Quick Answers
I'm taking three different medications every day, am I at risk of a drug-drug interaction?
Whenever it's necessary to take more than one
medication, it is worth asking your doctor and
pharmacist about possible drug-drug interactions.
Drug-drug interactions can be quite serious. For
example, mixing a sedative and an antihistamine can slow
your reactions and make operating machinery dangerous.
Drug-drug interactions can cause symptoms such as rapid
heartbeat, light-headedness, headache and a sudden rise
in blood pressure, symptoms that can be mistaken for a
serious illness. Pay attention to how your body responds
to medicines and be sensitive to side effects. Don't
assume that these side effects are normal. Check with
your health care provider or pharmacist whenever you
suspect a reaction to medications. However, never stop
taking a prescribed medication without first checking
with your health care provider.
Gail Carlson, MPH Ph.D., Continuing Medical Education, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia
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Last update: Tuesday, November 25, 2008
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