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The article discusses the perspective of Bertha Madras, a leading expert on marijuana, who believes that reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug would be a mistake. Madras argues that marijuana has significant negative health effects, including addiction potential, cognitive impairment, psychosis, impaired driving, and lasting damage to the brain. She also highlights the risks of marijuana use during pregnancy and questions the lack of strong evidence for its medicinal benefits. Madras criticizes the marketing of marijuana and calls for more rigorous research on its effects. She expresses concern that reclassifying marijuana could set a precedent for the legalization of other substances without strong scientific evidence. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on Americans in there 20s and 30s who are deciding on their own what drugs to take, in particular stimulants, antidepressants and other psychiatric medications. Often skeptical of psychiatrists' expertise, they rely on their own research and each other's experience in treating such problems as depression, fatigue and anxiety. They trade unused prescription drugs and order medications without prescriptions from the Internet. Sometimes they lie to doctors to obtain medications. The goal for many young adults is not to get high, but to feel better. Health officials fear that information about risks and dosage are being overlooked. INSET: Finding Information Online From Peers and Professionals.

This article presents information on a 42-year-old file clerk for the social service department of the city, who medicated herself based upon the opinions and advice of friends and relatives. She visited her doctor only when she had an acute physical or mental problem. At this office visit, she complained of her nails breaking easily and her hair falling out. She smoked approximately one and a half packs of cigarettes and drank four to five cups of coffee daily. She never misses a highball with dinner.

Focuses on the use medication for instrumentalists to prevent stage fright. Attestation of Ruth Ann McClain, a flutist from Memphis, on how beta blockers helped her performance; Citation of classic musicians who have been using beta blockers; Discussion on the safety and efficacy of the drugs.

The article offers information on the consequences of drug abuse and the measures to deal with it. It further informs that self medication for an untreated depression is the main cause of drug addiction. It discusses the CAGE Questionnaire for the diagnosis of alcoholism which includes questions related to cutting down on drinking, annoyance and guilty for being alcoholic.

The article presents information on several medicine-related research. Researchers found that the compound capsaicin could significantly reduce damage from heart attacks in mice. It was suggested in a study that online antibiotics sales contribute to dangerous self-medication and the proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria. Another study found a link between hypertension and road-traffic noise.

The article highlights a 2008 report which found that deaths from medication mistakes at home increased dramatically during the past two decades. Accordingly, the authors blame increasing home use of prescription painkillers and other potent drugs. Lead author David P. Phillips of the University of California in San Diego says the amount of medical supervision is declining and the amount of responsibility put on patient's shoulders is increasing.

Discusses the prevalent use of Internet blogs as self medication of people in the U.S. in 2006.

According to news reports, some areas of the U.S. have experienced a flu vaccine shortage, as of December 25, 2003. The New York State Department of Health (NYS-DOH) is working with local health departments and hospitals to make flu vaccine available to those at highest risk for flu and serious complications. This article provides medical help to protect oneself from influenza infection. The NYS-DOH advises adults to take aspirin or non-aspirin pain relievers to ease the muscle aches that typically accompany the flu, especially if the pain causes loss of sleep. For those at high risk of flu complications, consult a doctor when flu symptoms begin.

Reports that a U.S. federal drug advisory panel rejected pleas from members of Congress regarding the proposal to restrict sales of the painkiller OxyContin. Consideration of the widespread abuse of the drug; Annual deaths associated with overuse of OxyContin; Possibility that Purdue Pharma will start to sell another painkiller called Palladone; Consideration of the ingredients active in the drug; Use of OxyContin by patients who need to take narcotics.

Offers advice for consumers of herbal medications and other alternative medical treatments. Need for disclosure to doctors of medical self-treatments; Alternative-medicine industry and sales; Regulation and testing of herbs and supplements in the United States; Warnings of the United States Food and Drug Administration.