Talking to Your Doctor about Prescription Medications
Have you ever gone to the doctor because you were sick, or because something wasn’t working properly? Of course, we all have. I’m sure the encounter went a little bit like this: the provider breezes in, looks at you, runs some tests, then rambles off a diagnosis, prescribes you meds and sends you on your way. The encounter happened so quick that you didn’t really understand the diagnosis, don’t really understand what the meds are and didn’t feel like you could ask questions because the doctor rushed through. Now, you are sitting there looking like:
Unbeknownst to you, the meds given may not have been the best choice for you. Here’s the thing, a lot of prescribers give you the first med that comes to mind, checks a few things, and they’re out of the exam room. This is what’s missing from your visit that consumers must push for, informed consent. Informed consent is defined as, “permission granted in the knowledge of the possible consequences, typically that which is given by a patient to a doctor for treatment with full knowledge of the possible risks and benefits (Dictionary.com).” Meaning that, it is the doctor’s responsibility to FULLY inform you what treatment they are suggesting, what it’s supposed to be doing/how it works, the benefits, cons/side-effects. A patient NEEDS all this information in order to make an informed decision about their healthcare.
Here is a prime example why informed consent and asking question is important: In 2018, I was in and out of the hospital/doctor’s offices for multiple things. I have chronic migraines and was having multiple attacks a week and they lasted days at a time. I was put back on my usual meds. No big deal, right? Wrong. As my dosage went up, I noticed that I began to have recurrent acid reflux. I wasn’t sure what the problem was because I have GERD and anything can trigger it. After about almost 2 months of pain, I went into GI. I learned 2 things: The first thing was, the acid caused inflammation in my esophagus and upper stomach and the second being that it was the higher dosage of migraine medication I was prescribed that was the root cause! Who knew? I was not informed of all the side effects as my dosage increased. Soon after I was prescribed another medication without knowledge that it would cause me to eat myself out of a house and gain weight. By this time, I learned my lesson to not just accept what is pushed to me. I visited my provider shortly after and was prescribed something that does not have drug-to-drug interactions, and that will treat the conditions it is supposed to without causing unwanted side effects. In short, I endured months of pain, paid a lot of money in unnecessary doctors’ visits, and wasted a lot of time. Moral of the story, don’t be like me. Be informed!
Here are some questions you should be asking your provider when it comes to medication:
1. What is this medication supposed to do?
Even if they explain this when they first recommend it, ask for them to break it down further. It gives the provider a chance to slow down and a better chance for you to possibly catch things that could pose an issue
2. What are the common and uncommon side-effects?
Will this make me gain or lose weight?
Will this cause a current condition to worsen?
Will stopping this medication cause any discontinuation symptoms?
3. Will this affect my sleep?
4. Are there any drug-to-drug interaction?
5. What is the titration schedule? (When is the dose supposed to increase and by how much/what are the increments?)
What are the side effects of a higher dosage?
6. Are there any other medications we can consider?
Then proceed to ask the necessary questions.
Now, I’m not saying all providers are like this. Providers can be very busy and have jam packed schedules. When you notice that you are confused and have no idea what’s happening or being said to you during your visit, that is the perfect time to call a time out and ask for the provider to slow down. Our providers are here to help us. So sometimes we must be the ones to advocate for ourselves and get the info we need.
DO NOT feel bad about asking these questions and holding a doctor up. At the end of the day, this is your life, your health and your care. Be informed before you make a decision.
TiL next time, Peace!
