Medications can be very helpful with relieving symptoms and treating conditions if taken correctly, but almost all medications have side effects. It is important to understand these side effects, as well as speak with your doctor about any concerns you might have about how these side effects might affect you. Here are three reasons why it is essential to understand the side effects of your medication.
They Can Vary Greatly
Even medications with similar functions can have varying side effects. This is important to understand because finding the right medication for you not only takes into consideration how well the medication treats your condition, but also how disruptive the side effects are in your day to day life. The side effects of the same medication can vary from patient to patient as well. One patient might get a dry cough from taking a certain blood pressure medication, while another could suffer from dizziness and nausea.
Aggravating Symptoms
While medications usually do not aggravate the symptoms of the condition you are trying to treat, it is possible they could make some of your other conditions feel worse. Knowing the side effects of your medications can help you anticipate how you will feel if taking them while sick or suffering from another temporary condition. For example, if you suffered from a head injury, certain medications might make things seem worse. As a head injury leads to confusion, any medication that could aggravate it might make the symptoms worse.
Side Effects Can Nullify or Heighten the Effect of Other Medication
When a doctor prescribes you medication, there is a reason they always ask what kind of medication you already take. Medications can easily react with one another if they are being taken at the same time, leading to a variety of side effects and other issues. Depending on the medication, at best they will simply counteract each other and diminish the effectiveness of the drug. At worst, they can lead to some serious health issues like internal bleeding, heart problems, and other problems.
If you have any questions about what medications you are taking or what side effects you might expect, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. While the bottle might list some general side effects, your doctor will be able to give you a better idea of what to expect based on your symptoms as well as other medications you are taking.
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