How Do I Use Preventive Medications Safely?
By Terry Mason
How to Use Your Headache Medications Safely
- Make sure you tell your doctor about all other medications you take.
- Be aware of any possible drug interactions.
- Know what you should avoid while taking the medication.
- If you experience side effects, talk with your doctor to see if
something can be done to reduce them.
- Be patient - it sometimes takes a period of 4 to 8 weeks to know if a
medication is right for you.
Sometimes one type of
preventive medication can stop working. Then you may need to take another.
However, you should not change your medication without talking to your doctor
first. How effective a preventive medication is depends a lot on how you use
it. These techniques will help you use your medication safely while you get the
most benefit from it.
- Take your medication in the amounts and at the times prescribed by
your doctor.
- Learn the common side effects of the medication you take. When you
have those or other side effects, report them to your doctor.
- Be willing to try other preventive medications your doctor may suggest
if the first choice does not work well for you.
- Keep a
record of how your medications affect any headaches and any
symptoms you have.
- Make periodic appointments with your doctor to discuss how well you
are doing on your medication.
Your experience with these medications will be unique to you.
Remember, finding the right medication may take time. Work with your doctor to
find the one that is right for you.
How Do I Take Preventive Medication?
Preventive medication is taken one or more times a day. You take
it in the same dose and at the same time each day. If the type of preventive
medication you take does not work well, you may need to try a different kind.
Usually, you take one type of preventive medication for about 4 to 8 weeks to
see how well it is working before your doctor will decide to switch
medications.
