Intern in the ‘ship Fast Movers

Fast Movers

There is a special section in our pharmacy that we place are most filled medications. It is easier for us to grab and not go exploring in the stock bays. There are about fifty medications on these shelves give or take a few depending on the season and changes in prescribing habits. Here are a few of our fast movers you will recognize or maybe surprised they are prescribed that often.(Generic names in parentheses)

Xanax (alprazolam)

Xanax is a controlled substance prescribed for anxiety, some depression, and panic disorders. 0.25, 0.5, and 1 miligrams are the most often doses. I was surprised the most that it is prescribed so often. I do not think there has been a day that I have not counted out these tablets. It shows that many people have anxiety or depression throughout their life and it is not a small percentage of the population. And that is alright, sometimes one needs chemical change to feel better.

Vicodin (hydrocodone- acetaminophen)

Vicodin is a controlled substance prescribed for pain, and pain and really bad pain. There are several strengths but 5mg/500mg, 7.5mg/500mg, and 7.5mg/750mg are the most common. I was not surprised this was on the fast mover shelf. If Tylenol or Advil cannot do the trick, the next step is to ask for Vicodin. It works quite well because it suppresses the brain and slows nerve firing which explains the main side effect: dizziness or drowsiness. One big counselling point is Vicodin contains the same active ingredient as Tylenol: acetaminophen. One should not take both in a day because of the possibility of over medicating.

Glucophage (metformin)

Glucophage is a drug that helps lower your sugar levels in the blood. This is not a drug that increases or replaces insulin but assists with insulin’s workload. 500 mg and 1,000 mg are stored in big jug containers and the pills are pretty big too. Rule of thumb: big white tablets should always be taken with food or you will have an upset stomach.

Zocor (simvastatin)

Zocor is a cholesterol drug called a statin which is the most popular form to lower LDL cholesterol. It is very similar to other well know drugs as Lipitor and Crestor. It comes in 20 mg and 40 mg on our fast mover shelves. Recently there have been studies warning against prescribing the 80 mg strength because of higher instance of muscle pain which is a known side effect.

Birth control -Gianvi, Apri, Loestrin

There are many kinds of birth control/contraceptives on the market. There are brand names, multiple brands for the same drug and generics for those brand names. One cannot always assume contraceptive purposes because doctors do not list a reason, but birth control can help lower pain and flow during menses. And no it is not just seventeen through twenty three year olds receiving it. Older women with kids also want to control their bodies and not have unexpected surprises.

Other well known medications that are fast movers are lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide for blood pressure, amoxicillin and azithromycin (z-pack) for bacterial infections and albuterol for asthma.

Happy 4th everyone!