It is important to talk to your healthcare providers about the ways your prescription medications work. But, according to a recent study, many people don’t discuss the ways that their medications interact with their doctors. Experts say that this can be dangerous, especially for people who take multiple prescription medications. Many people see multiple doctors and/or get their drugs from multiple pharmacies, but it can cause problems if one drug makes another less effective, or if multiple medications cause side effects when taken together.
The National Institute on Aging suggests speaking to both your doctor and your pharmacist about any new drug they tell you to begin taking. You should be prepared to tell them about your other medications so they can warn you if there might be any negative interactions. They also suggest some questions that you can ask about any new medications you are prescribed:
- Should I take this medicine with food or not? Is there anything I should not eat or drink when taking this medicine?
- Is it safe for me to drive while taking this medication?
- How long will it take this medicine to work?
- What side effects can I expect? What should I do if I have a problem?