Medical Articles
Unusual Medications
19.07.2026
When you think of medicine, you probably picture cold remedies, antibiotics, or anticancer drugs. However, there are actually all kinds of unique medications out there for conditions that might make you wonder, “Wait—can that really be treated with medicine?”
For those who enjoy alcohol, it is perfectly fine as long as you drink in moderation. However, if you lose control over your consumption, it progresses into “alcohol dependence.” For individuals who simply cannot control their drinking despite their best efforts, there are “medications to help stop drinking.” These medications fall into two main categories: those that chemically reduce the psychological urge to drink, and those that temporarily block the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol, making you feel physically sick if you do drink (essentially inducing an artificial alcohol intolerance).
For those who have gained weight from overeating delicious food—this is likely a common challenge in Malaysia, where people frequently dine out, isn't it? If you have only gained a small amount of weight, we highly encourage you to focus on diet and exercise. However, for individuals who see no medical results even after making these lifestyle adjustments, there are “anti-obesity medications.” These include drugs that block fat absorption from your meals and others that suppress your appetite. If you are thinking, “If my appetite is suppressed, dieting will be effortless!”—it is not quite that simple. Because your appetite is being forcibly altered rather than managed through self-restraint, you may completely lose interest in food, and some individuals may even experience symptoms of depression. Doctors will only prescribe these medications for patients who genuinely cannot lose weight despite strictly following a supervised diet and exercise regimen.
There are also medications that offer a long-term cure for environmental allergies like hay fever and allergic rhinitis. These function similarly to vaccines, intentionally introducing the target allergens into the body in gradual amounts. However, they do not guarantee a 100% cure for everyone, and since they must be administered consistently over an extended period, they cannot be used casually—which is their main drawback.
Author Bio
Dr. Vivien
Medical Director/Family Medicine Specialist
After completing medical school in Moscow, Dr. Vivien gained clinical experience at a general hospital in Penang, Malaysia. She later served as a full-time physician at Batu Gajah Hospital in Perak and at a clinic in Selangor.
Since 2018, she has been with Hibari Clinic, where she currently serves as Medical Director and is dedicated to providing care for the local community. She has a strong interest in pediatrics and psychosomatic medicine, and values patient-centered care that respects each individual’s needs.