3 Medications to Always Carry

I know what you're thinking- the Pondering Polymath is also Possibly Psychic, but Possibly Psychic Pondering Polymath is just too much. You're thinking, "That's what drug stores are for. I don't need to carry any medication on me at all times." For you, our next scenarios take place on a plane- 30,000 ft in the air (take that smarty pants!).


1. Benadryl Fast Dissolving Strips. My childhood doctor called Benadryl a miracle drug. He was right. Benadryl is primarily an antihistamine used to combat the effects of allergies. Typical allergic reactions are itchy eyes, runny nose, rash, sneezing, etc. But, Benadryl is also used for severe allergic reactions, as a temporary sleep aid, to combat motion sickness and nausea, and to lessen tremors such as those caused by Parkinson's. All of this with no long term side effects. I hope it never happens, but if you were to come into contact with something that causes a severe enough reaction that you feel your throat is closing up (anaphylaxis), after you let people know to call 911, ask for an EpiPen(think the OD scene with Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction but with far less drama) and oxygen, take 2 of those strips. It just may bide enough time to get you the emergency care you need.


2. Acetaminophen. Why? The way it works is different than ibuprofen or aspirin. Aspirin can cause an allergic reaction. Ibuprofen reduces inflammation but can exasperate pain in people with ulcers or liver problems. Acetaminophen (like Tylenol) basically works by telling your brain you're not in pain. Pretty genius. It is a fever reducer as well. Typically, it does not cause reactions. So, good pain reliever to have until you can get to a doctor.

3. Antacids. I once found a Chocolate restaurant in NYC at midnight after spending a day eating an enormous breakfast with mimosas, then a ridiculously huge Indian dinner with a bottle of Barolo. To say the least, I spent the rest of the night groaning and pondering the possibility of actually eating so much you implode (think Gluttony in Seven). This post would've been about 2 medications if not for that night.