Pharmaceutical Companies spent $5.6 billion in 2015 for advertisements.. and those advertisements seem to work. 1 in about 7 people who take at least one Rx have admitted they specifically asked their Doctor about a medication they heard on the Tv, Radio, online, or in print. 2/3rds of those Doctors wrote the prescription for the drug requested.
The problem with advertisements is that you do not know if this more expensive drug works better than a less expensive generic or if you can achieve the same results with simple lifestyle changes. Consumer Reports has piled tons of research, recommendations and reviews from credible sources to compile what they deem are good alternatives.
Below we have given the health issue and the “Best Treatments” only. In order to read on how and why they’ve come to these conclusions in the original article, please click here.
Seasonal Allergies
Best Treatments: Steroid sprays and antihistamines (OTC nasal steroid spray and Generic Loratadine).
Depression
Best Treatments: Try Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Talk Therapy) first since medications often have many side effects. You may also be prescribed an Anti-Depressant if therapy is not helping.
Diabetes
Best Treatments: Exercise. Diet modification. Generic Metformin, Glimepiride, or Gipizide.
Heartburn
Best Treatments: OT antacids and Lifestyle Changes (cut back on caffine, alcohol, no laying down after meals, etc)
High Cholesterol
Best Treatments: Generic Atorvastatin, Lovastatin, Pravastatin, Simvastatin. Diet. Exercise.
Insomnia
Best Treatments: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (can be just as effective as sleeping aids) or OTC Sleep Aides like Diphenhydramine.
Overactive Bladder
Best Treatments: Kegels and other exercises or Generic Extended-release Oxybutynin.
Disclaimer: As with any medical advice given over the internet, this is a good talking point between you and your doctor. Every person has unique situations in regards to their health. So please do not use this information to diagnose or treat yourself without speaking to your doctor.