When I do drug research for Meniere’s disease symptoms, or whenever someone emails me about going through an attack or episode. I always ask about what medications you may be taking. There are several websites that I use to look for the different drug interactions that may be causing the episode and I use these sites for several reasons.
The Internet has allowed people to become their own researchers. So I want to offer them sites that are credible, professional, and give true meaning or value to their search.
I want these sites to show other resources so the searcher can consider different points of view to assimilate several opinions…or to confirm one opinion several ways.
I use MedlinePlus as it is a very respected health site for general information. The content is easy to read and understand for the layperson. Again this is important in order to help the reader make informed choices. As this is a “general” site, with some persistence, you may find all sorts of resources other than drug- related information.
I send them to RxList.com for a very, very important and specific purpose. This is a drug site. But the main reason I send people to it is because it lists ALL the body system REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS.
For a scientific researcher, this site may not be what they seek, but for the layperson, they NEED to understand that the body is made up of several different body systems and EACH system may show a reaction to the chemicals they are putting into or onto their body.
I wonder if you realize that the acne ointment you pat on your face or the cream you put on your feet or the drops you put into your eyes can easily affect the rest of your body.
Here is my methodology
- I will list the drug and their links to MedlinePlus and RxList.com
- I then look at the levels of side effects (mild, medium/moderate, and serious)
- I then look at how each chemical affects the ENTIRE body.
What I am looking for is how a drug for one purpose can give you all sorts of other effects or interactions, which in some cases can be mistaken for, or create the appearance of, Meniere’s disease among other things. I feel we use the term “side effect” inappropriately and we don’t give these effects the respect or the attention they deserve.
The medical community knows the effects. One professional may use one drug for one purpose and another health professional uses it for a different outcome: same drug, different intention.
Actually Medline Plus makes such a statement in the drug description by saying “Other uses for this medicine”. But the patient who takes this drug, still ends up with all the effects, although they may not be aware. The situation often arises where the patient now seeks medical attention for these new symptoms, not realizing that this could have arisen from a previous treatment.
This is how MedlinePlus talks about side effects and what to do:
- Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- Some side effects can be serious
- If you experience any of the following side effects, call your doctor immediately before you take any more “XXXX”
- In case of emergency/overdose”
- If you would like a copy of our Meniere’s Disease Study Guide, please click here. This guide is a step by step journey exploring your symptoms and what may be causing them.
- If you would like more information on the system that David, and numerous others, have used, please click here; What Finally Worked.
- If you have any health questions or concerns, please feel free to Contact Us and we will be happy to share our knowledge and ideas with you.
Karin Henderson, Retired Nurse
(604) 463-8666 – Pacific Standard Time