Taking the medication prescribed to you is not always as simple as it seems.  Many people are ill informed about what to do and not to do when taking medications.  Here are the top 3 medication mistakes people make, and why they are so dangerous:

1. Not reading a label

Research has shown that while more than half of women over age of 50 take prescription drugs, nearly a third don’t even glance at the warning labels.  Taking extra pills for symptom relief without discussing with health providers can be dangerous.  It can dramatically increase known side effects and cause irreversible organ damage.

1. Washing it down with alcohol

Alcohol is a substance that interacts with many medications.  Sometimes they can make meds ineffective, and even dangerous.  Mixing alcohol with medication can cause headaches, nausea, and rapid heart rate.  Mixing alcohol and painkillers can dangerously affect cognition, so remember to keep these things separate.

1. Taking too little

Just like taking too much of a medication can be a problem, taking too little of your meds can reduce their effectiveness and may cause flare-ups of the condition they’re supposed to treat.  Some medicines are only effective when one takes it for many months.  It is important to understand that some medicines that treat chronic conditions, such as anti-hypertensive medicines, need to be taken regardless of symptoms.  So even if you don’t have any symptoms, keep taking your meds. Don’t take them only when you have chest pain.

What is the best way to avoid medication mistakes? 

Make a schedule, especially if you take more than one drug.  Think carefully about how you’re going to fit taking the medications into your daily routine.  Make sure you read the labels thoroughly and ask if you don’t understand anything as your doctor or pharmacist. You should also be keeping a running list for you and your doctor.  Include all your prescriptions, over the counter medications and supplements, and even vitamins in this list. If you are taking too many medicines, discuss with healthcare professionals to see if you can discontinue some.

Aside from this, know when to call your doctor.  Dial your doctor right away if you have trouble breathing, experience heart palpitations, or break out in hives.  You should take a note of any allergic reactions to particular medicines and notify your doctor immediately once it happens.