Pharmacophobia

[quit-once]

I just came across this term while browsing the internet today (redorbit.com).

 

Pharmacophobia: The fear of taking pharmaceutical drugs.  "The fear of medication usage is also prevalent in people who have experienced negative withdrawal effects from psychotropic drugs"

 

from the root word Pharmakon = modern Greek word meaning drug.  Classic Greek word meaning poison.

 

If some of my views regarding pharmaceuticals seem extreme, this is why.  I have very few phobias, but apparently I developed this one after my Adderall experience, and also after seeing my mom decline in old age while taking more and more drugs, the drugs that ultimately enabled her to live to an old age in the first place. 

 

I apologize for my extreme viewpoint on pharmaceutical drugs, I didn't realize I had an officially recognized phobia.  But I won't be taking ANY drugs. anytime soon, either.

 

Anybody else develop a phobia in the aftermath of Adderall?

[Zerokewl]

I'm still taking pharacetucial drugs post adderall. Advil, zoloft, and the occasional acid reducer. I'm certainly not afraid of pharmaceuticals. What I'm afraid of is doctors who prescribe drugs with  little care for their patients. I'm afraid of poorly researched drugs that cause wild side effects. 

[LILTEX41]

I'm with you quitonce.  I despise the drug companies for prescribing so many drugs out to people without batting an eyelash.  Half the time, the meds they are prescribing just cause more problems than the patient originally had to begin with.  Then the patient is prescribed more and more drugs to deal with the effects from the first drug.   The doctor is happy because he's getting paid more for each script he writes, but yet believing he's doing what's in the best interest of the patient because he's been sold on the drug too.  Meanwhile, the patient actually begins to believe they are doomed because every time they turn around they suddenly have another ailment that must be cured with yet another drug.  Anyhow, I don't mean to curse the whole system.  I just wish they'd be more selective and only give drugs out to people that are absolutely desperate for them and can't live without them.  I don't ever want to be caught in that trap again.

[zoog1212]

I had really bad OCD as a child that I eventually outgrew.... but I had a really bad experience with the medication they put me on to control it and hated it...and for about 8 years after that experience I refused/ was so against taking prescription medications even birth control when I got older. The funny thing is, is that when I went to college and I took my first adderall thats when I stopped caring about whether or not I took prescribed medications... don't know if its the exact same thing but sounded related.

[dangerbean]

I had really terrible experiences with birth control (pills and Copper IUD).  The copper IUD is what scared me the most.  I literally thought about driving my car into a telephone pole every time i was in it while I had a copper IUD.  I also experience horrible weight gain, acne, and constant hunger.  What's worse is that everyone tells me I'm crazy for this--that there is no way the copper IUD could have caused all of this.  yet as soon as it was removed i felt better.  the very day it was taken out i felt better.  i think the fact that the whole medical/pharmaceutical industry continues to be so dishonest about the side effects of the copper IUD is what makes me scared of pharmaceuticals now.  i mean, the warnings with adderall are all (kind of) there.  i think we all enjoy it so much at first that we just have a blind spot for seeing the risks.  but with the IUD there was just a complete blanket denial that I could be experiencing what i was.  the same was true to a lesser degree with the birth control pills--they made me extremely depressed and irritable--the only warning they have is that if you suffer from depression prior to taking them you should be monitored carefully on them.  however, doctors at least recognize that if you are progesterone intolerant--as i apparently am--birth control pills will turn you into a raging maniac; basically like having PMS all the time.  anyway, it was that bold faced dishonesty while i was suffering that really scares me.  it makes me wonder if the drugs have even been adequately tested and/or how transparent the drug companies are with this shit. i'm scared to try new drugs.  i want to try straterra for the ADD, but i'm scared shitless.  

[survived]

I do. I had bad experiences with an anti depressant in the past which is why it's suprising I would go and touch something else like Adderall. :/ Anyhow, after all these terrible experiences and horrible withdrawal symptoms(thanks for the insomnia, Klonopin) I won't be taking any pharamecuticals again. I'll pass on the temporary relief.

[AlwaysAwesome]

DangerBean,

 

My daughter takes Strattera for her ADD.  I took her off Concerta the day after I quit Adderall.  Anyhow, it seems to help her a lot and doesn't wear off in the evening.  She is crazy as a bat without meds, so it is hard to judge what is a bad side effect for her. 

 

I don't advocate meds if you don't really need them, but the girl can't function in society without drugs.  She is one of those people who would be chained in an attic or in a mental institution back in the olden days.

[survived]

@AlwaysAwesome;

 

Have you looked into natural alternatives? Maybe something could help calm her down. What about Cannabis oil or something of that sort?

[AlwaysAwesome]

It is not only the calming needs.   I wish I could make people understand.  Just know that I have tried everything and more.  Her psychiatrist has stopped just short of diagnosing  an autism spectrum disorder PDD-NOS.  I am wary of labels that follow you forever.  Cannabis oil, that would make her post stimulant munchies worse!  LOL!