side effects

Psychoactive drugs slow down or overstimulate specific parts of the nervous or endocrine systems. They are effective partly because of the disruption or damage they cause.

Many mood altering drugs cause significant damage at moderate doses and even permanent physical or mental disability over time. Some are life threatening. Withdrawal symptoms make quitting difficult.

For most people the side effects are worse than the diseases they are prescribed for. They include confusion, rigidity of movement, torpor, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and reduced intellectual capacity and all the risks that come with these. Some like anti-psychotics and amphetamines destroy neurons causing progressive and irreversible brain shrinkage. The unintended consequences and risks can be unpredictable.

Most people prescribed drugs already have some impaired mental physical or emotional functioning. For some drugs can close down what remains of their life. ECT and extensive use of some drugs can erase memory and personality. Some prescribers and medical staff talk about the benefits without disclosing the full consequences.

precautions
Users might not take some drugs if they knew the risks. Not all the dangers are noted in official publications. Some only get there after extensive research, public outcry or intervention by regulators.

Prescribers and dispensers will usually provide official information on the side effects and contra-indications if they are asked. More detailed and independent information can be researched on the internet.

Many prescribers do not monitor thoroughly for side effects so it may be wise to keep an eye out for any changes in health or feelings. They don't get paid extra for getting it right.

organisations
Drug treatment medicates organisations as well as their patients. Drugs reduce the ability and desire to communicate especially if patients are sedated. Time and attention is taken up with medication use and compliance.

Both staff and patients interaction is reduced so throughout the organisation there are less communication skills, problem solving, experiences of personal success, personal involvement and social connection.

There is more information and online references on the consequences of psychoactive drugs in the mental illness section of the mind pages.

amphetamines

benzodiazepines

copyright (C) John Brasted 2008
updated 11/06/11

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