Is There a Way to Take Medications without Having Side Effects?

All drugs have effects – whether they are considered “side effects” or beneficial effects is a matter of definition. You and your physician must evaluate the expected benefit of any drug you take and weigh it against the potential risk of side effects.

In general, society expects drugs treating everyday conditions to be mild and easily tolerated. We may accept a higher level of risk with drugs that are used to treat life-threatening conditions. However, since everyone and every situation is different, you should always be aware of the possible side effects of any medication you take and be prepared to monitor yourself for them.

Stay informed, but avoid stopping taking a prescription without medical advice, especially if you have not experienced any serious side effects. If the prescription is intended to continue over a period of time and comes from a legitimate source, it may not be good for your health to suddenly stop it. On the other hand, there are medications that should be stopped if certain toxic side effects occur. Speak with your physician before you start taking any medication so that you know what you should do. After you start taking the medication, call your physician if any question arises. If your question is urgent because of a side effect, don’t hesitate to make this clear to the office staff and your physician.