www.ddssafety.net Last updated September 2010

Medication

Side Effects

and

Interactions

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What is medication?

• Medication helps people

get or stay healthy.

• You may take

medication to help you

feel better.

For example, when you

have a headache or a

cold.

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What is medication?

• Some people take

medication everyday.

• For example, if you have:

Seizures,

Asthma,

Diabetes, or

High Blood Pressure.

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Why and When you should take

medication?

• Each medication has a

purpose.

• Your doctor helps you decide

when to take medication.

• You take medication when

you are sick.

• You take medication to feel

better if you have a chronic

health condition.

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What is a medication side effect?

• A side effect is an unwanted effect from your medication.

• A side effect can make you feel bad or uncomfortable.

• A side effect can make you sick.

• A side effect can be dangerous or life threatening.

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What are common side effects?

• Common side effects of

medication include:

Headaches

Feeling tired or sleepy

Feeling dizzy

Upset stomach

Redness on your skin

Feeling nervous

Gaining weight

Dry mouth

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Ask the doctor about side effects.

• Talk to the doctor about side effects when the doctor orders your medication.

• Make sure the doctor

knows: About all of your other

medications.

About vitamins, herbs, or other remedies you use.

About ALL of the allergies you have.

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Ask the doctor about side effects.

What are the common side effects of

this medication?

What are other side effects?

What should I do if I feel bad or

uncomfortable?

Tell your support person or

doctor if you feel any side

effects.

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What are medication

interactions?

• Sometimes a medication interacts with other things.

• This causes the medication to work in a different

way. An interaction can be harmful to you.

• Medications interact with:

Other medications

Foods

Drinks

Activities

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Ask the doctor about medication

interactions.

• Does this medication interact

with other medications,

foods, drinks or activities?

• What should I avoid?

• What should I do if I feel bad

or uncomfortable?

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Ask the pharmacist:

• About your medication’s side

effect and interactions.

• When and how to take your

medication.

• To explain the medication

information sheet to you.

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Get help if you need it.

• Call the doctor or pharmacist when

you have questions about your

medication.

• Call the doctor if you don’t feel well

after taking a medication.

• Tell your family, friends or support

staff right away to help you.

13www.ddssafety.net Last updated September 2010

References

• Drug Side EffectsDrugs.com

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/

• Medication SafetyCalifornia Department of Developmental Services Safety Net

http://ddssafety.net/safety/medication-safety

• Medication Management California Department of Developmental Services DSPT

Years 1 and 2 Student Guides

www.dds.cahwnet.gov/DSPT/Guides.cfm