It’s a quick fix that makes preventative care and recovery more convenient. And sometimes a prescription medication is the only medical care option available.
Despite the benefits of prescription medications, many of us have a love/hate relationship with them. For years, medical professionals have been trying to destigmatize prescription medications, particularly those for psychiatric disorders. News of prescription pain killer abuse has also made some people more leery about taking medications.
In the vast majority of cases medications are prescribed for a legitimate reason and should be taken. However, doing so requires that you take precautions and keep yourself informed at every step.
Know What You’re Taking
Taking prescription medication seems like a small thing to many people. They never question the safety or efficacy since the prescription comes from their doctor. But that’s no excuse for not doing your due diligence to keep yourself informed.
Doctors are humans that can make mistakes. You might also forget to tell your doctor an important detail that alters the medication’s reaction in your system. The potential risks may not be worth the reward. But you’ll never know unless you research and really know what it is your taking.
A pill identifier is sometimes necessary if you have loose medications with no bottle. You can specify characteristics of the pill, such as the imprint and color, to find out what it is before you take it.
Know the Potential Side Effects
One of the most important pieces of information you need to be aware of is the potential side effects. Side effects are possible with any type of medication, including over-the-counter pills. Before you begin taking a prescription talk to your doctor about the side effects that may occur.
- Start by discussing the most common side effects and how likely you are to experience them.
- Talk about serious side effects that may be rare.
- Ask whether there is an alternative treatment if the risk seems too great.
- Find out if certain things increase the likelihood of side effects.
- Learn what you should do if you experience side effects while taking the medication.
Follow the Dosage Directions Precisely
The most dangerous thing a person can do is fail to follow the medication instructions. Health officials are now warning people of this danger by highlighting the opioid epidemic. Those who follow the exact dosage for prescription pain medications (which are an opioid) are at a much higher risk of addiction. The U.S. government has also reported that prescription pain killer overdose deaths have quadrupled since 1999.
Doctors carefully select the dosage based on a number of factors. If the medication isn’t taken as prescribed your doctor’s intentions can go right out the door and instead of helping the problem becomes much worse.
Keep Medications Organized
According to the CDC, almost half of all Americans take at least one prescription medication. Almost a quarter of people take three or more medications, and more than one in 10 take five or more prescription drugs.
Following the correct dosage and taking medications on time can be difficult when you’re juggling multiple prescriptions. Experts say the key is organization. Using a pill organizer will help lower the risk of forgetting to take a medication or mixing them up. Apps like MediSafe Pill Reminder can also help you keep your medications organized.
Practice Safe Medication Storage
In light of the opioid epidemic, there has been a push to promote safe medication storage. Some of the people who abuse prescription medications aren’t the people the pills are intended for. They are friends, family members, acquaintances, co-workers, etc. that find the medication and choose to take it.
Whether it’s for recreational purposes or a real medical need, it’s a very dangerous scenario that can be avoided. Medications should be kept out of sight and far away from the reach of children. Be discreet and don’t announce to others that you have the medication. Once you’re done with the prescription medication it should be disposed of so it doesn’t wind up in the wrong hands.
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