Historically we relied on our doctor to provide information about drugs, and we took whatever the doctor told us as all we needed to know. What the doctor has to say may be all you need if the drug is a common one that has been around and used in the doctor's practice for a long time. Otherwise some additional research is advisable.

It's difficult for doctors to keep up with all the new medicines. A primary source of information comes from the drug companies. Drug companies take advantage of doctors' lack of time by sending over 80,000 representatives to inform them about the company's drugs, as well as sponsor education courses and conferences.

As you are aware from all the direct ads you see on television and in magazines, the drug manufacturers use imagery and hot button type words to sell their products. Doctors are subjected to these same sales pitches. They're also given free samples, which encourages the doctor to prescribe a drug from his or her medicine cabinet.

According to Dr. Jay Cohen, author of Overdose, even the Physicians Desk Reference is composed primarily of releases about the medications from the drug companies.

Valid sources of information are:

• Doctors
• Pharmacists
• Support Groups
• Government
• Medical Journals And Other Publications
• Books
• Hired Assistance
• The Internet

If you'd prefer not to do the research yourself, ask a friend or family member -- or ask a research professional to help.

When you find information your doctor didn't discuss, take a copy of what you've learned to him or her and discuss it.

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