Pharmacies on watch throughout the earthquake
Although the greatest danger has passed and search and rescue operations have ceased, people's emotional state is tense, barely sleeping, and having difficulty with daily work. In the many articles we have compiled to cope with anxiety and stress following a natural disaster, it is recommended to work with yourself, talk to friends and family, and follow a healthy routine of eating, sleeping, and physical activity. For some, however, these are insufficient and are directed to pharmacies for herbal remedies.
One pharmacist approached Anabel to express precisely this concern. "I work in a pharmacy in Tirana and these days there have been many cases where they seek to self-medicate with anxiety or stress medication without first consulting a specialist," writes the pharmacist who asked to remain anonymous. "Those medications soothe and stabilize the post-traumatic shock condition, but in no way should they be taken without the doctor's recommendation as they have side effects and create addiction."
These are anxiolytics (or anti-anxiety agents) such as alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, diazepam, commercially available Valium, and lorazepam, commercially titled Titus.
These medicines, which are part of the Benzodiazepines group, should not be taken without a doctor's prescription because they first have adverse side effects such as dizziness, lethargy, lack of concentration, inability to drive and increased chance of road accidents, as well as have the opposite effect to that desired with increased use. They may interact with other medications you may be taking and may worsen your health if you suffer from a specific illness. Without the doctor's advice, a condition that these people seek to heal simply worsens. Also, giving up painkillers is very difficult as it creates addiction and is associated with physical and mental symptoms similar to side effects.
In our country, these drugs cannot be bought without a prescription, but there are places that turn a blind eye, especially these days. It would be better for everyone if they were more strict. Even people, if they really think they need it, should consult a specialist. The brain is an organ like everyone else. He gets sick too. Except, it is important to be careful with the medications that affect it, because it is the most important organ in the body. So be careful with benzodiazepines.
Pharmacies in the country are in solidarity with the needs of cities affected by the earthquake. They worked long hours and provided necessary medication, as required by field doctors. Most commonly, medications for high blood pressure, such as nifedipine (commercial name Adalat), atenolol (commercial name Tenormin) and metoprolol for chest pain and high blood pressure, have been sought. Antibiotics are certainly included in the necessary treatments in emergency situations. Also shampoos against parasites, because in the absence of baths, maintaining hygiene becomes more difficult.
