MORE ABOUT DRUGS WITH DR. DQ
Dear Dr. DQ:
What's the difference between prescriptions (Rx) and Over the Counter (OTC) medicines?
Signed, Wondering
Dear Wondering:
Rx drug need a doctor's note (a prescription) which names the patient, the drug, how much to take and when or how often to take it. A patient then gives the prescription to a pharmacist who "fills" it according to the doctor's orders. OTC drugs include things like aspirin, vitamins, couch medicine, and nose drops. These can be purchased rigth off the store shelf. Directions for using OTC drugs are printing on the packages, & additional detailed information is provided inside.
Note: Since not all people react to drugs the same way, and some may even be allergic to them, it is always smart to check with a doctor first. Before taking ANY medicines, it's also important to get your parent or guardian's permission.
Signed, Dr. DQ
Dear Dr. DQ,
What is the difference between drugs people buy at a store and drugs which are sold on the street?
Signed, Unsure
Dear Unsure,
Rx and OTC medications sold in stores are legal. That means they've either been approved by or are overseen by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Ingredients are listed on the container, and buys know exactly what they're getting. "Street Drugs," on the other hand, are ILLEGAL and can be specifically dangerous as they often are NOT what the buyer thinks. Unless they're sent to a lab, there's no way of knowing for sure how pure or strong they are. And even testing can't predict how they will affect an individual user! If that's not bad enough, "Street Drugs" often contain additional mood-altering chemicals...sometimes even poisons.
Signed, Dr. DQ