Suggestions on avoiding the possible negative impact from your prescription drugs…
* Ask your physician to prescribe the least expensive type of drug, often a generic, that will be effective.
* Try to use only one pharmacy. Saving money now might cause future expenses to be higher.
* Minimize the number of doctors that you visit.
* Talk to your doctor about getting the simplest schedule that is still effective.
* If you begin taking a different prescription, always inform your physician regarding your current medications. Some drugs do not work together.
* Keep taking the drugs even if you don’t think it is working. Sometimes you will not notice the drug’s effects until later on.
* Make sure that you get the prescription data sheet for your medication from the doctor or pharmacist. All of the necessary information is on this sheet.
* Periodically study your prescription schedule in order to remember it accurately.
* Don’t ever drink alcohol while on this medication:
1. Antibiotic drug called metronidazole or trade name Flagyl
2. Pain killers that contain codeine mixed with acetaminophen (Perocet, Roxicet), meperidine (Demerol) or hydrocodone with acetaminophen (Vicidon, Lorcet)
3. Substances that combat anxiety, as well as depression (buproprion, trade name Welbutrin)
4. The beta-blocking drugs propanolol and isosorbide dinitrate (trademarked as Inderal, Isordil and Sorbitrate) OR nitroglycerin
6. Theophylinne (Slo-bid, Theo-Dur, Uniphyl) — Taken for asthma, it often induces drowsiness, which means you could fall asleep while driving. It may lead to significant drops in respiration as well as heart rate. Other side effects include dangerous drops in blood pressure and seizures.
Certain food items are contraindicated when taking certain drugs. Make sure that you ask the pharmacist or doctor if you should avoid any food while on your medication.