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Tag: Self medication

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

What happens if you take lamotrigine and are not bipolar?

4 min read
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), lamotrigine (brand name Lamictal) is approved for treating certain types of seizures and for the long-term maintenance of bipolar I disorder. Taking lamotrigine without one of these qualifying conditions, or a valid off-label prescription, can lead to side effects and serious risks with no guaranteed therapeutic benefits.

Understanding the Marketplace: Which Drugs Are Over-the-Counter?

5 min read
According to a 2017 study cited by the American Academy of Family Physicians, over 80% of adults report using over-the-counter medications to treat minor ailments. Knowing which drugs are over-the-counter is essential for effective and safe self-treatment, but it is equally important to understand their proper usage.

Can I take aspirin for arm numbness?

4 min read
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, numbness, also known as paresthesia, is caused by a problem with nerve signaling. Therefore, for a symptom like arm numbness, using aspirin without a proper diagnosis is generally not recommended and can be dangerous.

How can I get antibiotics without a doctor's appointment?

5 min read
According to the CDC, up to one-third of antibiotic use in humans is unnecessary and inappropriate, driving antibiotic resistance. So, while it is not possible to safely and legally **get antibiotics without a doctor's appointment** or a consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, several alternative pathways exist for obtaining a prescription.

Is Codeine Good for Stress? A Look at the Medical Evidence

4 min read
Among adults in the U.S. with any mental illness, 6.1% report misusing opioids [1.5.1]. This raises the question: **is codeine good for stress?** While some may misuse it for its calming effects, medical experts warn it is an inappropriate and dangerous choice for stress management [1.2.2, 1.2.4].

Can I Take Fish Mox for Humans? Unpacking the Dangerous Risks

4 min read
Each year in the U.S., more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur [1.5.1]. The question, **Can I take fish mox for humans?**, touches on a hazardous practice—self-medication with unregulated animal drugs—that contributes to this public health crisis by fostering antibiotic resistance and exposing individuals to unknown dangers [1.2.1, 1.7.1].

What is a Red Label Drug? Decoding the Red Line on Your Medicine

4 min read
According to the World Health Organization, antimicrobial resistance is a significant global health threat, largely driven by the inappropriate use of antibiotics. A key measure in some regions to combat this issue is the use of a red line on medication strips, which indicates a **red label drug** that can only be dispensed on a valid doctor's prescription.

What happens if I use yeast infection cream with no yeast infection?

4 min read
Studies show that as many as two out of three women who buy over-the-counter yeast infection medicine don't actually have a yeast infection. The potential consequences of using yeast infection cream with no yeast infection range from mild irritation to serious complications, including masking other conditions and promoting drug resistance. This article explains the risks and provides essential guidance for proper treatment.