Chapter 16: The Second Prescription for exam

Introduction:

• The first prescription starts the process of cure, but often the case needs follow-up.
• The second prescription is the next step in treatment — it must be chosen very carefully.
• A wrong second prescription can spoil the case, suppress symptoms, or cause aggravation.

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1. What is a Second Prescription?

• It is the next medicine or dose given after the first prescription.
• May be:
• A repetition of the first remedy
• A new remedy
• Or no remedy if improvement continues

Mnemonic: R-N-W

• Repeat
• New
• Wait

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2. When to Give a Second Prescription?

Only when:

1. Symptoms stop improving after the first remedy
2. New symptoms appear not covered by the first remedy
3. There's a clear return of old symptoms
4. There's a relapse of the disease condition

Never rush to give the second prescription. Wait and observe.

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3. When Not to Give It

• If patient is improving mentally, emotionally, or physically
• If there is a temporary aggravation, especially in chronic cases
• If old symptoms return in the Hering’s direction of cure

“Wait, watch, and observe” is the golden rule in homoeopathy.

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4. Types of Second Prescription

Type	When to Use	Example
Placebo	Patient improving; maintain state	Give sac lac or sugar of milk
Repeat same remedy	If symptoms return & match the remedy	Give same potency or slight change
Change remedy	If new symptoms arise or remedy fails	Choose a new Similimum
Complementary remedy	When first remedy needs support	Like Sulphur after Calcarea
Antidote	If remedy aggravates strongly	Like Camphora for Nux Vomica

Mnemonic: P-R-C-A-C

• Placebo
• Repeat
• Change
• Antidote
• Complementary

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5. Signs to Look Before Second Prescription

• Is the patient improving? Wait.
• Is there a return of old symptoms? Wait or repeat.
• Are new, unrelated symptoms arising? May need a new remedy.
• Has suppression occurred? Give antidote.

Never confuse symptom suppression with cure.

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Chart: When to Give Second Prescription

Condition	What to Do
Patient improving	Wait and observe
Symptoms relapse	Repeat same remedy
New symptoms arise	Consider new or complementary remedy
Prolonged aggravation	May need antidote
Vitality drops suddenly	Reassess or give supportive medicine

Word Meanings  

Word / Phrase	Meaning
Second Prescription	The remedy or action taken after the first medicine
Placebo	A harmless substance (no medicinal power), used to observe progress
Complementary Remedy	A medicine that supports or completes the action of the first remedy
Antidote	A remedy that neutralizes the bad effect of another remedy
Relapse	Return of symptoms after temporary recovery
Hering’s Law	Natural direction in which cure occurs
Suppression	Artificial removal of symptoms without true cure
Unprejudiced Observer	A doctor who observes patient reactions without bias or assumptions

Note:

The second prescription is critical in the progress of cure. It must be given with caution, experience, and careful observation. A well-chosen second prescription — or even choosing to wait — can lead to a complete cure. But a wrong second move can block or reverse the healing. As Dr. Roberts says, “When in doubt, wait.”