The *Angriest* Pharmacist You want your prescription filled when? Eat shit…

Insightful comment

I received a pretty solid comment from "southernpharmer" in response to Non-Drowsy Claritin.

I have found (in my limited experience) that people ask for your professional opinion only to hope that it agrees with what they already had in mind because that is what they are gonna do regardless. I want to help, but WHY WHY do these people waste both mine and their time???

That sums it up completely. People don't care what I think. People don't care that I have a doctorate in pharmacy. People don't care that I know how to treat almost any disease that they could seek OTC meds for or that I can look it up very quickly and easily if I don't know. People don't care that I've been in pharmacy for many years and damn near heard it all.

All people believe deep down that they are actually intelligent. Here's the fact: they are not. The average American IQ is 98 (that's a weak source, if you find a better one, I'll change this). As we all know, there is going to be an equal distribution about that mean. Those above that likely don't ask the pharmacist for help -- they go to the cough and cold aisle, read the boxes, and pick the product they need. Those at or below that ask a friend, family member, or watch TV (also considered a family member). Then they come to the pharmacy and ask me -- to see if I'm as smart as the television that said "MUCINEX GETS THE MUCUS OUT!" If I am as smart as that there picture-box, they say, "That's what I thought!" IF I say something different than what they wanted, it could go one of three [main] ways.

1. They accept my professional opinion, thank me, and purchase the product I recommended.
2. They hold the product in their hand, thank me, put it down (in the wrong spot) after I walk away, and buy the product their friend or television told them about.
3. They listen to me, potentially believe me, but then argue with me about the product their friend (or television) told them is the BEST available -- even if it doesn't treat the problem they are having (Like pseudoephedrine for chest congestion or plain Mucinex for a cough).