Those on medication should read the labels

Copyright © 2005 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

E-mail this story to a friend

People need to check if they are taking the correct medication. They should read their prescription. For an entire month, I took Lipitor (a cholesterol medication) for anxiety and panic attacks and depression. I should have been taking my usual Lexapro.

A month ago, a nurse at my doctor's office faxed my pharmacy the incorrect prescription. Was it an error due to lack of efficiency? Absolutely. It was clear which medication I was taking because the nurse checked to see if the office had any free samples of Lexapro before faxing the prescription.

No serious damage occurred, however, it surely explains the dizziness I experienced. Probably because I abruptly stopped taking the Lexapro. I also survived severe moodiness (my poor husband) and one panic attack. Anyone who has had such attacks knows how scary they can be.

People should take matters into their own hands by making sure they read all labels on their medications.

Diana Dearborn

Winthrop