'Worst drugs' - trying to find a page

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around identifying specific drugs that are rarely used, have severe side effects, and are considered last resorts in treatment. Participants are exploring examples of such drugs and seeking guidance on how to find relevant information, particularly on web pages that discuss these topics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recalls a web page discussing horrible drugs used in extreme circumstances, suggesting that these drugs have significant side effects and low efficacy.
  • Another participant proposes adding "-cocaine" to search terms to refine results.
  • A participant asks for examples of drugs that are rarely used, administered intravenously, and have severe side effects, referencing the phrase "the cure is worse than the disease."
  • Chemotherapy is suggested as a potential example, with a participant noting that its dosage is designed to avoid killing the patient.
  • Melarsoprol is mentioned as a drug that fits the criteria discussed.
  • Thalidomide is also proposed, with a note on its historical use against nausea and morning sickness in pregnant women.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants are exploring various examples of drugs that meet the discussed criteria, but there is no consensus on a definitive list or specific drugs that are universally agreed upon.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific drugs and their classifications, and the discussion relies on personal recollections and suggestions rather than established references.

oneamp
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'Worst drugs' -- trying to find a page

I remember reading a web page (maybe several pages on wikipedia) that talked about
horrible drugs that were used only in extreme circumstances. These drugs had
horrible side effects and perhaps low efficacy. They were rarely used. I remember
an ampule on the WP page. I've tried some search key words such as 'drug of last
resort' and 'worst side effect medicine' and stuff like that, but it all comes up with
top ten list crack cocaine bullcrap.

Can anyone suggest how I can progress in this search?

Thanks
 
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oneamp said:
I remember reading a web page (maybe several pages on wikipedia) that talked about
horrible drugs that were used only in extreme circumstances. These drugs had
horrible side effects and perhaps low efficacy. They were rarely used. I remember
an ampule on the WP page. I've tried some search key words such as 'drug of last
resort' and 'worst side effect medicine' and stuff like that, but it all comes up with
top ten list crack cocaine bullcrap.

Can anyone suggest how I can progress in this search?

Thanks

maybe add -cocaine to the search terms?
 
How about this. Does anyone know of a particular drug that is very rarely used, is a last resort when it is used, is administered intravenously, and has horrible side-effects, so that one may say that 'the cure is worse than the disease' when discussing it?
 
Indeed, I think chemotherapy qualifies: the dose is designed to just not kill a person.
 
Thalidomide maybe?

... used against nausea and to alleviate morning sickness in pregnant women.
 

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