Side Effects
Benching your meds because of side effects? It’s a serious error. Talk to your doctor about a new game plan instead.
The No. 1 problem in treating ANY illness is not taking prescription medicine correctly, according to the American Heart Association.
So if you’re questioning the playbook when it comes to a prescribed medicine, talk to your doctor before you stop taking it.
Here’s how your doctor can help:
Ways to cope. Your doctor has seen your side effects before and will have ideas to reduce unwanted symptoms. (See some common strategies below.)
Change of plan. You doctor may change your dose, try a slow-release pill, or even switch you to another drug.
Simple Ways to Cope
Dry Mouth
- Sip water regularly
- Suck on ice chips or sugarless hard candy
- Chew sugarless gum
- Breathe through your nose, not your mouth
- Sleep with a humidifier
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Try saliva substitutes* (available at drugstores)
Trouble Sleeping
- Take your medicine in the morning
- Avoid foods and drinks with caffeine
- Exercise early in the evening (4–5 hours before bed)
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a warm shower
- Try sleep aids*
Upset Stomach
- Take your medicine with food
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Suck on sugarless hard candy
- Drink unsweetened fruit juice or cool water
- Try antacids or Pepto-Bismol*
Feeling Tired or Exhausted
- Take your medicine at bedtime
- Take a 15–20 minute nap during the day
- Do mild exercise like 20 minutes of easy walking
Diarrhea
- Eat five or six small meals a day, instead of three big meals
- Follow the BRAT diet: bananas, white rice, applesauce and white toast
- Drink mild, clear, non-carbonated liquids like broth
- AVOID: dairy, spicy, greasy or fried foods; high-fiber foods like whole-wheat breads; gassy foods like broccoli and raw veggies (canned are okay)
Constipation
- Drink 8–10 cups of water daily
- Eat high-fiber foods like fresh fruits, veggies and whole grains
- Take a fiber supplement or use a stool softener*
- Get 15–30 minutes of activity a day
*Ask your doctor first.
Can You Mix? Find out if your drugs can be taken together with our Drug Checker.
Get tips for remembering your meds, coping with side effects and more with Medicine Matters.
