Medication side effects fall
under the category of “things most people don’t think about until they have
to.” But make no mistake, all drugs have side effects, even if they are so mild
that you don’t notice them.
When
Side Effects Occur
Side effects can happen at any
time, according
to Kristen Howard, Pharm D. They can occur when you first take a
medicine, with changes in dosage, or if you stop taking the medicine suddenly
or too soon. If you begin to take other prescriptions or over-the-counter
drugs, interactions among the medicines may cause side effects as well.
Types
of Side Effects
The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) is responsible for protecting the public
health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary
drugs, biological products, and medical devices. In short, understanding side
effects is their business.
Some of the most common side
effects include upset stomach, dry mouth, and drowsiness. These are relatively
easy to manage, particularly if the patient is aware that they may happen. Your
pharmacist may recommend taking a medication only before bed (for drowsiness)
or with meals (to avoid stomach upset). These common side effects are almost
always easy to find on the prescription label, or packaging, if the drug is
available over-the-counter.
The
FDA
defines a side effect as “serious” if it is life-threatening; results in
hospitalization, disability, or permanent damage; or if exposure prior to
conception or during pregnancy could cause a birth defect. The good news is
that by the time a medication is dispensed to you, it has been studied at
length. Any risk for a serious side effect has been assessed and must be
disclosed to you so that you can make an educated decision about the drug you
are about to take.
How
to Manage Side Effects
If you think you may be
experiencing a side effect of your medication, speak up! Your doctor or
pharmacist will be able to help you understand your options for managing your
symptoms – whether that means adjusting your dose, how you take the medication,
or possibly trying another alternative treatment. And remember, you are not
being a “difficult customer” by speaking up! Most side effects are very common
and it is common for different patients to have different reactions to the same
medication. Doctors and pharmacists want to help you find the treatment that
works best for you.
Have more questions? Check out
the FDA’s online
guide to medication side effects or speak with a medical
professional.
