How To Adjust To Taking New Medication

Starting a new course of medication can slow down your days and make you feel less energized as your body adjusts to the physiological changes. Having to remember to take your pills daily can also be a challenge, primarily if you weren’t used to taking anything before. While these new normals are challenging to get used to, it’s crucial to remind yourself that you’re taking your medication to achieve a better quality of life ultimately, and these pesky side effects will soon wear off. 
Here’s how you can make the transition to your new medication a much easier process.

Create A Daily Routine 

Getting yourself into the habit of taking your medication at a set time every day will make it easier to remember taking it. Try setting the alarm or writing it down on your to-do list. You can also condor buying a pillbox to avoid accidentally taking it twice and temporarily worsening your side effects. Scheduling your medication around your meal times is also a great way to build a consistent routine. Eventually, taking your meds will become second nature. 

Accept You May Be Uncomfortable For A While

Side effects are rarely ever pleasant. Not giving your body ample time to adjust to a new medication can frustrate you and make you more likely to quit taking your medication before it can adequately start doing its job. Develop a realistic outlook about what the adjustment process will look like. You can do this by talking to your supervising physician and asking them how long the adjustment process typically takes and for any advice on best managing the side effects. 

If your side effects are severe even after the trial period, your physician may be able to change your dosage or switch your medication to something you can tolerate better. 

Keep Track Of Your Mental Health

Introducing new medication into your system can bring with it physiological side effects and also psychological side effects. You must maintain a log of how you are emotionally reacting to your new meds, especially if you begin feeling depressed, anxious, exhausted, or can’t sleep. It’s normal to have days when you feel nervous or have the blues, but if these feelings remain a constant throughout your adjustment period, consult your physician about how to manage these symptoms. They may recommend a different dosage or seek counseling. BetterHelp, for example, is also an excellent resource for all your therapeutic needs. 

Speak To Your Doctor About Drug Interactions

If you’re entirely new to your medication, you’re going to want to ask your physician about what’s safe to consume while taking it. Most people think of alcohol or recreational drug usage when they have this thought. Still, your meds can actually interact with a whole slew of other things you may not have even thought of, including over-the-counter medications. 
Make sure to bring up any of the following with your doctor to avoid having a severe reaction to your medication:

• Vitamins
• Supplements
• Topical ointments
• Homeopathic medications
• Food
• Alcohol 
• OTC medication such as pain killers or diuretics

Get Enough Medication For Trips Or Emergencies

Life happens, and sometimes we need to travel or are put in a situation where we cannot squeeze in an appointment to get a refill. Depending on the medication you take, as well as your insurance provider, you may be able to request that you get more than a month’s worth of your medication to store just in case you’re not able to see your physician in time. Ask your doctor if you can get a 90-day prescription, for example, or have a couple of refills available, so you don’t have to visit their office. 

Marie Miguel Biography