Don't leave home without them! Forgetting to take prescription medicines along can turn a delightful get-away into a medical disaster.
In the hustle and bustle of packing for a long-awaited vacation, it is amazingly easy to leave the pills you take every day sitting on the kitchen counter or in the medicine chest. Such a mistake can have dangerous, if not deadly, consequences.
There are many medicines which should never be stopped suddenly. Abrupt withdrawal of a hypertension pill such as clonidine (Catapres) can result in a sudden spike in blood pressure, as well as rapid heart rate, changes in heart rhythm, nausea, vomiting, flushing, headache, nervousness and confusion. In a few cases, people have even suffered strokes or died.
Beta blocker heart and blood pressure medicine such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Toprol XL) or propranolol (Inderal) may cause problems if discontinued abruptly. Some people have had increased trouble with chest pain, while a few have experienced heart attacks. Irregular heart rhythms, sweating, shakiness and headache are other potential complications.
Obviously, people with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart trouble can't afford to forego treatment for even a few days. Their medical situation could deteriorate rapidly, and they could end up with an unplanned tour of the nearest hospital.
Withdrawal problems from some popular antidepressants are less commonly recognized. People have related their experiences when they suddenly found themselves without Paxil or Zoloft. "I experienced a sensation of lightheadedness, irritability, fatigue and basically felt like my head would fall off," wrote one reader. These symptoms can last for days and would not make for a pleasant vacation.
But what if you have rushed out the door and don't realize you left your medicine behind until the airplane has taken off? Most pharmacists will try to prevent a medical emergency by contacting your drugstore or doctor. On a weekend, they may have to bend the rules and provide enough pills to get you through until they can confirm the prescription. How much a pharmacist can help may vary depending on state law.
It is better to avoid problems in the first place. Before heading off on vacation, make a check list of all crucial items, especially medications. If you are going by plane, put the medicine in your carry-on luggage, in case your suitcase goes astray.
And if you are traveling by car, do not pack drugs in the glove box. A suitcase in the trunk is even worse. In the summer, temperatures can quickly rise to well over 100 degrees, and may destroy the drug or hasten its expiration. If the car will be sitting in the hot sun while you have lunch or see the sights, take the pill bottle with you. And don't store medicine in hard to find nooks or crannies. If you are having an asthma attack you will need to locate your inhaler quickly.
A little bit of planning can help ensure you enjoy a healthy, relaxing vacation and not a nightmare.
Soure: peoplespharmacy
