Prescription Side Effects
Debby DeStefano
Exodus 15:26
“… If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and
wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his
commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these
diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am
the Lord that healeth thee.”
(“?Prescription drug” is not for everyone. “Prescription drug?” may cause serious, even life threatening, allergic reactions.
Stop taking “Prescription drug” and call your doctor right away if you have any signs of a serious allergic reaction. Some signs are
swelling of your face, mouth, lips, gums, tongue, throat or neck or if you have any trouble breathing, or have a rash, hives or
blisters. “Prescription drug” may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Patients,
family members or caregivers should call the doctor right away if they notice suicidal thoughts or actions, thoughts of self harm, or
any unusual changes in mood or behavior. These changes may include new or worsening depression, anxiety, restlessness,
trouble sleeping, panic attacks, anger, irritability, agitation, aggression, dangerous impulses or violence, or extreme increases in
activity or talking. “Prescription drug?” may cause swelling of your hands, legs and feet, which can be serious for people with
heart problems. “Prescription drug?” may cause dizziness and sleepiness. You should not drive or work with machines until you
know how “Prescription drug?” affects you. Also, tell your doctor right away about muscle pain or problems along with feeling sick
and feverish, or any changes in your eyesight including blurry vision, or if you have any kidney problems or get dialysis. Some of
the most common side effects of “Prescription drug?” are dizziness, blurry vision, weight gain, sleepiness, trouble concentrating,
swelling of your hands and feet, dry mouth, and feeling “high.” If you have diabetes, tell your doctor about any skin sores. Do not
stop taking “Prescription drug?” without talking to your doctor. If you stop suddenly you may have headaches, nausea, diarrhea,
trouble sleeping, increased sweating, or you may feel anxious. If you have epilepsy, you may have seizures more often.)
We’ve all seen these commercials, right? It’s almost comical. Doesn’t it make you want to run right out and get some of these medicines? NOT! By the time you are finished watching the commercial, you think to yourself, “who in their right mind would want to take this stuff given the chance of all these side effects?” I guess desperation will sometimes make you want to try it. I have been dealing with neuropathy in both feet for many years now (and now legs and hands) and it has been getting progressively worse and yes, I was one of those unfortunate people who was so desperate to try some of these prescriptions and no, they did not work. In the last 3 ½ years I have been dealing with back pain, 3 surgeries and the addition of many other prescriptions.
(If you would, please pray for me today as I have surgery #4. I covet your prayers.) So, the many doctors I have seen, even at Johns Hopkins, have tried this drug and that over the years. But to no avail.
Psalms 103:3
“Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;”
I know that I am not the only one who has gone to the doctor to find a solution to a problem and the doctor has tried one thing after another only to keep coming up with no solution and more doctor visits. Again, that’s why they call it “practicing” medicine. I just wish they didn’t have to “practice” on me. Don’t you wish that when you went to the doctor with a problem, they would say the first time, “Oh yes, I know exactly what is wrong and what to prescribe or do” and then do it and voila, problem solved? No such thing. At least, very rarely.
Deuteronomy 7:15
“And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.”
God has taught me many lessons over the last 3 ½ years about waiting on Him. I don't think patience comes easy to anyone. We want instant relief and an instant cure. Looking back on illnesses and sicknesses over the years when I was down for a week or two seems so small to me now. I don’t mean to take away from anyone's pain or serious illnesses because sickness or any pain of any kind and length of time is serious and concerning. So, I may be talking to myself here for a while.
Exodus 23:25
“And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread,
and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.”
I find it interesting as I read these passages in Scripture, that God doesn’t give any disclaimers with his healing prescriptions. He just says that He will heal, and He does! No side effects. No lasting repercussions. Just healing. True healing and perfect healing. Oh, that we could experience that today. Oh, but wait, we can! We can take our broken lives and bodies to the Lord and lay them at the cross. Relinquish our rights, our wills and our ideas. Then, and only then, will He lay His healing hands on our broken and diseased bodies and bring true healing and “new” life. Will it always be the healing that we are expecting or yearn for? No, it will be in God's time and in God's way. That's when our trust in the Lord is so important. We have to trust that He knows what is best even if it's not what we want. Sometimes He brings perfect healing by taking us home to Heaven where we will experience no pain, no discomfort, no medicine, and no more tears. Longing for that day. The question is – are we willing to give up our wills? Take your hurting life and heart to the Master Physician today for complete and ultimate healing!
Jeremiah 30:17
“For I will restore health unto thee,
and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord;”
Jeremiah 17:14
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me,
and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.”
About the Author
Debby, the daughter of our church founder, has dedicated her life to serving God at Fairwinds Baptist Church. Now a retired pastor's wife, she continues to inspire us with uplifting devotionals, choosing joy despite her health struggles. Her unwavering faith enriches our community and reflects our mission to know God through Jesus Christ.
