Side effects: What to expect and how to handle them

Almost every medication can cause side effects. The surprise comes when a mild problem becomes scary or when a common drug like Prilosec or Atorvastatin causes something unexpected. This page helps you read labels, spot warning signs, and handle side effects without panic.

Read the label — and think about what matters to you

Labels list common and rare side effects. Common ones are predictable: dizziness from blood pressure meds like Norvasc, upset stomach from Prilosec (omeprazole), or dry mouth with some antidepressants. Rare but serious problems—like severe allergic reactions or warning signs with Decadron (dexamethasone) or ribavirin—need immediate attention.

Ask: which side effects affect my daily life? A small risk of muscle pain on statins may be acceptable if your cholesterol drops a lot. But if fatigue or sexual side effects from an SSRI like Sertraline are blocking daily function, talk to your prescriber about alternatives.

Practical steps when you notice a side effect

First, don’t stop medicine suddenly unless it’s life-threatening. Some drugs (certain antidepressants or steroids) need tapering. Second, check timing: many side effects start in the first days or weeks and fade. If a new problem began after you started a drug like Reminyl (galantamine) or Sarafem (fluoxetine), note the timeline and severity.

Third, manage the symptom. For nausea, try food or take pills with a snack. For mild dizziness, move slowly when standing. For constipation, increase water and fiber. For skin reactions or breathing trouble, get urgent care.

Fourth, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. A simple dose change, switching to a different drug, or adding a short-term fix can solve things fast. If you bought meds online, make sure the pharmacy is legitimate before asking for replacements—check credentials and reviews.

Fifth, watch for interactions. Combining prescription drugs, supplements, or herbal remedies can cause new side effects. For example, mixing blood thinners like apixaban with certain NSAIDs raises bleeding risk. List everything you take and review it with a professional.

Keep records. Note symptoms, when they started, other medicines, and anything that helped. That makes it faster for your provider to act and safer for you to try alternatives like switching from paroxetine to another antidepressant.

Finally, report serious side effects. In many countries you can file a report with health authorities—this helps track rare problems and keeps other people safer.

Side effects can be uncomfortable, but most are manageable. Stay curious, ask clear questions, and don’t hesitate to get help when a symptom looks dangerous. If you want quick reads on specific drugs and their side effects, check our articles on Prilosec, Decadron, Reminyl, Sarafem, and others for real-world tips and signs to watch for.