for pain relieving. The side effects for opioids like oxycotin can be constipation. CNS depressants such as Xanex are usually taken for anxiety and sleeping disorders. Stimulants such as Adderall, are usually taken by people who have Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. They are taken usually to increase the level of nervous activity in the body. The side effects for taking Adderall is that it can raise one's blood pressure which makes the heart work harder (Hamilton, 2009). People don't usually see these medication over the counter because these usually have a strong effect, which is why they need to be prescribed. Prescription drugs always has risks to taking them, which is why doctors need to consider all the risks and benefits before prescribing the drug. Pharmacists take into account all the drug interaction, history of medications taken, and even the weight of whom they are about to prescribe the medication to. Doctors usually knows

While medication may be taken worldwide and is much more commonly used for depression, it isn’t always the best solution. Causing potential problems such as nausea, headaches, insomnia and even increased suicide rate. In comparison, therapy allows connection, interaction, someone to trust, and overall monitoring of the patient's progress. Which option is more beneficial to the patients? Medication or therapy? The research done will help determine that option. This option will be very beneficial to a growing community around the world. This research project aims to explore the risk of overdosing when treating depression with antidepressants. Taking medication while being diagnosed with depression although may be helpful, it can be dangerous and life threatening.

Research shows that medication error in hospitals and other health care settings leads to 373,000 preventable adverse drug events (ADEs) per year and that these events would increase to 478,000 within 20 years in the absence of additional preventive measures (Federal Register, 2004).

Everything I make is destroyed. Everything i'm proud about ends up destroyed or damaged beyond repair. Everyone I know ends up either hurt or hurting me. Nothing is ever in my favor. Everything I work for. I get nothing. Mistreated, Misunderstood, Mistaken. That's apparently what I am. That's what I am to everyone else. I don't even know what I am to myself anymore. Broken? Shattered? Void of any emotion except for joy and disappointment. I'm barely ever happy anymore.

Prescription and over the counter drugs. If you asked the vast majority of people in the US if there a problem with more of the well-known prescription and over the counter drugs they would tell you no. Take ibuprofen for example, many people think that this drug is absolutely safe with only a very small chance of it harming you in any way. But just last year the FDA has strengthen the warning on all NSAID’s. NSAID’s stand for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and ibuprofen lands in that category. While many people don't take medicine that say ibuprofen many you might be taking something like Motrin or Advil, and these to fall into the category of NSAID’s.