Drug and Medication Side Effects

Along with its intended results, a drug may cause a number of unwanted side effects. These effects can occur when you start a new medication, decrease or increase the dose of a medication, or when you stop using a medication.

A side effect that occurs in one percent or more of people taking a specific medication is considered by medical researchers to be caused by that medication. Examples of common drug side effects include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, itching, and muscle aches and pains.

Some side effects may be severe and require medical attention, while others may be mild and of little concern. Severe or annoying side effects are one of the main reasons why people stop taking their medications.

Do All Medications Have Side Effects?

All medications used for treating any type of health condition can cause side effects. However, many people who take a drug or combine drugs have no side effects or experience only minor side effects.

Your likelihood of having side effects from your medications may be related to a number of factors, including age, gender, whether you have allergies, how your body metabolizes a drug, other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you may be taking, and your overall health. In addition, ethnicity and race or the severity of your disease may affect your experience with a medication. These factors may play a role in whether you experience side effects from your medications, the severity of your side effects, and their duration. Your doctor should weigh and inform you of these factors before prescribing a drug to you, but if you experience symptoms related to any of these issues, speak to them about other treatment options that may be available to you.

Calling the Doctor About a Side Effect

It is important for you to be familiar with the potential side effects of your medications and what you should do if you have signs of them. Also, it is essential that you let your doctor know if you are having side effects. Although many side effects are minor and not harmful, some can be a sign of danger or an indication that your drug is not working properly.

Call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects:

• Abdominal pain
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Memory loss
• Palpitations
• Problems with coordination
• Ringing in the ears
• Skin rashes or hives
• Swelling of hands or feet
• Syncope (loss of consciousness or fainting)

Since some side effects may not make you feel ill, your doctor may want you to have regular laboratory tests to detect any problems early. For example, if you are taking certain blood pressure medications, including thiazide diuretics or ACE inhibitors, routine monitoring of your electrolytes and kidney function will be either recommended or required.

Should I Stop Taking My Medication If I Have a Side Effect?

Do not stop taking your medications without talking to your physician first. If you think you are having a serious side effect that is an immediate danger to your health, call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

All drugs have benefits and risks. The risk is the chance of a serious side effect from your medication. These risks can be minor, such as a mild stomach ache. They can also be more bothersome, such as interfering with the quality of your life by causing sexual or other problems. Or they may be potentially life-threatening, such as by causing liver damage. With guidance from your healthcare provider, you will be able to balance the risks and benefits of any treatment.

What Should I Ask My Doctor and Pharmacist About Drug Side Effects?

• What are the possible side effects of this drug?
• Which side effects am I most likely to have?
• How soon will the side effects start?
• How long will the side effects last?
• Will the side effects go away by themselves?
• Can I do anything to prevent the side effects?
• Do I need to have any tests to monitor for side effects?
• Are there any dangerous side effects I should know about?
• What should I do if I have a side effect?
• If I have a side effect, are there other drugs I can take?

Finding Information About My Drug’s Side Effects

When you have a prescription filled, your pharmacist will give you a printout that provides you with information about your drug, including possible side effects. If your medication has specific warnings about potentially dangerous side effects, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires your pharmacist to give you a medication guide to ensure you are aware of any known serious side effects.

If you are not given a drug fact sheet or a medication guide, ask your pharmacist for one. And, if you have any questions about your medications, ask your pharmacist or your doctor.

The National Institutes of Health also provide DailyMed. This drug guide has in-depth information on several thousand prescription and over-the-counter medications. Each drug profile in the guide includes facts about side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider as soon as possible, as well as side effects that usually do not require medical attention.