prescription drugs

[johnny quest]

what prescription drugs, if any, should a healthy person get for a thru hike? im not talking about drugs you are already taking for some condition. im thinking pain relievers, muscle relaxers, antibiotics. any medical folks got a short list that we might want to have handy?

[take-a-knee]

Greentick18D has an article posted that tells you everything you need to know.

[Farr Away]

I'm not a medical person. Having said that-

As long as your doctor okays it, I'd suggest epinephrine (an epi pen). A severe allergic reaction to a (bee) sting can happen to anyone at anytime - even if you've been stung before and had no reaction.

[hopefulhiker]

I had my doctor prescribe a round of good antibiotics even though I did not need them at the time.. I ended up using them in Vermont and it really helped keep me on the trail...

[Marta]

I didn't bring any prescription medications, and didn't need any. The AT is shot through with road crossings and ways to get to town, should the need to visit a doctor arise.

[take-a-knee]

One 500mg dose of Cipro twice daily for three days is the recommended treatment for traveler's diarrhea. Unless you are critically dehydrated you should let yourself flush for 12-24 hrs before you start the Cipro. Apart from that, I can't think of anything an AT hiker might get that would require an antibiotic that wouldn't also require skilled care. Of course, cellulitis comes to mind, but if you get that stuff, you need to get off of your feet and shower daily for a while, and you can't do that on the AT.

In Lyme country (which seems to be everywhere now) I'd take some Doxycycline and take one 100mg pill every time I pulled a deer tick off of me.

[Blissful]

None are needed (unless you are known to be allergic to bee stings or have severe allergic reactions requiring the epipen). It isn't good to treat yourself anyway unless you know what the ailment is (there is such a thing as overuse of antibiotics and then getting a super infection because of it). There are plenty of towns along the way or shuttles offered to bigger towns with Drs to get an accurate diagnosis of an ailment needing prescription medication. It's not like you are going oversees to a third world nation.

[PJ 2005]

I took some stuff to help with giardia symptoms... I never needed it, but the guy who did was grateful.

[sofaking]

daily doses of red wine followed by nightly doses of bourbon has been shown to prevent snake bites and to be an over all tonic for all things sucky...

[Cuffs]

Arent Scripts are for once you are sick? Not for a 'healty person.' Like stated above, you can find your way into town pretty quickly.

[fiddlehead]

No need to look for things to worry about. After 6 thrus, i only needed a doc once, and that was for a spider bite that i doubt i could've treated myself anyway.

[Wise Old Owl]

I would refer you to the article as well. I prefer to take Deep Woods Off, Sunscreen, Chewable Pepto, Loperamide(anti - Diarreal) and a common pain killer. Sometimes a daily vitamin.

[Toolshed]

with my reconstructed knee, I always carried 800MG Ibuprofen (RX only) to take either prophylcticlly with breakfast or after dinner to help keep the knee swelling down (Also alleviates other aches). They were beeded when bad weather was rolling in and effect the new arthritis in my knee.
Otherwise, just some 200mg Ibuprofen (OTC).Some Tylenol, a few benadryls (for stings and/or sleeping) , a couple of Allegras (Rx), some immodium AD tabs.

[StarLyte]

I would refer you to the article as well. I prefer to take Deep Woods Off, Sunscreen, Chewable Pepto, Loperamide(anti - Diarreal) and a common pain killer. Sometimes a daily vitamin.

I agree with Wise Old Owl. I'd add loratamide (non-drowsy antihistamine / generic Claritin ) to that list. Generic is cheaper now-it's tiny, weightless and it works AND I would carry Benedryl or generic of that.

Folks with chronic health issues might agree: prednisone. I have this filled and in my pack or in my car in the event I get too sick and my immune goes down.

Two years ago I was camping out in Death Valley and became very ill. Couldn't breath, and my camping buddy doesn't drive. It was the prednisone that saved me. Quite scary being out there in the middle of nothing in April. I never leave home without it now.

Being prepared means HAVING MORE FUN because you don't worry !

