Many people have wondered why prescription drugs come with so many possible side effects.

Pittsburgh pharmacist Jeff Gillespie said side effects may occur based on how the drug works in a particular individual's body.

While people have complained about side effects that make them uncomfortable, such as dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation or dizziness, Gillespie said that if the side effects cause no serious harm, then the benefits will outweigh the problems in the long run.

Is there a way to decrease the side effects? Yes. Currently, pharmaceutical companies are designing drugs that have little or no side effects, and have been successful in their efforts, overall. However, there have been few cases where the side effects showed up after the trials were done, but that rarely happens in case studies.

As for the necessity of prescription drugs, Gillespie said it depends on the situation. He added that while some drugs are quite beneficial, others are over-prescribed.

For example, when someone undergoes surgery, he or she is injected with anesthesia, a drug that will temporarily paralyze the patient until the surgery is complete. That makes this drug beneficial.

On the other hand, if someone experiences a lot of pain for medical reasons, rather than prescribing a painkiller, the patient could seek other therapy, which makes painkillers less necessary.

Gillespie said he believes drugs should be a last resort. Individuals should seek other therapy for their ailments before asking a doctor for a prescription, he said.

First Published: August 3, 2007, 6:30 p.m.