How to Safely Manage Medication Side Effects

When taking medication or starting a new one, it is important to understand the side effects and how to manage them. A side effect is an unwanted or unexpected effect that happens after taking medication. Most side effects are mild and tend to go away on their own, but some can be serious and require medical attention. This blog will discuss common side effects, how to manage side effects, management strategies, and frequently asked questions.

Common Side Effects:

Different medications produce different side effects. Listed below are common side effects and the medications associated with them.

• Gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation is commonly seen with antibiotics, opioids, several antiepileptics, and statins. These symptoms are typically temporary or can be managed with support. ¹

• Drowsiness, dizziness, or “brain fog” are common with antihistamines, some antidepressants, benzodiazepines, opioids, sleep aids, and some antihypertensives. These effects can affect driving or operating machinery, so it is important to take necessary precautions. ¹

• Headaches and muscle aches are frequently reported after vaccines or with medications such as statins. ¹

Less Common Side Effects:

• Many drugs can cause allergic reactions like rash, itching, and hives, but some rashes can be serious and require immediate care. ¹

• Some drugs can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction called Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is rapid onset, involving breathing difficulty, swelling, and low blood pressure; though rare, it requires immediate emergency treatment. ²

 

How to Manage Side Effects:

Prepare for Medication

• It is important to read your medication guide to fully understand expected side effects.

• Ask your provider if you will need monitoring and/or follow-up visits for the medication.

• It is important to share your list of current prescriptions, OTC drugs, vitamins, and supplements to check for interactions. ³

Evaluate Severity of Symptoms

• If medicine commonly causes symptoms, symptoms can be considered mild and expected. If the symptoms are tolerable, options include symptomatic relief like antacids or anti-nausea advice, taking the medicine with food if recommended, or temporary dose timing changes, but only after checking with a pharmacist or prescriber. ³

• If symptoms interfere with day-to-day tasks or don’t improve after a short adjustment period, contact your pharmacist or prescriber. These symptoms can be classified as moderate. Your pharmacist or doctor may recommend a dose reduction, switching to a different drug in the same class, or supportive therapy. ³

• If you start to notice difficulty breathing, swelling of face/tongue/throat, chest pain, severe fainting, signs of organ failure (yellow skin/eyes, very dark urine, little/no urine), or severe uncontrolled bleeding occur, seek emergency care immediately. These symptoms are classified as severe. ²

Talk to Your Pharmacist and Doctor

• Document when symptoms started after taking the medication. Include frequency of symptoms, severity, and if anything makes the symptoms better or worse. ₃

• Try to stay organized by keeping a log of your medication, including dose, timing, other medications, and any other pre-existing conditions. ³

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions!  If you are experiencing discomfort with your medication, try asking your pharmacist or provider questions like: ³

  • “Is this likely a side effect of x drug?”

  • “Can we try a lower dose to minimize side effects?”

  •  “Could my other prescriptions be interacting negatively?”

Management Strategies

• It may seem simple, but remembering to take your medication with food to reduce GI issues can make a difference. It is important to read the medication pamphlet because some medications must be taken on an empty stomach. ⁴

• For mild nausea, a bland diet or a prescribed antiemetic may help reduce discomfort and negative side effects. ⁴

• Talk to your pharmacist or provider about dose adjustment or different times you can take your prescription. Do not change or alter dose without professional medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are natural supplements safer than prescription drugs?

A: “Natural” doesn’t mean safe. Supplements can cause side effects and interact with drugs. Always tell your provider about supplements. ³

Q: If I get mild side effects, do I have to stop the drug?

A: Not usually. Many mild side effects improve after a few days or can be managed. Talk to your pharmacist or provider before stopping. ⁴

Medication is here to help, not harm you. Unfortunately, side effects can be included. The best approach is to be informed about your medication and what you can do to advocate for yourself. Know what to expect, keep a log of your medication dosages and times taken, talk to your pharmacist and provider, and report anything unexpected to keep medication safer for everyone.

Sources:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013

2. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/managing-anaphylaxis.html

3. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/services-and-treatments/medication-therapy-management

4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements