After a major medication reduction and adjustment, I tried a new medication suggested by my doctor.
It didn't go well. I tried a second time. That didn't go well either.
Here's what you should know when taking a new medication, regardless of what the medication is:
1. What is the medication supposed to do? How does it work?
2. What are the known side effects, common & uncommon. Are any side effects fatal? What should you do if things go bad? Under what circumstances should you stop the medication? Consult a doctor? Go to the emergency room?
3. Medication's history, in general terms. How long has it been on the market? What have long term studies shown of its effectiveness?
4. How to take the medication. How many times a day? For how long? With food? Without food? With plenty of water? What should be avoided?
Seems like common sense, right? But how many people take what their doctors prescribe without knowing why? How many more people took them without reading the information from the pharmacy? I know I've done those things.
And one last thing... Don't give up. One medication failing doesn't mean they all will.
