Before you begin taking a medication, I believe it's very helpful to first explore any non-medication approaches to therapy. Occasionally, such an approach can eliminate the need for medication altogether. More commonly, it can reduce the dose or reduce the number of medications you need.
Regular exercise has been proven to be very helpful in treating or preventing a number of diseases. For battling obesity, correct diet and exercise are far better and safer than any medications currently available. In the treatment of hypertension, a very common problem, regular exercise can often make it possible for you to control your blood pressure with just one, instead of two or three medications, thereby lowering your chances for adverse (bad) drug reactions or interactions, and significantly reducing your medication costs.
Learn As Much As You Can About Your Medications
If your physician prescribes a medication for you, be sure, before you leave the office, or hang up the telephone, that you clearly understand the name of the drug, both generic and brand names. Be sure you understand why you are being given that particular medication, the dosage you are expected to take, the time(s) of day to take the medication, and how long the physician thinks you will need to continue taking this drug.
Understand the side effects
Finally, be sure to ask about any common side effects that might occur, whether they are mild or potentially serious, and whether they persist or usually disappear after taking the medication for a brief period of time.
