Self-medication is an increasingly common practice in today's society. It consists of the use of medications without the supervision of a health professional, be it a doctor or pharmacist. Although it may sometimes seem like a quick and convenient solution to relieve minor symptoms, self-medication carries a series of risks and negative effects that must be taken into account.
Impact on physical health
One of the main negative effects of self-medication is related to the person's physical health. When taking medications without proper medical prescription, there is a risk of using inappropriate doses, dangerous drug combinations, or even consuming medications that are contraindicated for certain health conditions. This can cause adverse reactions, serious side effects and even poisoning.
In addition, self-medication can mask symptoms of more serious underlying diseases. By only treating the symptoms superficially, there is a risk of delaying proper diagnosis and treatment, which could worsen the individual's health status.
Drug resistance
Another important impact of self-medication is the contribution to the resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics. The indiscriminate use of these drugs without the supervision of a medical professional has led to an alarming increase in resistant bacteria, making it difficult to treat infections and putting the effectiveness of antibiotics at risk in the future.
Self-medication with antibiotics is especially dangerous, as it is often driven by the mistaken belief that these drugs are effective in treating any type of infection, when in reality they are only useful against specific bacteria and have no effect on viruses, fungi or other agents. infectious.
Impact on mental health
Not only physical health is affected by self-medication, but it also has repercussions on people's mental health. The indiscriminate use of some medications, such as psychotropic drugs, can trigger problems of addiction, dependency and mental disorders.
Risk of addiction
When self-medicating with drugs that act on the central nervous system , such as anxiolytics, antidepressants or hypnotics, there is a significant risk of developing physical and psychological dependence. Self-medication with this type of medication can lead to uncontrolled and inappropriate use, creating a vicious cycle of consumption that can be difficult to break without professional help.
In addition, self-medication with psychotropic drugs can mask underlying mental disorders. that require an accurate diagnosis and specialized treatment. By treating symptoms superficially, you run the risk of aggravating the mental condition and hindering long-term recovery.
Impact on the health system
Self-medication not only affects at an individual level, but also has consequences for the health system as a whole. The irrational use of medications generates an increase in the demand for medical services, emergency consultations and hospitalizations due to adverse effects or poisoning, which overloads the health system and reduces the efficiency of health care.
Problems prescription and diagnosis
Self-medication makes it difficult for health professionals to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate treatment for each patient. When people hide or minimize their consumption of self-medicated medications, it is difficult to identify possible drug interactions, allergies or contraindications that may compromise the individual's health.
In addition, self-medication carries the risk of patients having expectations unrealistic views about the effects of medications, which can generate frustration, mistrust in health professionals and make it difficult to adhere to the prescribed treatment.
Prevention of self-medication
To avoid the negative effects of self-medication, it is essential to promote education and awareness about the responsible use of medications. It is important to remember that medications are powerful tools that should be used with caution and under medical supervision. Some preventive measures include:
- Always consult a health professional before starting any drug treatment.
- Do not share medications or take drugs prescribed to other people.
- Do not share medications or take drugs prescribed to other people.
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- Follow the doctor's or pharmacist's instructions regarding dosage, frequency and duration of treatment.
- Do not self-medicate with antibiotics, psychotropic drugs or other restricted medications without a prescription.
- Inform your health care professional about any self-medicated medications to avoid interactions or adverse effects.
In summary, self-medication can have significant negative effects on physical, mental, and mental health. health system in general. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with this practice and promote responsible use of medications to ensure the safety and well-being of the population.