I wanted to create this series to allow a bit of a peek behind the curtain of how medications work. As a health professional with a special interest in medications, I reflect on my previous understandings of the human body and how medications worked and recollect how mystifying all things things were. The overarching notion I remember having was that somehow:

The brain controls everything. Medications work how they work because of the brain.

But what I realise now, in fact, is that it is all CHEMISTRY! (And biology. And anatomy. And physiology. And all of those things. But mostly chemistry, because kemistry is kewl.)

This series is going to cover off on a range of core tenets, ideas and concepts about how medications are invented, marketed and, most exciting, how on earth they actually work. We’ll talk about the medication myths, the legends and the things I wish I knew. If you have ever been curious about how Panadol could possibly resolve the pain in your left toe or why a medication makes you sleepy, these posts will answer those questions.

This isn’t intended to be some super strict, woo-woo chemistry lesson but should hopefully provide an overview of some of the main medication concepts chemists think about and provide a bit of a mental framework for how students interested in medications can start to consider their function.

Disclaimer: none of the information in the series is medical/health advice. Please discuss with your health care professional before starting/changing any medications and about what is right for you.