Starting a new medication can feel like a fresh start. You’re hopeful it will help with your condition, but what happens when that same medication brings unwanted side effects? It’s a frustrating situation that many people face. You want the medicine's benefits, but the side effects can make you question if it’s worth it.
Before you consider stopping your medication, there are important things to know about managing side effects and why you shouldn’t quit cold turkey. We spoke with Matthew Makelky, PharmD, a pharmacist with Banner Pharmacy Services, who shared the causes of these unwanted side effects and tips for managing them.
Why do side effects happen?
Medications are meant to help treat or manage health problems by working on specific issues in the body. But because our bodies are complex, these medicines can sometimes cause other reactions or symptoms called side effects.
Side effects can happen for several reasons:
- Drug interactions: When you take more than one medication, the ingredients can mix to cause unwanted side effects. “Warfarin, a blood thinner, can interact with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen and can increase your bleeding risk,” Dr. Makelky said. “You should also not take NSAIDs with lithium because it can reduce how much lithium the body can remove.”
- Some foods and drinks: Certain foods and beverages can affect how medications work. Grapefruit juice, for example, can change how some drugs are absorbed. “Grapefruit juice blocks an enzyme that also breaks down medications,” Dr. Makelky said. “Medication levels can rise due to not being broken down by bodily processes.” Drinking alcohol while on medication can be dangerous. “It can increase the effects of some medications, making side effects worse,” Dr. Makelky said.
- Dosage: The amount of medication you take matters. “If the dose is too high, it can be too much for your body, causing side effects,” Dr. Makelky said. Even the prescribed amount can sometimes cause mild effects.
- Individual reactions: Everyone’s body is different. Factors like age, weight, genetics and overall health can influence how you react to a medication. What works well for one person might have negative side effects for another.
- Immune response: Sometimes, the immune system views the medication as a threat, triggering severe allergic reactions. “Common signs of an allergic reaction include hives, rash, itching, wheezing, problems breathing and swelling of the lips and tongue,” Dr. Makelky said. Side effects are different from allergic reactions. Call 911 right away if you experience a severe allergic reaction.
Can I stop a medication if I am having side effects?
“Always speak with your health care provider before stopping medication,” Dr. Makelky stressed.
Some medications can cause critical problems if stopped without your provider approval and supervision. This can range from unpleasant symptoms to even death in some cases. This is especially important with lifesaving medicines, like those for blood disorders, cancer, heart disorders, diabetes, behavioral health conditions and seizures.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Stopping certain medications suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which can be worse than the side effects. These can include dizziness, nausea or even more severe symptoms. “Most controlled medications cannot be stopped abruptly without slow decreases in doses,” Dr. Makelky said. “Withdrawal can cause seizures and other problems that can lead to death in certain situations.”
- Potential for complications: Some medications require your body to adjust gradually. Stopping too quickly can cause complications that might require emergency treatment. “For example, stopping blood pressure medication suddenly can lead to dangerously high blood pressure,” Dr. Makelky said. “Stopping diabetes medication can result in hyperglycemia, which may require hospitalization.”
- Return of the condition: If you stop taking your medication, the condition you’re treating may come back — sometimes even stronger than before. For example, stopping antidepressants suddenly can lead to a relapse of depression symptoms.
Tips for managing side effects
Managing side effects is important for staying on track with your treatment. Here are some tips that can help:
- Talk to your health care provider: If a slight side effect, like a headache, goes away after a few days, tell your provider at your next visit. However, contact your provider's office immediately if the side effect makes life unbearable. “Your provider can often adjust your dosage, switch you to a different medication or suggest ways to reduce symptoms,” Dr. Makelky said.
- Give it time: Some side effects are temporary and may go away as your body adjusts to the medication. Give it a few weeks before deciding to stop. However, if the side effects are severe, don’t wait. Talk to your provider immediately.
- Follow the instructions carefully: Take your medication exactly as prescribed. Some side effects happen when the medication isn’t taken correctly. For example, some drugs should be taken with food to reduce stomach upset, while others might need to be taken on an empty stomach.
- Stay hydrated: Many side effects, like dry mouth or constipation, can be eased by drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps your body process the medication more effectively.
- Keep a journal: Write down your side effects, noting when they happen, how bad they are and any patterns you notice. This information can help your provider adjust your treatment.
- Ask about timing: Sometimes, taking medication at a different time of day can reduce side effects. For example, taking a drug that causes drowsiness at night instead of in the morning can help you avoid daytime drowsiness.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Stress can worsen side effects. Deep breathing, meditation or gentle yoga can help reduce stress and improve how your body handles medication.
- Lifestyle changes: Exercise, a healthy diet and quality sleep can help your body handle medication better. These habits can also reduce side effects.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies: For minor side effects like headaches, heartburn or nausea, OTC drugs might help. But always check with your provider before combining them with your prescription. “A common drug class used to treat Type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide receptor antagonist) can cause side effects in some patients that range from mild heartburn to nausea and vomiting,” Dr. Makelky said. “Using TUMS or Pepcid may help manage these symptoms until the side effects go away.”
Conclusion
Medication side effects can be challenging but you can often manage them. However, some side effects may require medical attention.
Call your health care provider if:
- Your side effects don’t improve over time.
- You’re unsure about your symptoms.
- You want to stop the medication. Never stop taking your medicines without talking to your provider first.
Call 911 if you have chest pain, trouble breathing or a severe allergic reaction. By staying informed and proactive, you can minimize side effects and focus on getting better.
For questions or concerns about medication side effects, speak with your health care provider or reach out to a Banner Health specialist.
