One doc's pet peeve: TV drug commercials

DEAR DR. GOTT: What is your opinion of TV commercials that spend more time on warnings and disclaimers of medications than on what the products will do? And the information is usually at such high speeds that it is hard to understand.

For example, one current sleep-aid advertisement warns users of possible aggressive behavior, depression, agitation, allergies, dizziness, swelling of the tongue or throat that could result in death, memory loss and suicidal thoughts. Why would a physician prescribe such a product?

DEAR READER: You have tapped into one of my greatest pet peeves. I listen to TV commercials about drugs that are going to make EVERYTHING all better. There’s nothing that can’t be improved on — from high cholesterol, heart trouble, hypertension, constipation, diarrhea, diabetes, urinary issues, abdominal pain and gastrointestinal discomfort to wrinkle and wart removers. The only thing that must be understood is the never-ending side effects of possible suicidal thoughts, rash, depression, my favorite of oily leakage (yuck!), palpitations and a list that continues.

Then there are the people with specific diagnoses who are warned not to take these wonder drugs. The comments reads something like this: “Don’t take medication X if you suffer from cardiac conditions, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, kidney disorders, GI upset, if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.†So I often wonder who’s left to take the stuff anyway.

If you suffer any ill consequences, you are told to contact your physician. That’s fine if he or she is available. If not and the effects are difficult to manage, it might likely result in a trip to your local hospital’s emergency room or walk-in clinic. Hopefully, the visit is covered by insurance. If not, guess who got a bad reaction and then bites the bullet by having to pay besides?

In all fairness, pharmaceutical companies produce medications designed to help people suffering from almost every known condition. For the most part, that is exactly what happens. People take medication, and they get better. All is well that ends well. Unfortunately, there’s the oversensitive individual who takes a drug his physician has recommended in good faith, only to find the patient develops hives or worse.

What’s a physician to do? As a society, we want and often demand a pill to make us feel better; but that’s easier said than done.

It must be understood that side effects are a part of any medication. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbs and homeopathic remedies. We all react in a different manner to what we consume. What works for one person may not work for another. And some side effects can be devastating.

Now, on to another of your complaints — the speed at which the announcers speak. I know advertising is costly and the message must get out there quickly and concisely but, sadly, many people today speak very quickly, whether on television or not, making it extremely difficult to comprehend what is being said. Words become a blur, and the message is lost.

Perhaps younger people can adapt more readily than I, but I have great difficulty listening intently, only to find I lost half the material presented. I’m reminded that aging does hold its disappointments.

I recommend that you speak with your physician when any medication is prescribed. Ask why the drug is being prescribed and determine any potential side effects. Together, you can make a decision as to whether it is right for you.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report, “Consumer Tips on Medicine.†Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my Web site at AskDrGottMD.com.

Peter Gott practiced medicine in Lakeville for 40 years.