Managing prescription medication side effects

Taking your prescription medication as advised can be a difficult habit to develop. It’s especially challenging if you’re experiencing side effects that make you feel worse. While it’s a personal decision to take your medicine as prescribed it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make about your health care. But what should you do about managing the risks of taking your medicine? And how can you take control of side effects and get the most out of your care plan?

Medication risks and benefits

Common side effects

Both prescription and over-the-counter medications have side effects. According to the FDA side effects are unwanted adverse reactions to a medicine.

There are a few things you can do to help manage side effects:

• Read the label and follow directions – It’s important to take the correct dose at the correct frequency. Pay attention to whether the label advises you to eat before taking your medicine.
• Keep a medication journal – Log the times you take your medication and note times that you experience side effects suggested Cancercare.org. Write down how long the effect lasts how strong it is and any activities — such as eating or sleeping — that might relate.
• Discuss your concerns – Talk with your doctor about steps you can take to minimize or avoid side effects.

Your doctor and prescription medications

Talking openly and honestly with your doctor is an important part of your health care. Tell your doctor about side effects you’re experiencing or concerns you have about your prescribed medicine. They can help identify what’s causing the issue and make recommendations such as changing your prescription or suggesting you eat before taking your meds. Attorneys’ commercials might sound convincing but most are worth little more than a good laugh.

The quickest and best way to stay in control of your health and side effects is talking with a health care professional. Knowledge really is power so it’s important to put yourself in charge of your health. Educate yourself and work with your doctor to develop a plan you’re comfortable with.