[sasquatch2014]

I hike with a few Vicoden but this is beacuse I have had two back surgeries and one good fall the right way and I will be out of commission. These are my get out to the road crossing pills. In most cases I only need normal Iburprofen or the likes. I think I have had to use the good stuff once but it helps me to know that it's there. I also hike with some pepto as well hate having to run off the trail (no pun intended)

[sofaking]

I hike with a few Vicoden but this is beacuse I have had two back surgeries and one good fall the right way and I will be out of commission. These are my get out to the road crossing pills. In most cases I only need normal Iburprofen or the likes.
i feel your pain. i had 'back to back' back surgeries last year. i eat ibuprofen almost daily. but if i fall or gimp up my back again, i think i'll just crawl under the nearest tree and become food rather than face another surgery and recovery.

[4eyedbuzzard]

I've avoided surgery on my three disc injuries, but am another Vicodin packer(and flexeril and 800 mg vitimin I's). Enough for about two days to hobble back to the car or to a pharmacy if I should need it. I also carry antibiotic for some dental problems which can flare up at any time - usually the most inopportune, like deep in the woods.

[johnny quest]

I've avoided surgery on my three disc injuries, but am another Vicodin packer(and flexeril and 800 mg vitimin I's). Enough for about two days to hobble back to the car or to a pharmacy if I should need it. I also carry antibiotic for some dental problems which can flare up at any time - usually the most inopportune, like deep in the woods.

that makes alot of sense to me. i have twisted my back pretty bad and within two days the muscle pain was in chest too. i think i will start carrying the same.

[take-a-knee]

that makes alot of sense to me. i have twisted my back pretty bad and within two days the muscle pain was in chest too. i think i will start carrying the same.

Clindamycin is the current drug-of-choice for oral infections. K-Pen is no longer effective. Ask your dentist.

[sasquatch2014]

i feel your pain. i had 'back to back' back surgeries last year. i eat ibuprofen almost daily. but if i fall or gimp up my back again, i think i'll just crawl under the nearest tree and become food rather than face another surgery and recovery.

I have been doing Physical therapy and chiro since the start of the year again. Been about 5 years since my last surgery and hope to never have another one. What is funny is that the best I have felt since the start of the year was at the end of my last section hike in April. I have a theory that my pack acts like a back brace. Having been back at home and at work I am listing to one side again and have regular pain. So I have planned another hike for the end of this month. Seems to work so far.:D

[sofaking]

ditto. i just finished a 16 day hike 2 wks ago, my back didn't really bother me all that much, nothing ibuprofen couldn't handle. my knees, well, they disappointed me a little. my last surgery was feb '07 and it was a rough year. i think i caused my p.t. to have a nervous breakdown by telling him about all of my unapproved activities, like my thoroughly discouraged deer hunt (i'm only gonna carry a day pack!) to my test run hikes through md and pa (i'll keep it under 40lbs), and he didn't even let me finish telling him how i retired my pool skateboard for a longboard...

[sasquatch2014]

Yeah I was thinking the name looked familiar from the logs you were going SoBo down from Harpers right? I went NoBo from Front Royal and think that I just missed you by a day.

[sofaking]

yep. going to pick back up @ rockfish on the 23rd.

[sasquatch2014]

Have a great one. I am getting back on in Dalton Ma on the 27th to head south and finish a section where I left off last Sept down in to CT.

Happy Trails

[Fiddleback]

I'm a great believer in carrying pain meds and stuff for allergies, cold symptoms and even the 'runs.' But prescription stuff for the AT may be overkill or at least over-preparation. Given what's available over the counter and the proximity of 'civilization' I wouldn't think prescription, 'just-in-case' meds are necessary.

And there's that minuscule chance that certain drugs, without certain documentation, could get one in trouble. "But officer, I know they're controlled...but I might need 'em later. Honest!";)

FB

[sofaking]

if prescribed by a doctor to you, there is nothing illegal about carrying meds. as long as they're in the original bottle with the label clearly legible.

