medication

As vegans we are expected to avoid products tested on animals. For some that is not possible, for example I take a medication for a psychiatric illness. I can more or less consider this illness to be life threatening as when left untreated in the past it led to suicidal ideation. I sort of hide my use of medication as I worry some people will question my "vegan-ness". However if someone suffers from type 1 diabetes and must take insulin, I seriously doubt anybody would confront them on this because without insulin they could be dead within days or even hours.

So where do we draw the line? Do you take medications for whatever reason and feel guilty? Do you stick to herbal remedies only? At what point do you consider medication to be "unnecessary"?

Posted Answers

A: nicely put derby biz Answer by Lupustheurge Sun, 10/12/2008 - 11:46am — Lupustheurge

A: I would propose that you do what you think is right for you. It REALLY doesn't matter in time-space if others thought of you as vegan or non-vegan. It matters that you have clear intention for yourself. My two cents- Answer by DerbyBiz Tue, 10/07/2008 - 7:02pm — DerbyBiz

A: Don't sacrifice your health if there are no vegan alternatives. The animals need you alive to help find vegan alternatives. We all have had to sacrifice unfortunately for our health. It really sucks! Answer by veganvampira Fri, 10/03/2008 - 10:04pm — veganvampira

A: I posted a similar question and forum discussion awhile back if you're interested: Question: http://www.vegifide.com/forlife/node/7501 Forum Discussion: http://www.vegifide.com/forlife/node/7531 Answer by sassafras Fri, 10/03/2008 - 6:58pm — sassafras

A: I thought you were up for voluntary human execution...sorry, bad joke. Answer by Anonymous Fri, 10/03/2008 - 6:14pm — Anonymous EDIT

A: I live my life as cleanly as i can but without my inhaler i would die. Answer by Lupustheurge Fri, 10/03/2008 - 12:56pm — Lupustheurge

A: http://www.animalliberationfront.com/Practical/Shop--ToDo/Shopping/Boyco... Answer by animalia_libero Fri, 10/03/2008 - 10:47am — animalia_libero

A: Nobody but you can question your motivations. I think if you had suicidal thoughts, then it is necessary. Seriously. =-) Many things vegans use are tested on animals...certain parts in computers, cars, and even inks used in vegan food packaging. You can only do so much. Answer by Anonymous Fri, 10/03/2008 - 9:12am — Anonymous EDIT

A: we do what we can. We take as many herbal and natural remedies in lue of pharmaceuticals. But we take medications if we need to. If were dead we can't protest. least thats how I feel about it. One of my closest friends is a vegan with a birth defect, that can take her life if she is not medicated. Do what you can. Answer by phactorri Fri, 10/03/2008 - 5:54am — phactorri