Understanding Meds
What is on a prescription bottle label?
What is patient name, medication name, instructions on when to take it, the prescribers name, expiration date, and some adverse effects with special considerations
If a medication makes you drowsy you should avoid what activities?
What is driving or operating heavy machinery
This common over the counter medication can be taken for pain and fever, but can also affect lithium levels in the body.
This vitamin is known as the sunshine vitamin and low levels of it have been linked to depression, which can lead to seasonal depression in the winter.
What is Vitamin D
Why is it important to be consistent with taking your medication?
What is affect the efficacy, Drug levels in the body, and inconsistency can worsen adverse effects
How would you take a medication that is prescribed topically?
What is apply to skin
This fruit can dangerously increase blood levels or certain medications like SSRIs.
What is grapefruit
People with high blood pressure should be cautious when taking this over the counter cold and flu medications because they can raise blood pressure.
What is decongestants Ex: pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine
This popular vitamin is often taken to boost immunity, but in large doses can cause stomach upset and kidney stones.
What is vitamin C
I can't remember to take my medication. What can I do?
What is Set alarms/reminder apps, pill organizers, placing meds with hygiene products/activities you use during the time the medication is due
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What is the difference between a generic and brand name of a medication?
What is the generic name is the chemical compound name and brand name is the name given by the manufacturer.
When taking psychiatric medication you should avoid taking drinking this.
What is alcohol
Taking multiple cold, cough, or pain medications at once that contain Tylenol can lead to this serious condition.
What is liver toxicity
Natural doesn't always mean safe. Supplements are not reviewed by this government agency before being sold.
What is the FDA
Poor sleep can make this happen to your body's metabolism, causing some medications to work slower or faster than expected
What is changes in how the body processes medications.
I missed a dose of my medication, what do I do?
What is it depends on the medication.
* This is something to ask you provider about when you start a new medication.
This common substance/drink can increase anxiety, restlessness, and can reduce effectiveness of some medications including anxiety medication.
What is caffeine
This class of OTC sleep and allergy medications can cause confusion, dry mouth, and/or drowsiness - especially in older adults.
What is antihistamines ex: Benadryl
This herbal supplement is often used to treat depression, but it can dangerously interact with antidepressants and birth control pills.
What is St. John's Wort
What is ask for generics, discount programs, and use your insurance.
If two drugs are prescribed at the same time and are both broken down by the same liver enzyme, it can change how each drug works or is cleared. This is known as a drug to ____ interaction
What is drug to drug interaction
Patient's taking lithium should avoid dehydration, excessive sweating, and low-salt diets because these factors can lead to this dangerous condition.
What is lithium toxicity
Over use of antiacids cause cause a deficiency in what electrolyte.
What is calcium.
- This can lead to worsening bone health.
I am struggling with poor energy. What vitamins could I take?
What is B vitamins, vitamin D, Iron, Coenzyme Q10, and Ginseng
Ashwagandha can help with sleep and anxiety, which can also help with energy.
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A trusting relationship between you and the provider can greatly reduce non-adherence to medications by improving this key element of care.
What is therapeutic alliance or patient-provider communication