[Appalachian Tater]

The whole point of prescription drugs is that they are prescribed by a person trained to know when they are needed and what exactly is needed. If over-the-counter meds don't do take care of a problem, you should be examined and treated by a professional.

[Fiddleback]

...there is nothing illegal about carrying meds. as long as they're in the original bottle with the label clearly legible.

Precisely. When traveling (especially crossing borders), original packaging and labels can be pretty important and, for me, inconvenient on the trail. As with food, I repackage meds into a lighter, more compact, more water proof container. Consolidating meds into one container is convenient since I like to carry meds on me and not in the pack.

The odds of running into a true legal problem are really, really low. The odds of running into some 'authority' that's had a bad day maybe not so much.;) Not a big worry...just another thing to think about.

FB

[johnny quest]

i would xerox the prescription at a reduced scale and carry with my pertinent info.

[orangebug]

Interesting thread. The Rx meds you might want to carry should have something to do with your past medical history, and how you and your doc wish to deal prophylactically with some issues. Doxycycline for Lyme once a week? Lortab for acute management of injury/pain? SuperGlue for closing the mouth of a overly talkative hiking partner?

:rolleyes:

There can be problems with carrying controlled substances without a labeled container indicating there are for you. Some have considered using bubble packs of meds as a means of putting in less fragile container. Bubble packs typically identify med and user. Talk with your local pharmacy.

[Jason of the Woods]

People are always overpreparing. I say just hike. It works for me.;) I do carry a $7 first aid kit but am yet to use it.

[desdemona]

Precisely. When traveling (especially crossing borders), original packaging and labels can be pretty important and, for me, inconvenient on the trail. As with food, I repackage meds into a lighter, more compact, more water proof container. Consolidating meds into one container is convenient since I like to carry meds on me and not in the pack.

The odds of running into a true legal problem are really, really low. The odds of running into some 'authority' that's had a bad day maybe not so much.;) Not a big worry...just another thing to think about.

FB

I have traveled by air (this isn't for backpacking) for years and never carried ANYTHING in its original container with a prescription. I have NEVER carried any copies. I have done this for years and years. I am taking multiple prescriptions and also supplements and the original bottles weigh more than I even want to when I go by plane. I sure can't imagine backpacking it.

I have had my bags searched, and I am sure they have seen my meds. Unless you look like a druggie, I think it really really unlikely that you would ever have problems.

[take-a-knee]

I have traveled by air (this isn't for backpacking) for years and never carried ANYTHING in its original container with a prescription. I have NEVER carried any copies. I have done this for years and years. I am taking multiple prescriptions and also supplements and the original bottles weigh more than I even want to when I go by plane. I sure can't imagine backpacking it.

I have had my bags searched, and I am sure they have seen my meds. Unless you look like a druggie, I think it really really unlikely that you would ever have problems.

Or unless you look like Rush Limbaugh.

[Fiddleback]

Sure...but Rush doesn't go through security checks. Shoot!...He doesn't even use an airplane when he flies.;)

FB

[sofaking]

he has his own hot air bag/balloon gizmo. he once participated in a groundbreaking wager to circumnavigate the flat earth in 80 days or less...

[take-a-knee]

Sure...but Rush doesn't go through security checks. Shoot!...He doesn't even use an airplane when he flies.;)

FB

You've obviously not heard about Rush's viagra incident with US Customs.

[sofaking]

You've obviously not heard about Rush's viagra incident with US Customs.
i thought it was oxycontin.

[take-a-knee]

i thought it was oxycontin.

Another scandal, which turned out to be totally fabricated. He apparantly had something in his medical records someone wanted to expose to embarrass him, that was what that was all about. His lawyers shut it down.

The Viagra thing was with some liberal b***h customs agent who new he was coming through from overseas and decided to rifle through all of his belongings. She found a viagra and asked for the script. All just to embarrass him, your tax dollars at work.

[Appalachian Tater]

If I were a customs agent and a celebrity known to have illegally misused drugs came through and I found unidentified pills, I would identify them. That's doing your job properly. Applause for this particular customs agent.

