Learning About Side Effects of Medications in Vacaville

The drugs that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States are classified as safe, which means that the drug's benefits outweigh the risks and they are proven effective. However, there are still some side effects from both prescription and over the counter (OTC) drugs. Side effects in Vacaville are unwanted reactions that people get from taking certain medications. They can vary from minor problems such as headaches to life-threatening ones, such as an increased risk of a heart attack.

There are several factors to consider how a side effect can affect a person such as age, allergies, gender, the body's ability to absorb the drug, and other dietary supplements that you may be taking. The common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and an upset stomach. As for serious ones, it could include death, hospitalization, disability or permanent damage, and birth defects in pregnant women.

Side Effects in Vacaville

Side effects can possibly happen when you:

• Discontinue the medication that you have been using for a while.
• Start taking a new medication, dietary supplement, or vitamin/mineral.
• When you increase or decrease the drug that you are taking.

Reducing your risk

There are several ways to learn about the side effects of a certain medication and how to reduce the risk of experiencing one.

• Ask the pharmacist for the prescribing information upon receiving the prescription. This information should contain the common and serious side effects that the drug may have.
• Ask your doctor for any possible side effects and such, as well as the precautionary measures to be taken to reduce the risk. For example, you may be required to eat some food before taking medications to reduce the chances of getting nausea.
• Read the medication label carefully. These labels contain information on the proper taking of the drug and even its possible side effects.

When side effects happen

When you experience a side effect, it is possible to lessen or eliminate its effects. You can consult your doctor to find out whether adjusting the dosage or switching to a new medication is the best course of action. There are cases where taking a single, combined product instead of taking two separate ones will do the trick. You can also incorporate lifestyle or dietary changes so that your body can react better to the drug.

Drinking alcohol can cause or intensify the side effects

Alcohol consumption can cause unwanted and even dangerous side effects. Here are a few examples:

• If you are taking medication for pain, travel sickness or high blood pressure, your alcohol-drinking habit can affect them.
• Drinking alcohol can make you dizzy if you are taking antidepressants, antihistamines, sleeping pills or anxiety medicines.
• Some antibiotics can have a negative impact when you are drinking alcohol and it can even cause a severe reaction. You can experience uncomfortable symptoms such as a headache, dizziness/drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, skin flushing, and upset stomach.

Keep in mind that alcohol can remain in your system even if it has been hours since you had your drink. It is best if you just avoid alcohol when you are scheduled to take your medication on that day or any other day.