Medication side-effects: When to worry
You're at the doctor's office, armed with a prescription that promises to bring an end to your ailments. You’re hopeful and excited as you pop that first pill, expecting nothing but relief.
But what happens when your medication decides to throw a few unexpected curveballs your way?
Medication side-effects are those expected AND unexpected twists in the healing journey. While some are as harmless as fleeting dizziness or a momentary bout of nausea, others can be more alarming.
So, what’s normal and when is it time to call your doctor?
Expecting the unexpected
Medications often come with a laundry list of potential side-effects, ranging from the mundane to the downright bizarre.
What makes everything 10 times trickier is that everyone’s body reacts differently. You may have zero reactions to aspirin while your partner could turn green (hopefully not!) from just one dose. Everyone reacts uniquely to different substances.
The universal side-effects tend to be mild headaches, some drowsiness, lack of appetite or maybe insomnia for a few days.
However, when these evolve into persistent or severe symptoms, it's time to take notice. Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it probably is.
But why does medication cause side-effects?
A few reasons include:
- People's bodies can react differently to the same medication thanks to genetic and metabolic differences. Genetic variations influence how enzymes process medications, affecting their absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination. This inconsistency can lead to differences in medication response, making some people more vulnerable to side-effects than others.
- Think of medications as superheroes with a specific mission in your body. They aim for a target to fix a problem. However, due to the complexity of our bodies, they can sometimes unintentionally affect other areas, causing side-effects. It's like trying to fix a leaky tap and accidentally triggering the fire alarm.
- Then there’s the relationship between the dose of a medication and its effects, which isn’t always a straight path either. For most, a lower dose is the sweet spot. Increase the dosage a bit and problems may start to arise. Finding the right balance is essential to maximise the health benefits while minimising worrying reactions.
- Some medications may interact with one another, either enhancing or obstructing their effects. These interactions can lead to unexpected side-effects that are not present when each drug is taken alone.
When to worry
Persistent symptoms
If a side-effect lingers longer than expected or worsens over time, your body might be signalling a problem. For example, if that headache hasn’t subsided in more than two days, call your doctor. The same goes for any other symptoms that are getting worse.
Severe reactions
Any severe or life-threatening reactions, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or swelling, should never be ignored. These call for immediate medical attention.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions can range from mild rashes to severe anaphylaxis. If you notice any signs of an allergy – itching, swelling or difficulty breathing – it’s time to reach out for help.
Mental health alerts
Changes in mood, behaviour or your overall mental wellbeing should not be dismissed. Medications can sometimes impact mental health or worsen an already existing condition, like depression or anxiety.
Stay safe, always
Open communication with your doctor will always be the key to navigating the medication maze.
Don’t be afraid to share your experiences, no matter how trivial they may seem. Your health is a collaborative effort, and understanding the nuances of your medication ensures a smoother journey toward a healthier life.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.