7 Questions To Ask When A Doctor Prescribes You Medicine

By Carla Adams

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7 Questions To Ask When A Doctor Prescribes You Medicine

It’s not always a pleasant experience to visit a doctor. The anxiety that mounts with getting your health condition checked and lengthy medical prescriptions is inevitable. However, not all of the medications doctors prescribe are efficacious for patients. They can have adverse effects and might not be suitable for everyone.

To save yourself from potential consequences, it’s crucial to be on your toes when asking questions. It can be hard to relay your problems all at once, but asking the right questions about your medicine is vital for effective communication with your doctor. It will help you ensure you receive the assistance and medical care you require. On the other hand, if you don’t ask a question, they may assume you already know the answer or don’t want to know more. Here are some questions you should ask your doctor when they prescribe medicine.

1. How Does This Medication Work?

Every medicine and drug works differently. Understanding this can help you take it seriously and persistently. Knowing how a drug works justifies using it to treat a specific disease and understanding its effectiveness.

All medications are chemicals that travel to a target or receptor in the body where they act after consumption. Some destroy bacteria that infiltrate your body and decimate abnormal cells. Some substitute deficient compounds such as hormones or vitamins or alter cell function in your body. From paracetamol for headaches to ketamine for OCD, all types of medicine work in a distinct manner with different efficacies.

Asking your doctor or physician about how the medicine works encourages treatment adherence and gives you knowledge about the significance of your medication.

2. What Are The Potential Side Effects And Benefits Of This Medicine?

Every medicine has its pros and cons. However, the former overrides the latter most of the time. Inquiring your doctor about the potential benefits of the medication can motivate you to be persistent with your medical treatment. 

By asking timely questions and learning about the risks and benefits of medications, you can empower yourself regarding your health condition and its treatment.

3. How Should The Medication Be Administered?

There is no single way to administer every drug or medicine. All have different ways and methods. Therefore, knowing the correct way to acquire their full efficacy is crucial. Some medications are available in powder form. They are given as a fluid after being mixed with water. Some are in the form of capsules or tablets and can be consumed in that form. Some are crushed or chewed, while others are dissolved in water. Some are also administered via intravenous injections and are used topically. All have different ways because their intensities matter in blood circulation and for the type of receptors they bind to. Inquiring with your doctor about the best method of administration will save you from administering it incorrectly and jeopardizing your condition.

4. How Can I Know If The Medicine Is Working Or Not?

When a disease or disorder attacks your body, it causes a variety of signs and symptoms. Similarly, some symptoms appear when an antidote-medicine is administered to your body to counteract it. 

Some medications take longer to improve your condition, while others work immediately. At times, it is easy to detect it by yourself, but it’s always wise to know beforehand. Only your doctor can tell you how long it will take for the medicine to take effect. Sometimes, people discontinue using medicine because it does not show improvement when, in reality, it takes time to cure. Knowing the duration of a medicine’s effect can cause you to stay put and consistent. It will prevent you from discontinuing the use of medication.

5. What Happens If I Don’t Take Or Skip The Medication?

There are consequences that come with skipping or failing to take your medication entirely. They can have a negative impact on your health, depending on the severity of your ailment and the type of medicine you are taking. Many medicinal drugs will not be effective if you do not take them as timely as prescribed, mainly if you skip a couple of doses.

When antibiotics are required to treat an infection, failing to take the complete course of your recommended medicine may cause the illness to persist or even exacerbate. Leaving the treatments halfway may also worsen the situation and lead to future antibiotic resistance. Asking your doctor about this factor will keep your carelessness at bay. 

6. How Much And How Frequently Should I Take This Medication Every Day?

At times, strictly adhering to your medication schedule can be very tough. It can be hard to remember when and how much to take your medication, but doing so is essential to your recovery. Depending on the condition, doctors typically prescribe a small amount because some doses are very challenging for the body to absorb. Some must be taken frequently, others must not, so they last for a shorter period. 

Your doctor should keep you on high alert about the duration of each dose to prevent any negative health effects. Overdosing can aggravate your condition, but under-dosing cannot affect an already deteriorating one either.

7. What Is The Cost Of The Medication, And How Easy Is It Available?

The medication’s accessibility and affordability are of primary value for most patients. Given that some are manufactured infrequently and are only occasionally found in pharmacies, their prices find a reason to hike up, and their accessibility raises additional concerns. You might not be aware of the availability and high cost of some medicines until you visit the pharmacy. In this case, it is imperative to inquire about the price with the doctor before leaving the clinic. You can request a different drug with the same constituents if it is too expensive.

Conclusion

When it comes to enhancing your treatment, it can be very beneficial to ask your doctor the right questions about your medication. When a doctor goes the extra mile and shares insights regarding a patient’s health or the symptoms and medicines, it leaves the patient with an incentive to remain strict and persistent in following the prescribed medicines.