Using Drugs Safely and Wisely
It's not at all unusual for people who have fibromyalgia to wind up taking several medications at once to treat all the different symptoms. Consider the case of Bridget.
Every single day for the last four years, Bridget has taken 80 mg of methadone for the achy flu-like pain she gets; 10 mg of Valium for her shaking; 5 mg of Ritalin to help her stay alert; 100 mg of Trazadone to help her sleep; 325 mg of Percocet for severe pain; and Colase, an over-the counter stool softener that helps with constipation from IBS. She also uses marijuana, which she gets from a neurologist, to help with nausea and pain. “I don't get high on any of my medications, which is why I take them,” she says. “I also try to cut down or go off the Ritalin or Valium just to keep its efficacy so I don't have to increase it.” Before taking any drug, she does research on the Internet to better understand how it works and to learn of a drug's side effects. “I never forget that living in chronic pain is just as harmful as any drugs that remove that pain,” Bridget says.
For people like Bridget, the safe use of her medications is vital. When you're already wracked with pain and fatigue, the last thing you need is a problem with a medication you're taking. That's why it's so important to take your drugs wisely. Here are some steps you can take to ensure safe drug use.
Reveal All
Providing good, reliable information is critical when it comes to getting prescription medications. So don't hold back when your doctor asks what medications you are taking. Include everything, even acetaminophen, birth control pills, and your daily multivitamin. Tell him about the occasional herbal supplement such as Echinacea, which you might take with a cold.
And if you have allergies or other medical conditions, share that information, too. Certain medications are not well tolerated by people who have preexisting conditions. The information you provide will help your doctor pinpoint the best treatment for your case.
Follow Doctor's Orders
It's tempting to take a little more of a drug that's giving you the relief you're desperately seeking. It might also be tempting to take less on days when you feel better. Because the symptoms of fibromyalgia can fluctuate drastically, you may in fact be able to reduce or increase your dosage according to the severity of your symptoms. But you should never alter your dosage without talking to your doctor first. Also, never share your medication with anyone else.
Watch for Side Effects
Many medications produce side effects. Some are tolerable and a minor, temporary nuisance, while others are downright dangerous, even life threatening. Other side effects go away after a week or two, once your body has adjusted to the drug.
The key is spotting those that are potentially life threatening and warrant your doctor's attention. Some of the more serious side effects include nausea and vomiting, rapid or irregular heartbeat, rash or hives, hallucinations, lack of coordination, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, changes in your menstrual cycle, and changes in your sex drive, or impotence. You should also call your doctor if you develop an infection, swelling, or fever.
Dangerous Mixes
When taken in combination with other food and drugs, some medications can cause a serious interaction, with serious repercussions. For instance, combining cimetidine (Tagamet) with sertraline (Zoloft) can affect your heart and lead to sudden death. Even certain foods can be unsafe if eaten with particular drugs. Drinking grapefruit juice with an antihistamine for instance, can cause heart problems.
That's why it's critical that you tell your doctor about
Fact
Food affects the action of a drug in several ways. It can impair absorption of vitamins and minerals, stimulate or suppress the appetite, and alter the way your body uses nutrients. But the impact of any food and drug interactions depends on your age, size, and health, as well as the dosage of the drug, and when the food is eaten and the drug is taken. In some cases, you may simply have to change the timing of your food or drug in order to avoid a bad interaction.
Store Them Safely
Many people store medications in bathroom cabinets. But in reality, moisture and heat from showers and baths can cause some medications to deteriorate, which can lessen their strength and effectiveness.
In fact, any place where the temperature fluctuates is a bad storage place for medications. That means you should not keep drugs in the glove compartment of your car, on a nightstand that sits in sunlight, or on the windowsill of your kitchen. You should also steer clear of kitchen cabinets near the stove or dishwasher, where temperatures can fluctuate. Instead, look for storage areas that remain at room temperature, which means 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Better options include a kitchen cabinet, a bedroom closet, or a dresser drawer.
Of course, for some people, the bathroom might still be the most convenient place, especially if you take your medicines at night. In that case, make sure the containers are tightly sealed to prevent any moisture from seeping in. Wherever they wind up, make sure the drugs are placed on high shelves away from young children. Store all medications in their original containers, and throw out any that have expired.
Take Them Cautiously
When you do take a drug, be sure to let someone know what you are taking. That way, if you do have a bad reaction, someone will be on hand to let your doctor know in the event you can't. Be sure to measure the medication with the right spoon or cup — dinner spoons aren't a good idea — and to follow the instructions exactly. Always take a medication with plenty of water. And if the label tells you to take it with food or without food, be sure to follow those instructions.
Consult Your Pharmacist
The pharmacist who hands you your medication is more than someone in a white lab coat who measures out your drugs. He is also a valuable source of information. According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, you should know the answer to several questions before you leave your pharmacy:
What are the brand and generic names of the medications?
What does it look like?
Why am I taking it?
How much should I take, and how often?
When is the best time to take it?
How long will I need to take it?
What side effects should I expect, and what should I do if they happen?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Does this interact with my other medications or any foods?
Does this replace anything else I was taking?
Where and how do I store it?
Some pharmacists dispense lengthy details about the medication that answer these questions. If not, ask your pharmacist for more information.
Alert
Whether it's from the Internet or a foreign trip, don't buy drugs from other countries. Some of these medications may be dangerous. They are generally not manufactured according to the strict approval standards of the FDA, and may even contain untested substances that are considered illegal in the United States.
