The Walking Dead

Al was a mild mannered man who lived upstairs- usually quiet and to himself. Although he had lived in the building 9 for years, because of some snafu with section 8, he had to move out and has been gone now about 2 months.

Last week the mailman left a jiffy envelope addressed to Al                                            on the top of the mailboxes where he leaves things for former tenants. Feeling pill bottles when handling the envelope, Jimmie brought it in and opened it, knowing Al might need his meds. We called the pharmacy and they picked up the mis-delivered medication and got it over to Al’s new place.

I just had to look them up;

Lorazepam (brand name is Atavin) a benzodiazepines used to relieve anxiety. It’s described as a high-potency short-to-intermediate-acting 3-hydroxy benzodiazepine drug that has all six intrinsic benzodiazepine effects: anxiolytic, amnesic, sedative/hypnotic, anticonvulsant, antiemetic and muscle relaxant. Lorazepam is used for the short-term treatment of anxiety, insomnia, acute seizures including status epilepticus and sedation of hospitalized patients, as well as sedation of aggressive patients, with possible paradoxical side effects including hostility and aggression. Wow.

Trazodone an anti depressant also used as a sleeping pill with this warning;
“A small number of children, teenagers, and young adults (up to 24 years of age) who took antidepressants (‘mood elevators’) such as trazodone during clinical studies became suicidal (thinking about harming or killing oneself or planning or trying to do so). Children, teenagers, and young adults who take antidepressants to treat depression or other mental illnesses may be more likely to become suicidal than children, teenagers, and young adults who do not take antidepressants to treat these conditions. However, experts are not sure about how great this risk is”, and listing the following possible side effects;

headache or heaviness in head
nausea
vomiting
bad taste in mouth
stomach pain
diarrhea
constipation
changes in appetite or weight
weakness or tiredness
nervousness
decreased ability to concentrate or remember things
confusion
nightmares
muscle pain
dry mouth
sweating
blurred vision
tired, red, or itchy eyes
ringing in ears All this on top of the depression or anxiety or whatever.

Ziprasidone is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions). It is also used to treat episodes of mania (frenzied, abnormally excited or irritated mood) or mixed episodes (symptoms of mania and depression that happen together) in patients with bipolar disorder (manic depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods). Ziprasidone is in a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain and carries the same warning as Trazodone, and these possible side effects:

drowsiness
headache
restlessness
anxiety
constipation
diarrhea
loss of appetite
muscle pain
runny nose, sneezing
cough
weight gain

Why in the world was Al given these pills? Why would anyone be given these pills? But this is the new trend- the new exotic medicine that will make you the walking dead. Also the new way to get legally high because, to say they alter you, is an understatement. Resist it and don’t buy into the system.

Balance your manic child or spouse with valerium tea or the bach flower remedy for the corresponding zodiac sign.  There are a host of Sai Sanjeevini patterns to cover mental imbalances as well as much homeopathy. A detox to remove metals and toxins is essential in addition to whatever you do to address disorders where the above drugs would be prescribed. I am happy to report that my daughter is now over 2 months clean- was not cross addicted-            and is on zero medication. Bravo Alison.