The Prescription / Label
How do you know how many times a day to take your medication?
What is:
The label on the medication bottle will tell you how many times a day to take medication. The script provided by the doctor will also list the instructions for taking the medication.
Example: take one tablet by mouth three times daily
True or False: If my symptoms go away, I can stop taking my medication. Explain your answer.
What is: 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?
What is: undesired effects of medication / not the medication's intended purpose.
Medication treats mental illnesses by balancing ________ in the ________ that cause symptoms of mental illness.
What is: chemicals in the brain
What is the amount of medication to take at one time called?
What is:
Dosage / Dose
What should you do if you find yourself needing a PRN medication daily?
What do you do if you miss a dose of medication?
What is: make a note to inform your doctor, wait until the next dose. Do not: double up on the next dose to make up for the missed dose, take the medication when you realize you missed it if it is already too late.
What are some examples of common side effects?
What is: drowsiness, blurred vision, increased or decreased heart rate, dry mouth, acne, nausea
Medication can take up to 6 weeks to work. True or False. Why?
What is: True. some medications take longer than others, medication takes time to get into your system and target the condition it is supposed to treat or eliminate.
What information can be found on a medication label or prescription? Name at least 4 pieces of information
What is:
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
What are common 'PRN' medications?
When starting a new medication, how soon should you see results?
What is: Up to 6 weeks after starting the medication. Some medication takes as little as days to take effect, but others may take weeks before you notice that it is working. Allow the medication time to take effect before determining that it does not work.
I take the same medication as my mom's friend does. My mom's friend stopped the medication because she started having blurred vision. I haven't experienced this, but should stop taking the medication before I do. True or false? Why?
What is: False. Side effects are warned for precaution. However, not everyone that takes a medication will experience side effects or may experience different side effects from another person that takes the med.
It's okay if I skip a dose of my medication. It's still in my system and I'll take the next dose. True or False. Why?
What is: False. Medication is prescribed at a specific dosage and that amount is needed to serve it's purpose. Skipping a dose lowers the amount of the medication in your system. Even temporarily changing the dose can effect your body's response to the medication or symptoms. Some medications should be taken more serious than others. Ask your doctor if you are unsure.
How do you know if a medication is to be used regularly or as needed?
What is: The medication is prescribed for a specific purpose (allergies, cold, pain, etc.) that does not persist on a regular basis. Use the PRN medication when that specific purpose occurs.
What is: 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. This is not the case with all medications but should always be considered as a precaution.
What should I do if I start experiencing side effects?
What is: Track the side effects in a log for approximately 2 weeks. If the problem continues, talk to your doctor and show them the log for proof that the effect is continuing. Talk about changing the medication to a different one that will help with symptoms but relieve side effects.
Some medication will require routine blood work. True or false and why?
What is: True. Medications that alter the chemicals in the body will require blood work routinely to make sure the medication is balancing chemicals appropriately. Blood work will show whether the medication is at the correct level and help your doctor identify the correct dosage for you. Some insurance providers will require blood work before they will cover the cost of the medication.
When should you refill a prescription?
What is: 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. Ordering more than a week in advance is too soon per some insurance requirements.
Do you have to order a PRN medication through the pharmacy?
What is: No, not always. Some PRN medication is sold over the counter (OTC) and can be purchased at a local store. Note - You should be sure the over the counter medication is the correct medication including the name, dose, and intended purpose.
How long do you need to take a medication?
What is: follow your doctor's orders. If the medication is for a persisting / continued condition, take the medication regularly until your doctor approves otherwise.
Should I expect side effects from my medication?
What is: Medications will come with patient information packets that explain possible side effects, ways to relieve the unwanted effect, and risks of the medication. Always be informed about your medication.
If a medication doesn't work, it doesn't work. There is nothing I can do to make it work more effectively. True or False. Explain your answer.
What is: False. Some medications will not be as effective if a patient smokes, uses drugs or alcohol, or does not follow other orders from the doctor. Some medications require a specific diet, some medications require additional medications to take with them to work, etc.