Questions for your doctor

You and your family can help your doctor find the right medications for you. Discuss your medical history and medications you take with your doctor. Also tell your doctor life plans such as hoping to have a baby. After taking the medication for a short time, you should tell the doctor how you are feeling. It is especially important to talk about side effects. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and professional organizations recommend patients or family members ask the following questions when a medication is prescribed:

• What is the name of the medication, and what is it supposed to do?
• How and when do I take it, and when do I stop taking it?
• What foods, drinks, or other medications should I avoid while taking this?
• Should it be taken with food or on an empty stomach?
• Is it safe to drink alcohol while on this medication?
• What are the side effects, and what should I do if they occur?
• Is a Patient Package Insert for the medication available?

Adapted from NIMH (2002). Medications (4th edition). NIH Publication No. 02-3929. Accessed on October 24, 2005 at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/medicate.cfm.