you and your doctor
WORKING AS A TEAM
MEDICINE MATTERS: Side Ef_f ects
Benching your meds The No. 1 problem in treating ANY Here’s how your doctor can help:
because of side ef_f ects?
illness is not taking prescription Ways to cope. Your doctor has seen
It’s a serious error.
medicine correctly, according to the your side ef_f ects before and will have
Talk to your doctor about
American Heart Association. So if ideas to reduce unwanted symptoms.
a new game plan instead.
you’re questioning the playbook when (See some common strategies below.)
it comes to a prescribed medicine, Change of plan. You doctor may
talk to your doctor before you stop change your dose, try a slow-release
taking it. pill, or even switch you to another drug.
SIDE EFFECT 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 humidifi er
· Brush your teeth twice a day
· Try saliva substitutes* (available at drugstores)
Trouble · Take your medicine in the morning
Sleeping · Avoid foods and drinks with caf_f eine
· 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
R
*
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 fi ve 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-fi ber 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-fi ber foods like fresh fruits, veggies
and whole grains
· Take a fi ber supplement or use a stool softener*
· Get 15–30 minutes of activity a day
*Ask your doctor fi rst.
16 HEALTHYADVICE.COM
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