Educate yourself before taking any medications.  Don't be afraid to ask your doctor these important questions.

• What is the name of the medication and what is it prescribed for?
• When should I take it, and how long should I continue to  take it?
• Are there any serious side affects I should be aware of?
• Will it interfere with the other medications I am taking?
• Should I stop taking it if I start to feel better?

Many medications can be damaging if they are not used in the proper manner. Over a period you may have accumulated numerous medications you have stopped taking leaving them in the medicine cabinet. Some useful tips below to help reduce medicine related problems.

Some things to tell your doctor if:

• You've ever had an allergic reaction to any medications
• You are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• You are seeing other doctors
• You have a kidney, liver disease,  or have diabetes
•  You use tobacco products, alcohol, or any kind of street drugs
  

More Tips To Keep In Mind

1. Ask your doctor keep a record of what medicines you are currently taking. This list should include any over the counter medications you are currently using.  As well as medications another doctor prescribed.

2.  Ask your doctor to explain what medication he is prescribing to you, and what it is prescribed for.  Ask him how the medication should be taken.  With water, an empty stomach or with food. 

3. Write these things down so you do not forget what the doctor says. Or ask him for copies of his instructions. Any changes made or drugs discontinued.

4. It is a good idea to use the same pharmacy to get all your medications. That way all your medications are on record at one place for you.  You can also ask your pharmacist to mark your vials with all necessary information. Once again asking for copies for your personal records.

5. You should always keep your medications in their original bottles. Some medications look similar,  if you need to take them with you, the labeling is on the proper bottle.

 6. Keep your doctor up to date about past reactions or allergies to other medications you may have.  Your tolerance may have changed and you may require an adjustment from time to time. Ask about side affects, if you experience serious side affects,  you should contact your doctor immediately.

 7. Don't drink alcohol if you do not know what it's affect while taking your medication. Alcohol use while taking medication can speed up your metabolism, causing your medicine to be less effective. Alcohol mixed with medication such as sedatives or anti-psychotics can be a deadly combination. Don't ignore the label warnings.

8.Throw away expired medication. It may not have the same affect for you anymore.

 9. Don't stop taking medication suddenly. Unless you check with your doctor first. This could cause some uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

These are medications you get without a prescription. They are not as strong as a prescribed medications. When these over the counter medicines are taken in larger doses they might work as well or better than a prescribed medication.

Using over the counter medications wisely.

• Ask your doctor which over the counter products you should avoid and which ones are safe to use.  He should be able to recommend what products are better for you with your prescribed medications.
• Don't take more than the directions advise. Unless your doctor approves you to do so.
• Read the package labels for more information on what your over the counter medicines can do for you. If you are not sure if you can take a particular product ask your pharmacist for a recommendation.
• Don't take any over the counter products if you are pregnant or are nursing. Unless you check with your doctor and he recommends it's use.
• Always check the expiration dates on the bottles.
• Always check the ingredients. You might be allergic to something that is in one of the products.

Cleaning out your medicine cabinet about once a year is recommended.

• Start by taking everything out of the medicine cabinet.
• Check all the expiration dates. Throw away all expired bottles.
• If there are medications in bottles not labeled, throw them away. You may forget what the tablet is and inadvisedly take it thinking it is something you take regularly.
• Throw away old creams and lotions that are dried up and cracked. Throw away any liquid medicines that look cloudy or filmy.
• Keep all medicines high up and out of reach of children.