www.ddssafety.net Last updated September 2010
Medication
Side Effects
and
Interactions
2www.ddssafety.net Last updated September 2010
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.
3www.ddssafety.net Last updated September 2010
What is medication?
• Some people take
medication everyday.
• For example, if you have:
Seizures,
Asthma,
Diabetes, or
High Blood Pressure.
4www.ddssafety.net Last updated September 2010
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.
5www.ddssafety.net Last updated September 2010
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.
6www.ddssafety.net Last updated September 2010
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
7www.ddssafety.net Last updated September 2010
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.
8www.ddssafety.net Last updated September 2010
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.
9www.ddssafety.net Last updated September 2010
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
10www.ddssafety.net Last updated September 2010
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?
11www.ddssafety.net Last updated September 2010
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.
12www.ddssafety.net Last updated September 2010
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