Medication Side Effects and Interactions

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What is medication?

• Medication helps people get or stay healthy.
• You may take medication to help you feel better.
  • For example, when you have a headache or a cold.

What is medication?

• Some people take medication everyday.
• For example, if you have:
  • Seizures,
  • Asthma,
  • Diabetes, or
  • High Blood Pressure.

 Why and When should you take medication?

• Each medication has a purpose.
• Your doctor helps you decide when to take medication.
• You take medication when you are sick.
• You take medication to feel better if you have a chronic health condition.

What is a medication side effect?

• A side effect is an unwanted effect from your medication.
• A side effect can make you feel bad or uncomfortable.
• A side effect can make you sick.
• A side effect can be dangerous or life threatening.

What are common side effects?

• Common side effects of medication include:
  • Headaches
  • Feeling tired or sleepy
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Upset stomach
  • Redness on your skin
  • Feeling nervous
  • Gaining weight
  • Dry mouth

Ask the doctor about side effects.

• Talk to the doctor about side effects when the doctor orders your medication.
• Make sure the doctor knows:
  • About all of your other medications.
  • About vitamins, herbs, or other remedies you use.
  • About ALL of the allergies you have.

Ask the doctor about side effects.

• What are the common side effects of this medication?
• What are other side effects?
• What should I do if I feel bad or uncomfortable?

Tell your support person or your doctor if you feel any side effects.

What are medication interactions?

• Sometimes a medication interacts with other things.
• This causes the medication to work in a different way. An interaction can be harmful to you.
• Medications interact with:
  • Other medications
  • Foods
  • Drinks
  • Activities

Ask the doctor about medication interactions.

• Does this medication interact with other medications, foods, drinks or activities?
• What should I avoid?
• What should I do if I feel bad or uncomfortable?

Ask the pharmacist:

• About your medication's side effects and interactions.
• When and how to take your medication.
• To explain the medication information sheet to you.

Get help if you need it.

• Call the doctor or pharmacist when you have questions about your medication.
• Call the doctor if you don’t feel well after taking a medication.
• Tell your family, friends or support staff right away to help you.

References

• Drug Side Effects
  • Drugs.com
• Medication Management
  • California Department of Developmental Services DSPT
  • Year 1 Student's Resource Guide
  • Year 2 Student's Resource Guide