5 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR WHEN PRESCRIBED MEDICATION

Although our healthcare system has been changing dramatically over the past decade, with more emphasis on healthy lifestyle habits and preventive care, all too often patients are being prescribed medications. It seems all you have to do is schedule an appointment, talk about your condition and you can walk out of the clinic with prescription in hand that day. From pain medications to anxiety pills, analysts have coined the United States as a country of legal drug users.

One of the best ways we can make ourselves and our country healthier as a whole is to educate one another on exactly what are condition is and why it warrants a particular drug. This education and understanding begins with the patient-physician relationship. Next time you feel you need more clarification when your doctor is prescribing you medication, ask these 5 questions.

1. WHY AM I BEING PRESCRIBED THIS DRUG?

There is a high level of trust implied when you let someone examine your body and subsequently accept advice that will directly effect its well-being. If your doctor seems too quick to go the medicated route without hearing you out fully, you may want to ask why exactly you’re being prescribed a drug. Remember, you’re not like everyone else and have your unique health subset and physiology. What works for many may not be ideal for you. Make sure here is a logical link connecting your prescription with your condition.

2. WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS?

If you watch television in the evening you’re probably used to seeing prescription drug ads with all of their green hills, butterflies, and smiling users. While drugs can and do help many people treat and mitigate effects of their pain and illnesses, it’s important to keep in mind that all of the positives can have severe negatives. This is why you’ll see a block of fine print at the bottom of your television screen when a commercial comes on. Understand the risks and weigh whether or not it’s worth trading some relief for a different discomfort.

3. IS THIS FOR TREATMENT OR RELIEF?

This is very important to understand. Sometimes physicians don’t know exactly what’s causing your condition. When they are unsure they are trained to go the more conservative route rather than order you a round of expensive tests and diagnostics. They will typically recommend rest and a little time to see how your body develops. However, sometimes they will also prescribe a pain or sleep aid to relieve you of your symptoms. These drugs are not cures. Make sure you understand if the drug you’ll be taking is for treatment or simply relief.

4. ARE THERE GENERIC VERSIONS?

So if you’ve decided that you’re going to take your doctor’s advice and begin taking medication, ask them if it’s completely necessary that you use a name brand. Even if you have a great insurance, most drugs still cost you something out of pocket and big name brand prescriptions are by far the most expensive. Ask if there is a generic version that will help you see the same level of results. Often there is and you can save yourself up to 75% than going with better known brands.

5. ARE THERE ANY OTHER ALTERNATIVES?

Finally, if you’re still anxious about taking a drug, particularly long-term, ask your doctor if there are any other alternative treatment options available to you. For pain it could be physical therapy, or for sleep disorders it could be a particular food or herbal supplement. Be honest about your feelings and your doctor should be very accommodating in working with you to understand your options.

WE’RE AN OPEN BOOK AT PPG

At Pierre Physician Group we want to bring you to a place of empowerment in the health of your body and mind. We accomplish this through honesty and education, through care and thoughtful approaches towards treatment. Although we prescribe medications daily, we envision a community in Houston, TX that slowly is able to free itself from drugs by developing life-long, healthy habits.

Sources:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/01/16/the-coming-revolution-in-much-cheaper-life-saving-drugs/
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/managing-your-healthcare/slideshows/5-questions-to-ask-your-doctor-before-you-fill-that-prescription
http://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/medication/generic-drug.htm