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5. Do you need to take medication at a specific time each day? What happens if you don't? In many cases, effects of your medication are determined by time of day when you take them. For example, if you take some types of drugs too late in evening they may interfere with your ability to sleep or to wake up in morning easily. Make sure you talk to your doctor about exactly how you should be taking your medication, as well as ramifications for deviating from that schedule.
6. Will drug alter your motor vehicle skills, mood, or behavior? Medications are used to treat certain problems but that doesn't mean there aren't sometimes unforeseen consequences of taking drug. Many prescriptions come with warnings about not using heavy machinery or driving a motor vehicle while taking drugs. Doctors may also alert patients that drug may cause them to be grumpy or to have other mood changes. Take these warnings seriously and let those around you know of potential changes.
7. What side effects should I watch for? What if side effects worsen? Today, medications often cause mild side effects in patients, such as nausea or sleepiness. Your doctor and pharmacist should tell you what those side effects are. If they don't, you need to ask so you'll know what to expect. You should also find out about potential serious side effects, such as an increase in heart attack risk or possibility of liver damage. If you experience intense side effects after staring a drug, you should talk to your doctor immediately.
David Oliver is the founder of BipolarCentral.com, a one-stop source of information on how to cope and deal with bipolar disorder. Sign up for one of his FREE Mini Courses on bipolar by visiting FreeBipolarCourse.com