How to Manage the Side Effects of Prescription Drugs

Given their normalcy and the frequency with which they're prescribed, most people don't think twice when taking prescription drugs. We're led to believe that these drugs are relatively harmless and that they present very little risk.

Nevertheless, different bodies have different reactions to certain drugs, and it's important that you listen to your body. You can never be too careful in vetting a particular drug that you've been prescribed.

If you're already experiencing personal injuries from the dangerous side effects of some prescription drugs, it's advisable to seek legal counsel.

Otherwise, it's always wise to approach prescription drugs with a plan, should the side effects present any complications.

Know Your Medical History

In preparing to take prescription drugs and deal with the side effects they may present, you should first ensure that you have a good handle on your medical history.

Confirm your medical history with past and present physicians, and make sure you understand the scope of the conditions or illnesses you've experienced.

Disclose Your Full Medical History with Your Doctor

If you've just started seeing a new physician or if you're in the middle of switching between healthcare providers, make sure you disclose your full medical history with your new doctor.

It's also likely that you see multiple doctors and receive prescriptions from each. Make sure that the doctor you're seeing is aware of those medications, as well as any supplements you're currently taking.

Failing to share important information could result in your physician prescribing a medication with side effects that are harmful to you.

While you may not know which side effects might have a negative impact on existing conditions, your doctor should have a much better understanding of how side effects interact with other conditions and illnesses.

Be Wary of New Medications

In 2016, new drug approvals reached a 19-year high. With approvals being more common than ever, you should be cognizant of the sheer amount of new prescription drugs that are floating around.

Some of these drugs have not seen significant trial periods to be deemed safe for the public, and many professionals in the industry know this. In fact, expert physicians recommend avoiding drugs that are younger than five years old if there are comparable (and older) alternatives.

If your doctor prescribes for you a medication you are unfamiliar with, be sure to inquire about the age of the drug, its potential adverse reactions, and the doctor's experiences with the medication.

Know What to Expect

Before taking prescription drugs, make sure you're crystal clear on what the potential side effects could be. Being mindful of what could arise will not only help you to manage your expectations, but it will also help mitigate the initial shock of any side effects.

As you probably know from many cheesy TV commercials, it's common for drugs to come with long laundry lists of potential side effects. You can't possibly be expected to remember all of the side effects of your drug, so pay close attention to the information label on your drug bottle.

Ask Your Doctor Questions

Once your doctor has explained the details of your prescription and its potential side effects, make sure you take the opportunity to ask any questions that come to mind. Such questions might include:

• What is the name of my medication?
• What is my medication supposed to do?
• Do I need to purchase the brand-name medication, or am I able to purchase a generic version?
• When/how often should I take my medication?
• If I miss a dose, should I make it up or skip it?
• For how long do I need to take my medication?
• Will I need refills?
• How should I take my medication (after meals, with water, etc.)?
• How does this medication jive with the other medications I'm currently taking?
• Will the potential side effects (or one in particular) impact an existing condition?
• Are there any foods or drinks I need to avoid?
• Are there any sports, activities, or movements I need to avoid?
• Is there any risk of becoming addicted to this drug?
• Am I able to stop taking my medication once I'm feeling better, or do I need to see out my entire prescription?

If you're overly uncomfortable with the idea of a particular side effect or think that it could interfere with everyday life, voice those concerns. With this information, your doctor might be able to prescribe an alternative.

Discuss Worrying Side Effects with Your Doctor

Before starting your medication, make sure you are taking it in the manner in which it was prescribed. In 2017, it was estimated that approximately 18 million people misused medications at least once in the previous 12 months.

Once you start taking your medication, monitor any unusual reactions that arise. Even if you experience only a few of the expected side effects of the drug, you may also be subject to allergic reactions.

If you do start experiencing side effects or allergic reactions that are either unexpected or beyond your pain threshold, contact your doctor before you consider stopping your medication.

Remember, if you've received a prescription for a specific medication, it's to treat a condition. Stopping your medication prematurely could result in your existing condition or illness worsening.

Indicate the side effects you're experiencing, the level of pain you're feeling, and whether you'd prefer to see out your prescription or find an alternative.

Seek Further Treatment

While adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are often very common, they are also one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in health care.

If your side effects or allergic reactions are causing you severe discomfort, pain, or injury, report to your doctor as soon as possible. You may be able to use other medications or supplements to treat those side effects, but your doctor will know whether or not it's wise to add another supplement into the mix.

In the event that your side effects or reactions are causing extreme pain or injury, your doctor may instruct you to stop your taking your current medication immediately.

Find Legal Counsel

Finally, in the rare case that you have experienced injury as a direct result of your medication or its accompanying side effects, you may need to seek legal counsel.

However, be sure to continue seeking medical treatment before pursuing legal action. Your immediate health is more pressing, and the process of recovering compensation can be a lengthy one.