How to Coach Yourself and Others Coaching and Counseling in Difficult Circumstances | Page 51

This book is in B&W, not color - Print page in Grayscale for Correct view! Coping with common side-effects of medication Some side-effects occur commonly with more than one type of drug. It is important for patients to know that all drugs have unwanted effects, that these vary from individual to individual and depend on the type of drug and dose being given. Sometimes the side-effects disappear after a few days or weeks, while other side-effects are more troublesome and persistent. It is very important that the patient reports any unwanted effects the drug seems to be having to his/her doctor. The unpleasant effects can often be eliminated, reduced in severity or made more tolerable by a range of simple strategies. The strategies the doctor may suggest include the following. • • • • • Changing to a different medication. Decreasing the dose. Taking the drug in several, smaller doses spread through the day. Taking the medication with appropriate food. Taking extra medication to counteract the side-effects. Strategies that you can advise to help patients deal with side-effects include the following: Side-effect Strategy for coping with it Appetite (increase) Eat a diet low in fat and high in fiber. Avoid sugary or fatty foods. Drink low-calorie soft drinks. Constipation Increase exercise. Increase fiber in diet. Increase fluid intake. Dizziness Get up slowly from lying or sitting. Avoid excessively hot showers or baths. Avoid alcohol, sedatives or other sedating drugs (eg marijuana). Drowsiness Take medication in a single dose before bedtime (talk to the doctor about this first). If you feel sleepy during the day, you should not drive or work with machinery. Dry mouth Ensure a regular fluid intake. Limit alcohol and caffeine (both enhance water loss). Use sugarless gums, fruit pastilles and lollies (sugar will promote dental decay). Suck on ice cubes. If it is very bad, ask your doctor about artificial saliva (Luborant). Stomach upset Take medicine after food. Consult with the doctor. Sensitivity to sunburn Avoid the midday sun. Regularly use sunscreen and wear a hat, sunglasses and shirt. Ask your doctor for a prescription for sunscreen. For [email protected] Property of Bookemon, do NOT distribute 53