3 Questions to Ask Your Doctor Regarding New Medications

 

For seniors, taking medications is a daily norm. On average, seniors take at least five different prescriptions. Considering the changes in health that can occur as seniors age, these medications are likely to change as well. Effective communication with your doctor is imperative to maintain your health and proper medication practices.

 

Be sure to ask these 3 questions when taking a new medication or changing medications.

 

  1. How will this affect my current medications?

The most important question to ask concerns how any new or changed medications will affect any other medications you are taking. Be sure that your doctor is fully aware of any and all medications you are currently on. They will be able to inform you of any side effects, changes, or complications that may arise with mixing certain prescriptions. Keeping track of all of your medications and doses can be difficult. As a best practice, it is a good idea to keep a list of any and all medications that you currently take in your wallet or purse for easy reference.

 

  1. What can I expect from this medication?

You will want to understand exactly what the medication could do to your body. When will you feel the effects of the medication? Are there any side effects? How will the medication make me feel? Are there any restrictions with taking the medication? You want to ensure that you are aware of any changes the medication may cause to your day-to-day activities. For example, you might need to stay away from certain foods or limit physical activity.

 

  1. How do I need to take the medication?

There are many prescriptions that require you to take with food or after you have eaten. You may need to take it with water. Understand the proper method of taking the medication, as this can have an effect on how well the medication works for you. Be aware of the schedule that is provided with the new medication. What time of day will you take it? How many times per day? How long will you be on the medication? It is always a good idea to take detailed notes of what the doctor tells you for easy reference later on.

 

As a best practice, you should always keep your doctor up to date on how the medication is working for you. If you are experiencing any side effects, let them know immediately. If you have any questions after your appointment, be sure to give them a call.

Many seniors do require daily assistance with their medication. Alma Health Skilled Services is able to provide this care as needed. If you want to learn more about how we can help, contact one of our Service Coordinators for assistance.

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For seniors, taking medications is a daily norm. On average, seniors take at least five different prescriptions. Considering the changes in health that can occur as seniors age, these medications are likely to change as well. Effective communication with your doctor is imperative to maintain your health and proper medication practices.



 

Be sure to ask these 3 questions when taking a new medication or changing medications.

 

    
 	
  1. How will this affect my current medications?
    2. 


The most important question to ask concerns how any new or changed medications will affect any other medications you are taking. Be sure that your doctor is fully aware of any and all medications you are currently on. They will be able to inform you of any side effects, changes, or complications that may arise with mixing certain prescriptions. Keeping track of all of your medications and doses can be difficult. As a best practice, it is a good idea to keep a list of any and all medications that you currently take in your wallet or purse for easy reference.

 

    
 	
  1. What can I expect from this medication?
    2. 


You will want to understand exactly what the medication could do to your body. When will you feel the effects of the medication? Are there any side effects? How will the medication make me feel? Are there any restrictions with taking the medication? You want to ensure that you are aware of any changes the medication may cause to your day-to-day activities. For example, you might need to stay away from certain foods or limit physical activity.

 

    
 	
  1. How do I need to take the medication?
    2. 


There are many prescriptions that require you to take with food or after you have eaten. You may need to take it with water. Understand the proper method of taking the medication, as this can have an effect on how well the medication works for you. Be aware of the schedule that is provided with the new medication. What time of day will you take it? How many times per day? How long will you be on the medication? It is always a good idea to take detailed notes of what the doctor tells you for easy reference later on.

 

As a best practice, you should always keep your doctor up to date on how the medication is working for you. If you are experiencing any side effects, let them know immediately. If you have any questions after your appointment, be sure to give them a call.

Many seniors do require daily assistance with their medication. Alma Health Skilled Services is able to provide this care as needed. If you want to learn more about how we can help, contact one of our Service Coordinators for assistance.
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