This article was originally published on the Marijuana Patients Organization site on January 17, 2011.
This is why my wife and I choose to medicate with cannabis vs. taking harmful, addicting, and internal organ destroying narcotics and opiate-based pain pills.
I could list over a dozen pills we have been prescribed in the last few years, but in the interest of time and space I will only list four medications and their side effects.
Note: If you would like me to list more (or look up different medicines) I will.
(PERCOCET) – nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, flushing, vision changes, or mental/mood changes. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience slow/irregular breathing, slow/irregular heartbeat, or a change in the amount of urine. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is a possiblility. Seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
(FLEXERIL) – constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, nervousness, and stomach pain. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain, confusion, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, mental or mood changes, numbness of an arm or a leg, one-sided weakness, seizures, sudden severe stomach pain, severe vomiting, speech, or vision problems, trouble urinating, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. An allergic reaction to this medication is possible. Symptoms include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
(MOBIC) – constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you have ringing of the ears. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience a fast or irregular heartbeat; sharp or crushing chest pain; sudden shortness of breath; sudden leg pain; sudden severe headache; vomiting, dizziness, or fainting; changes in vision; numbness of an arm or leg; slurred speech; one-sided weakness; mental or mood changes; sudden unexplained weight gain; change in amount of urine produced; blood in the urine; severe or persistent stomach pain; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; black tarry stools; itching, reddened, swollen, blistered, painful, or peeling skin, yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark urine; right-sided tenderness; severe or persistent tiredness; fever, chills, or sore throat; severe or persistent nausea; swelling of hands, feet, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE is possible and seek immediate medical attention if this occurs. Symptoms include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
(NEURONTIN) – Patients who take this medicine may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Side effects include: tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, back pain, dry mouth, constipation, increased appetite, or an upset stomach. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience decreased coordination, changes in vision (double or blurred vision) back and forth eye movements, flu-like symptoms, persistent sore throat or fever, swelling of ankles, memory loss, or trouble speaking. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, depression), suicidal thoughts or actions, or tremor. An allergic reaction is also a possibility. Symptoms include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
So, these are our laundry list of explanations of why we prefer to medicate with cannabis. We feel better! We have a better quality of life! Cannabis has made our life better in a multitude of ways.
Anonymous Patient