A prescription medication might be the answer to your illness, but stay alert for side effects, which are unexpected, often unpleasant, reactions to a drug. Side effects can range from drowsiness to more serious ones such as an increased risk of heart attack; it is important to know how a medicine might affect your body.
Side effects might not appear only when you begin taking a new prescription. They can occur when you stop using a medication or even when you increase or decrease the dose you are taking.
The most common side effects include:
- Nausea/upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue/drowsiness
- Allergic reactions
- Weight gain/loss
According to The Healthy, here are tips and questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects of your prescription medications:
- What are common side effects?
- What are uncommon side effects?
- Can I consume alcohol while taking this? What might happen if I do?
- Should I report side effects if they persist?
- Are there alternative medications?
- Can I crush this pill?
- Are there foods I should avoid while taking this?
- Tell your doctor about the medicines you are taking before starting a new one
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have
- Do not take expired medication
- Take your medication on time
- Store your medication safely
- Mention any unexpected side effects to your doctor
Unexpected side effects, while not common, can occur. In the case of an emergency, call 911.
In certain scenarios, side effects can be dangerous to your health. Knowing all about them and what to expect when you are taking a medication is important, so if you experience a serious side effect you can identify it and seek medical help immediately. Asking the right questions and doing your research will ensure that you are prepared.