Why should i trust prescription drugs? and how does placebo testing tie into the answer to that question?

Some times needed: Before a medicine is approved by the federal drug administration they test it , by comparing the number of the people who benefit from it compared to those who r taking placebo, and based on that they try to establish the efficacy of medication.

Risks vs. benefits: No drug is completely safe but they all have their purposes. You need to weigh the risks and benefits of taking or not taking a particular drug. If you are unsure, look at the data involving trials using the drug and see if you agree with what was done and how it was interpreted. Your doctor might be able to help as well.

Excellent question.: Prescription drugs, unlike other supplements and remedies, undergo a long mutli-phase fda process of testing for safety, efficacy, and side effects. This takes years & can cost millions. Clear indications (or uses) for the drug are defined & often tested against other therapies for that condition. Using a placebo is important to show that the effect of the drug is real & not due to other biases.