The Rules: Your Responsibilities When Taking Medication
1) Always inform your doctor about other medications that you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
2) If you have more than one doctor, be sure to inform every doctor about the medications that others have prescribed. Click here to download PARC's Medication Manager - a chart where you can keep track of your medications. You can make several copies to bring to your doctor's visits.
3) Read the labels of all drugs, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions with other drugs or food products. If you can't read the small print, ask the pharmacist at your local drug store for help. Also, ask the pharmacy to put a large-print label on your prescription bottle.
4) Just because a product says herbal or all natural, it does not mean that it is safe. Check with your doctor.
5) Take your medications at the same time every day. Take them at the same time as another activity, like brushing your teeth. Or, set an alarm clock for the same time each day to help remind you.
6) Don't cut doses in half to save money. Your medication was prescribed by your doctor at a dose that is necessary to help you get better. By cutting the dose in half, you may not get any results. Talk to your doctor about getting a generic version of your prescription to save money.
7) Don't stop taking your medication when you start feeling better. Most likely, you are feeling better because of the medication. Talk to your doctor about any changes.
8) If you experience unpleasant side effects from your medication, don't give up hope. Your doctor will work with you to find a medication that works for you.
Have You Taken Herbal Treatments to Beat the Blues?
You may have read or heard that you can treat your case of the blues by yourself with herbs like St. John's wort. If you have already tried this, talk with your physician.
St. John's wort and others like it have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Association (the FDA). Some herbs do not mix well with medications and may even be harmful.
Your doctor can help you find a treatment that works and that's safe and best for you.
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