Rethinking medications: truth, power, and the drugs you take

Introduction: A friend of the court

Part one: Does it work?. How do we know? ; Decision-making and dementia ; Lowering the bar ; Standards that matter to patients

Part two: Is it safe?. How do we find out about drug risks? ; Downfall of a giant ; Texas hold'em ; The label as protective talisman ; A new era of reform

Part three: What should it cost?. The price of a wonder drug ; Giving it all away ; A license to print money ; Old whines in new battles ; Conflicted interests ; Making medicines affordable

Part four: Spreading the word. A failure to communicate ; Shaping the prescribers of tomorrow ; Better signals

Part five: Mind-altering examples. Acid reflux : the death and rebirth of psychedelics ; Pain, killers

Part six. Empowering the patient. You can't get medicines if you can't get health care

Epilogue: Healing the wounds

Appendix A: Resources for consumers

Appendix B: A note to health-care professionals and trainees

Acknowledgements

Notes

Index.