Handling Prescription Medication Side Effects

Questions and solutions for handling side effects from prescription medications.

By Irene S. Levine, PhD

From Reader's Digest

All medications have risks and benefits. Weigh both sides of the equation with your doctor, and be prepared by asking yourself these questions:

Do I feel normal, or does something feel really out of whack?
Do I feel unusually depressed, anxious, or uncertain?
Do I have blood in my stool or urine?
Am I very drowsy, dizzy, or confused?
Am I troubled by being unable to sleep, eat, or take part in activities that I normally enjoy?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you and your doctor may decide to:

Lower the dose.
Change the way you take the medication (e.g., combine it with meals).
Switch to another medication.
Try a drug-free period (sometimes called a drug holiday) to see if side effects are medication-related.
Discontinue medication completely (perhaps making lifestyle changes or using natural remedies).
From Reader's Digest - September 2008

Additional reporting by Nancy Coveney