Drugs and Medication

A medication is a licenced drug taken to cure or reduce symptoms of an illness or medical condition.

How do drugs work?

Drugs are chemicals or substances that change the way our bodies work. When you put them into your body (often by swallowing, inhaling, or injecting them), drugs find their way into your bloodstream and are transported to parts of your body, such as your brain. In the brain, drugs may either intensify or dull your senses, alter your sense of alertness, and sometimes decrease physical pain. A drug may be helpful or harmful. The effects of drugs can vary depending upon the kind of drug taken, how much is taken, how often it is used, how quickly it gets to the brain, and what other drugs, food, or substances are taken at the same time.

The reality is that drugs are unpredictable. The effects can vary wildly from one person to another, with factors like where a person is, who they're with and their general state of mind all influencing the experience.

Tips for Taking Medicine

If not used in properly, medicine can make you sick. One of the best ways use medicine safely is to understand what your medicines are treating. Below is a sample list of things to do while taking medicine.

• Always take your medicine as recommended. If in any doubt contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
• Don't stop taking your medicine or adjust the dose or change how often you take it without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Tell your doctor doctor about your complete medical history, including such as allergies (especially drug allergies).
• Tell your doctor if you have any side effects.
• Store medicine in the original container, where the label identifies it and gives directions.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
• Keep all medicine out of children's reach. Some medicines, are very toxic to children.
• Throw out medicine if the label date says that it has expired.

Here are some common drugs side effects

Side effects are what a drug does to you that you don't want it to do. Medications are prescribed for a specific purpose. Anything else the drug does is a side effect. Some side effects are

• Anxiety
• Headache
• Hypertension
• Nausea
• Sleepiness
• Rash
• Vomiting

Each medication comes with information on its most common side effects. Don't assume that you will get every side effect that's listed!

For information on any drug, you may select it from the left hand side menu.