Nearly 70 percent of Americans take at least one medication. October is “Talk about Your Medications Month”.

Whether for short-term or chronic illness, prescription medications have become an increasingly important part of treatment. It’s up to you to find out what these medications are and how they will affect your body.

WHEN SHOULD THE DRUG BE TAKEN? The medicine bottle should spell out instructions. You should tell your doctor about your alcohol, tobacco and drug use as these products can affect how well your medicines work. Some medicines can, or when combined with alcohol lessen your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Some medicines must be taken with food, while others are more effective on an empty stomach. There are other medications that need to be separated from specific types of food or vitamins so that they can absorb into the body better.

WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE DRUG? It’s important to know the names of your prescriptions and remember the brand name as well as the generic name. This can be important information in an emergency.

HOW DOES THE DRUG WORK? Medication plays an important role in managing disease, but it can be harmful if taken incorrectly. You need to understand what it’s doing to your body to accomplish the healing process. For example, a common drug to treat high blood pressure is a diuretic. This type of drug is recommended because it is inexpensive, has few side effects and is nearly always effective, either by itself or with another drug, in lowering blood pressure.

Many persons with high blood pressure have a tendency to retain fluids. The diuretic causes the body to eliminate this fluid. You’ll probably urinate more frequently when taking a diuretic, and your blood pressure will lower. When you are aware of how the drug works, you can avoid a common pitfall: salt. Salt will increase your blood pressure and overwork your kidneys ridding your body of excess fluid.

Anticholinergics are drugs used to treat depression or Parkinson’s disease. They may be prescribed for overactive bladder or allergies. Effects of these drugs on the neurological system include confusion, and one study found a connection between anticholinergics and the risk of dementia. If you have bladder problems and are concerned about memory loss, you may want to talk to your doctor about alternatives to anticholinergic drugs such as Detrol Vesicare or Toviaz.

INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS, SUPPLEMENTS: It is important to read and understand the overthe-counter drug labels. The labels contain information about ingredients, uses, warnings and directions. Drug labels may change as new information becomes known. That’s why it’s especially important to read the label every time you use a drug.

If you see several doctors and take multiple drugs, be sure that each doctor has a full list of all the medications and supplements you are taking. A diuretic, for high blood pressure, taken with a large dose of an anti-inflammatory drug could make the diuretic less effective.

HEED THE WARNINGS: Most medications have side effects. Side effects can be relatively minor, such as a headache or dry mouth. They can also be life life-threatening, such as severe bleeding or irreversible damage to the liver or kidneys. Call your doctor if you have any problems with your medications.

WHAT IF YOU MISS ADOSE? What if you can’t remember if you’ve taken a dose? These are questions for your doctor or pharmacist. Every drug is different. Taking an extra dose of levothyroxine could be riskier than missing a dose; too much could cause palpitations and other heart-related effects, although these effects are unlikely with just one or two extra doses.

The general rule for most drugs is: if you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for you next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at you next regularly scheduled time.

COMPLY WITH TREATMENT: Finally, don’t quit taking a prescribed medication or cut back on the dose without consulting your doctor. Drugs are prescribed for a reason. Note some medications are to be taken only “as needed”. It’s up to you to follow through, Sources: Summit Health: Ten Things You Need to Know about Your Prescription Medications; NIA: Safe Use of Medications for Older Adults The Senior Resource Program is located at 445 Fairview, Suite 102, in Ponca City. The telephone number is 580-3829099. A direct email is Seniorresourcespc@outlook.com The Senior Resource Program is supported by the Clark Gerontology Fund, RSVP of Kay County, United Way of Ponca City and the Community Health Foundation of Ponca City. There is no charge for any of our services.