The Prescription/Label
How do you know how many times a day to take your medication?
The label on the bottle will tell you how many times a day to take medication.
Example: take one tablet by mouth three times daily
What does "as needed" mean
To be used when specific symptoms occur, not to be used regularly
True or False: if my symptoms go away, I can stop taking my medication
False. The symptoms have stopped or lessened because of the medication along with other treatment. Stopping the medication will not prevent the symptoms from coming back.
What are medication side effects?
Undesired effects of a medication
True or False?
A medication can only be given to me by a doctor.
False! Medications can be prescriptions from a provider and some can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy or store.
What is the amount of medication to take at one time called?
What should you do if you find yourself needing an "as needed" medication daily?
Talk to your doctor about taking the medication daily or routinely rather than "as needed". It is important to talk to your doctor before taking as needed medications on a regular basis.
When starting a new medication, how soon should you see results?
Depends on the medication
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, increased or decreased heart rate
Do all medications start to work right away?
No! Some medicines (like antidepressants) can take 6 weeks before it starts working & other medications (like Tylenol) work in 30 minutes.
Who should you call when you are unsure of what the label says?
The pharmacy or provider
What are common 'as needed' medications?
Tylenol, advil, benedryl, seasonal medications like cold medicine or other allergy medication. Any medication that is not taken on a regular basis
What should you do if you want to stop taking your medication?
Talk to your doctor to set up a plan to stop medication gradually. Never stop taking a medication abruptly as your body may have adjusted to the medication and will respond negatively if stopped suddenly.
I take the same medication as my friend. My friend started to experience blurred vision from the medication. I have not experienced the side effects, should stop the medication before I do?
True or False
True or False?
I can skip a dose of my medication. It's still in my system and I feel better today.
False! You do not skip a dose of medication or stop taking your medication unless your doctor tells you to because some medications last longer in your body than others.
Name 4 pieces of information that can be found on a medication bottle
Medication name, dosage, prescribing doctor, pharmacy name and contact, appearance of the medication, warnings/side effects, administration instructions (oral, cream/topical, etc.), patient's name, Rx number, date medication begins, expiration date
When should you use an "as needed" medication?
The medication is prescribed for a specific purpose (allergies, cold, pain, etc.) that does not happen on a regular basis. Use the as needed medication when that specific purpose occurs.
What are 2 common sites in the body where drugs are broken down?
The kidney and the liver
What do I do if I start to experience side effects of a medication?
True or False?
Some medications require you to get your blood drawn on a regular basis.
True! Medications like Lithium require you to get your blood drawn regularly to check that the levels of the medicine in your body are what they should be.
When should you refill a prescription?
Within 5 days of running out. This allows time for the pharmacy to refill the script while you still have medication to take without running out.
Do you have to get an "as needed" medication through the pharmacy?
No, not always. Some as needed medications are sold over the counter, but some need a prescription from a provider
What should you do if you are having negative side effects from a medication?
Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor may be able to change your medication or help alleviate your symptoms.
No, some people don't experience any side effects and some people do. It all depends on the specific individual
True or False?
Most medications that treat mental health will increase or decrease chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters.
True! Many medications that treat mental health change levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters.