I think to answer that question we must begin to carry out research to deepen cognitive aspects such as the reasons for using different drugs. The United States has made progress in their universities in this field unlike, for example, of Argentina that just begins to question. However, I also believe that the leap to resolve this issue would be given to dialogue to put the results of our research with the actors of public policies to advance on more solid ground.

Finally, I think your question is just the beginning and make it extremely important.

Why Do Americans Take So Many Prescription Drugs?

wrote by J. Douglas Bremner, MD

Scope of the Problem

"Today we are faced with what may be the single greatest drug safety catastrophe in the history of this country or the history of the world… In my opinion, the FDA has let the American people down, and sadly, betrayed a public trust."

Those ominous words, spoken by David J. Graham, M.D., M.P.H., Associate Director of Drug Safety for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on November 18, 2004, were part of Congressional testimony concerning the dangers of Vioxx. The drug had just been taken off the market because of evidence that the arthritis medication increased the risk of heart attacks. Yet he could have been talking about the prescription drug industry in general, especially since he noted that Vioxx was not the only medication that posed serious health threats. It was only the tip of the iceberg. Graham identified five widely-prescribed drugs still on the market that are particularly dangerous, including Accutane, Bextra, Crestor, Meridia, and Serevent (in 2005 Bextra was taken off the market).

While it’s true that many drugs help people live longer and better lives, myriad others may hurt you in other ways that you don’t know about. Dr. Graham’s testimony provided the public a fleeting glimpse at that knowledge, normally hidden from view or frustratingly difficult for the average person to access. Pharmaceutical and supplement manufacturers have to increase sales and profits, as all businesses must, and they do so in part by developing drugs to treat disease and also by convincing people they need meds to prevent disease or lessen the perceived risk of future illness. The result is that nondisclosure of potentially harmful side effects of the drugs they make has become routine.For more plz read at following link.

Regards

http://www.oftwominds.com/journal08/Prescription-Drugs.htm

Hi Lawrance,

This is not my field of research or expertise therefore please take this into account when you reading what I say. My personal view is that I think it may be partly due to the nature of American socio-economic system actively encouraging consumerism and commercialization. I personally think it is gone far beyond normality, such as millions of school kids being prescribed antidepressants, sleeping pils or some kind of antipsychotics. Also I recall events like Michael jackson's death with prescribed medicines. When I read or hear news like this I ask to myself as a society, I ask to myself are we gone too far with this commercialization process, where and when  it is going to end, and finally are we all at the mercy of big drug companies?

Hello Refik,

I am  no expert , but I do believe you are on point in your observations, especially the influence of what is commonly called 'Big Pharma'. That is a major focus in something I am working on. Thank you.