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Teaming up with your doctor - part 2
Talking about medications

  

Have you read these?

 

It's important to be informed about the medications you are taking. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor for information about them.

Questions to ask your doctor about medications

  • What is the name of the medication and what is it supposed to do?
  • Is there a generic brand of the drug you can use?
  • When should you start to feel better?
  • How and when do you take it, and when do you stop taking it? Ask what the usual dose is; what to do if you miss a dose and special directions on how to use the medicine, such as whether to take it with or without food.
  • What foods, drinks, herbs, supplements or other medications should you avoid while taking the prescribed medication?
  • What are the side effects, and what should you do if they occur? Are there side effects that typically go away after a few days or weeks? What side effects should you notify him of immediately?
  • Will you need any tests to make sure the medicine is working as it should? For example, regular blood tests are used to measure levels of lithium.

 

  

Pills spilling out of a bottle.Do your homework on medications. Be respectful of your doctor's position, but feel free to ask questions. The doctor may be choosing this medication over others because of his experience with the drugs and your particular condition. Decisions about medications should include your input, especially if you are experiencing side effects and you want to make a change.

The most effective and comfortable relation between doctor and patient is a partnership.

Teaming up with your doctor - part 1

Related articles
Generic drugs
Medication side effects
Tips for managing your medications
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Sources
 The National Women's Health Information Center
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Food and Drug Administration
PsychEducation.org by Jim Phelps, MD

Page updated May 1, 2010