Doctors prescribe medications based on patients' conditions and various factors such as age and weight, and patients must strictly follow the doctor's instructions to recover from illness and avoid unwanted health complications. Here are several mistakes made by some patients when taking medications that endanger their lives, according to the Times of India:
1. **Incorrectly Mixing Medications**
Taking two opposing medications together can make you sick. The interaction of drugs in the body can reduce the effectiveness of each and may lead to serious side effects. For example, taking antidepressants and methadone together can create undesirable health issues.
2. **Taking Medications Without Knowledge**
When your doctor prescribes new medications or if you are taking over-the-counter medications, it is best to gain full knowledge about them. You should understand how to take the medications, when to take them, and their side effects. Being well-informed about the medications you will be taking can prevent medication errors.
3. **Taking High Doses**
You should always take medications as prescribed by your doctor. High doses of medications can lead to serious liver damage and may also cause other severe side effects. Additionally, it can result in drowsiness, confusion, chest pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
4. **Irregular Medication Intake**
If you do not take your medications regularly, you are putting your health at risk. It is vital not to skip doses of antidepressants, stimulants, and blood thinners as doing so can pose a serious threat to your health.
5. **Taking Medications on an Empty Stomach**
Just as the wrong mix of food can hinder drug absorption from the stomach into the body, some medications should be taken on an empty stomach while others need to be taken after eating. Ignoring these minor details can reduce the effectiveness of the medications and may cause digestive issues.
6. **Taking Medications Without a Prescription**
This is a common mistake made by many people, who diagnose symptoms themselves and take medications accordingly, which can sometimes lead to taking the wrong medications that do not treat the illness and cause unwanted health problems. It is better to consult your doctor before taking any kind of medication as it relates to your health.
7. **Taking Someone Else's Medications**
Just because you and another person both have high blood pressure does not mean you need the same medication. Doctors prescribe medications based on your fitness level, age, and other medical complications. Taking someone else’s medications can worsen your health condition.
