Medication is used for a variety of different purposes, whether to improve ailments or offer pain relief. Unfortunately, many mistakes can be made with taking medications, which can lead to adverse and potentially dangerous effects. If you want to protect yourself and use your medication safely, there are a few common mistakes to avoid making.
Picking Up the Wrong Prescription
In some cases, patients may pick up the wrong prescription and take medication that they may not need. To avoid this mistake, ask your doctor to write down the name of the prescription during your appointment to ensure that it matches the medication you are picking up at the pharmacy. You also want to read the name on the bottle to confirm that the details are accurate.
It’s important to avoid visiting multiple pharmacies when you’re taking different prescription drugs because the pharmacists won’t be able to determine if everything can be mixed. Visit one pharmacy for all of your medication to protect your health and have the aid of a pharmacist who can look out for your safety.
Mixing Drugs
Many people make the mistake of mixing their prescription drugs, which can interact adversely by increasing the sedative effect of one another. Avoid mixing painkillers and different supplements, even if some of the medications are over-the-counter. Antibiotics are also known to reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
Consuming Alcohol While Taking Drugs
Consuming alcohol while taking medications is not recommended by health experts because it can create an additive effect. You’ll find yourself falling asleep at the wheel or having a lack of energy, which can be dangerous when performing different types of activities. Alcohol and painkillers should also not be paired together, as it can lead to liver damage over time.
Failing to Ask Questions
Many people fail to get enough of their questions answered when their doctor decides to prescribe the medication. Not knowing when to take the medication, how frequent, or the dosage can all lead to complications if you fail to get clear directions from a medical professional. You can consider asking the pharmacist for help if you’re unsure of the instructions to protect yourself. The doctor may also say that a family member needs to assist with the dosage for certain individuals.
