Published November 13, 2019
Prescription drugs and medicines heal us when we are sick or in pain but while doing so many of them cause unwelcoming side effects. How vulnerable you are to the side effects depends on multiple factors, your age, the dosage, etc.
Although the side effects are usually minor and temporary, they can be uncomfortable and debilitating. Therefore, one should look for ways/tips to cope with them.
Common Side Effects of Medicines and How to Deal with Them
Here are some of the commonest side effects related to prescription drugs and their management tips –
Allergic reactions
Symptoms ranging from mild rashes to serious anaphylactic reaction can potentially occur with any medication.
How to manage it?
The moment you see breakouts on your skin, visit a doctor. These could be an allergic reaction caused by the medicine you had been taking. If the reactions are confirmed as occurring due to a particular medicine, stop taking that right away. Take an antihistamine immediately to avoid further complications.
Blurred vision
This may occur with several drugs, including antihistamines, opioids, and antipsychotics.
How to manage it?
You should talk to your doctor about switching medications. Lubricant eye drops may help deal with the side effect.
Constipation
Diuretics, opioids, antidepressants, and iron supplements often cause bowel problems or constipation.
How to manage it?
You should consume more fibre in your diet and increase your water intake to ease constipation. Citrus fruits, prunes, and vegetables are a great source of fibre.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is a common side effect of certain antidepressants, antibiotics, and chemotherapy agents.
How to manage it?
If diarrhoea results from antibiotics, ask your doctor for probiotics, as they may help deal with the side effect. It is best to avoid continuing the medicine or at least lower its dosage. You should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Dehydration
Dehydration is common with laxatives, chemotherapy drugs, blood pressure medications, and antihistamines.
How to manage it?
The best way to avoid or cope with dehydration is to eat healthily. Juicy fruits, vegetables, and soup should be a part of your diet. Additionally, ensure that you are drinking an adequate amount of water.
Dry mouth
You may experience dry mouth if you have been taking diuretics, antihistamines, or vasodilators.
How to manage it?
To deal with the side effect, you should drink sufficient amount of water. Staying hydrated and sipping water can help relieve dry mouth. When you are experiencing dry mouth, it is best to avoid alcoholic mouthwash. Other tips that may help reduce the side effects include chewing sugarless gums and eating sugarless candies. Also, work towards improving your overall oral health.
Nausea and vomiting
This may occur with cancer treatment like chemotherapy, or with prescription drugs that tend to block or slow the bowels.
How to manage it?
Instead of having large meals thrice a day, eat in small quantities throughout the day. Be sure to drink lots of liquid throughout the day.
Weight gain
Weight gain is common with antidepressants, antipsychotics, and most anti-diabetic medicines except metformin.
How to manage it?
The best way to deal with unintentional weight gain and avoid further complications is to eat healthily and limit the portion size. Additionally, drink sufficient quantity of water throughout the day. You should also make it a point to exercise regularly.
Although medicines have become easily accessible – you can even order them online, awareness about their side effects is still low. The above tips can help you cope with the adverse effects. Nevertheless, it is best to ask for an expert opinion before taking any medicine.
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