[sofaking]

rush limbaugh doesn't need any help embarrassing himself, he does just fine all by himself...and those damn liberals, next thing you know they'll be trying to get a woman in the ovary office, or a minority! they're everywhere these days...

[sarbar]

With my meds the only one I worry about carrying in its original packaging is "V" due to being a narcotic. Don't want to explain that. I carry my BP pills in plastic pouches fully labeled to what is in it as well as what my doses are. Same with my anti-nausea meds I carry. I am not worried about those - I can produce that I have the right to them with a Dr. call. The "V" is with my dentist so not so easy to reach.

Due to having braces on and having crowns I carry an extensive dental kit. In truth as well, my whole first aid kit is double the size of most. I carry OTC meds for nearly everything. And I have given away so much over the years!

[sofaking]

Due to having braces on and having crowns I carry an extensive dental kit. In truth as well, my whole first aid kit is double the size of most. I carry OTC meds for nearly everything. And I have given away so much over the years!
dealer...pusher...shame, shame.

[johnny quest]

i guess i should have put this in the "straight forward" area. thanks to those who have given good insight.

[take-a-knee]

rush limbaugh doesn't need any help embarrassing himself, he does just fine all by himself...and those damn liberals, next thing you know they'll be trying to get a woman in the ovary office, or a minority! they're everywhere these days...

A woman, a minority, or a freakin marxist... workers unite!

[sasquatch2014]

I have a temp on one tooth and so i carry some of the temp filling stuff that you can get at the grocery store. Weights almost nothing but sure beats a tooth ache.

[johnny quest]

I have a temp on one tooth and so i carry some of the temp filling stuff that you can get at the grocery store. Weights almost nothing but sure beats a tooth ache.

i bought one of those kits...if you ever needed it it would certainly be worth its weight.
side note: an alternative is what my mother had me do when i had a baby-tooth hurting and we couldnt afford to go to the dentist. stick an aspirin on the tooth and let it melt. tasted terrible but seemed to work.

[Appalachian Tater]

side note: an alternative is what my mother had me do when i had a baby-tooth hurting and we couldnt afford to go to the dentist. stick an aspirin on the tooth and let it melt. tasted terrible but seemed to work.Hmm. Reminds me of the free publications of this worthy organization:

http://www.hesperian.org/publications_download.php

Very smart of your mother.

[Footslogger]

I think the key is ...how far away are you from professional medical attention. When I backpack, distance or otherwise, I am generally no more than 2 - 3 days from access. So, when it comes to prescriptions I take what I need in terms of current medical needs and base the the rest on how quickly I could get my hands on it, if needed.

Case in point ...when I go on diving trips that are a week or more in length and all time is spent out at sea, I generally take Epi, Doxy and Cipro which will cover pretty much cover me until I can get ashore and to a hospital/clinic.

Since my heart attack I now HAVE to carry an assortment of meds but about the only other scripted drug I would carry would be Celebrex.

'Slogger

[superman]

I took Neosporin, super glue, super duper vitamins and some kind of capsules for allergies. I used the Neosporin on my chafing early in my hike. The vitamins changed color to a yellow brown. The allergy capsules sort of melted. The super glue container broke and glued everything in my ditty bag together. Most of the things that I thought might be an issue paled in comparison to my quest for the perfect prime rib.

[koaloha05]

Avoid prescriptions drugs for "anticipated" needs. Only carry what you have been prescribed.

Prescription drugs without the correct diagnosis can become a problem. If you really need a prescription drug you probably need to be evaluated by a medical practitioner.

Improper use and not knowing how to use a drug or medical device can result in lack of effectiveness or more problems than help.

I would stick to your basic 1st aid OTC medications. Most only deal with comfort or reducing symptoms vs. the underlying problem. The only "pills" I carry are diphenhydramine (Benadyl)just in case of an allergic rxn and ibuprofen because I'm a wimp when it comes to severe pain. Midwt superglue is similar to Dermabond (Rx only), but not pyrogen free or sterile. Use with care. Not intended for real deep lacerations. I would limit use to torn blisters.