Drug Interactions

Just a quick post today.  I found a great site for anyone taking multiple medications.

First, be sure your tell your doctor about the medications you already take, the over the counter (OTC) medications you take on a regular or even occasional basis (from vitamins to Tylenol (c) for a headache, and even any herbal medications you take. 

I am currently compiling a booklet on drug interactions and I'm seeing some scary things when it comes to interactions that can increase or decrease the effect of a prescription drug, or even make it deadly.  The booklet will be reviewed by a registered pharmacist before it is published and ready for sale. 

Please, if you have any questions at all, check with your doctor or pharmacist. 

Tonight, my mother asked about taking one of her regular pain medications, Tramadol, with medication for her neuropathy, Lyrica.  I used this site to determine the interaction:  http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html

There is a disclaimer that you must agree to, but then you can enter 2 or more drugs and find out if you should be concerned about mixing them.  If you have any questions, contact your doctor or pharmacist for clarification before taking the medications. 

Remember, doctors today are often rushed.  Some do not go back and verify what medications you are already taking before adding something new.  It is up to you to be an involved patient or caregiver and make sure the doctor has all the information they need to give you the best care possible.  Check the page "Medical History Example" for details.  If you wish, you can write your medical history and print out just the medications section to take with you on each doctor's visit so you have all the names and dosages of what you take handy for the doctor.  (HINT: Before each appointment, be sure to mark any medications you need refills for so you can show it to the doctor.)

Be well everyone...

Until next time,

Kathy