Most modern medicines are made up of chemicals which destroy pathogens that cause illness. Medicines come in various colors, taste, and shapes depending on the age of the patient and how it is administered. Their effectiveness in destroying microbial organisms and affecting the way the body functions makes it dangerous to take a drug without a prescription. Medicines cure many illnesses and increase the lifespan of many individuals across the globe. However, many drugs have side effects, especially when taken improperly. Here are some reasons, Why you might want to know the side effects of your prescription medicines.

If you have a certain health condition and you are already on medication, notify your doctor before you will get more medicine. Some tablets can have compounds that react and make the drug ineffective or cause stomach problems. You might also get similar drugs, thus overdosing your system. Overdosing overworks your kidneys and liver, which try to remove excess substances. If this problem is not corrected on time, it can lead to organ failure or other complications. Some tablets are not supposed to be taken before and after taking some specific food. It might also make you vomit or lose appetite after some time. There are many medicines that react to milk or other dairy products. Make it a habit to avoid such food that might make the medicine ineffective or even worse, cause you an allergic reaction. 

Some pathogens usually become resistant to some medicines, if you underdose your system. If you forget to take your medication on time, the microorganisms that exist in your body continue to multiply rapidly. Pathogens try to survive by coming up with a new defense mechanism against the drug thus making you very ill. Some drugs can cause addiction when taken in huge doses. Sleeping pills and pain medication can be classified under depressants and opioids respectively. Depressants and opioids are common psychoactive drugs which can cause addiction if you use them for a long period of time. Some might ask, what are psychoactive drugs? They are simply drugs that work by affecting your nervous system, thus altering your perception, mood or consciousness. The body gets addicted to such drugs if you use them on a daily basis. It is advisable to avoid using the same drug for a long period of time to avoid addiction. You can change the type of drug if there is an alternative.

Some prescription medicines increase your heartbeat just a few minutes after using them. Ask your doctor if there is an alternative medication in case you suffer from cardiovascular diseases. If you have high blood pressure, you will feel uncomfortable after taking such medication and it can lead to complications. Avoid drugs that increase the rate of breathing if you have asthma and other respiratory diseases. Such drugs can cause breathing problems which can make you ineffective in doing your work. Avoid getting involved in strenuous activities if you have such complications. 

Some strong prescriptions contaminate the bloodstream and affect many organs. A pregnant woman can have a miscarriage if she takes such medication. Women must notify their physicians about their condition so that alternative medicine can be used. Pregnant women should never take medicine without prescription since it can affect the development of the unborn child.

Most prescription meds have side effects when taken improperly. Some can make you vomit if you take them after eating, others react with other medicines while others become ineffective if you miss a tablet. It is advisable to ask your doctor the right way to use the medicine and what to do if you overdose or underdose. Always tell your partner or close friend about your condition and prescription so that there is someone to remind you to take your medication on time. Don’t forget to call your doctor if your body is not responding to the medication or if something goes wrong.