Side effects: how to spot them and what to do

Side effects are changes your body makes when a medicine does more than its main job. They range from tiny annoyances — dry mouth, mild headache, or a queasy stomach — to serious problems like breathing trouble, chest pain, fainting, high fever, or a fast-spreading rash. Knowing what to expect, how to reduce risk, and when to act saves time and can prevent harm.

Read the patient leaflet and the pharmacist notes every time you get a new prescription. Those sheets list common side effects and the rare ones that need urgent care. Pay attention to timing: if symptoms start soon after a dose change, that link is important. Keep a simple log with the drug name, dose, time you took it, symptoms and how long they lasted. That short history helps your clinician decide if the drug should be adjusted or stopped.

When to call for help

Call emergency services for breathing problems, sudden chest pain, fainting, severe swelling of the face or throat, and signs of a serious allergic reaction like hives or blue skin. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have persistent vomiting or diarrhea, severe dizziness, new or worsening mood changes, or signs of liver trouble (yellowing skin or dark urine). If a rash is widespread or blistering, get immediate care.

How to reduce common side effects

Never mix medicines, supplements, or alcohol without checking first. Many interactions increase risk — even herbal products or grapefruit juice can matter. Ask your pharmacist about potential interactions and the safest timing for each drug. Take pills with food if recommended to cut stomach upset. For drowsiness, try taking the dose at bedtime until you know how it affects you.

Small practical steps can ease effects. Drink water for dry mouth, use antacids or bland foods for mild nausea, and use a cool compress for local skin irritation. If fatigue is a problem, split activities across the day and ask whether a lower dose could work. Never stop long-term medications suddenly—some drugs need a taper to avoid withdrawal. Your doctor can suggest a safe plan.

Keep an up-to-date list of everything you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Bring that list to every appointment. If you bought medicine online, save the product label and order info—brands can vary and names sometimes differ from what your doctor expects. Report serious or unexpected side effects to your country's medicine regulator; these reports help find hidden risks and protect others.

Trust your instincts. If a new symptom feels wrong after starting a medicine, make a quick call to your pharmacist or clinic. Small records and early phone calls often stop problems from getting worse. With clear steps and good communication, you can take medicines with more confidence and fewer surprises.

Examples: statins often cause mild muscle aches; some blood pressure drugs cause dizziness when standing; antibiotics can upset the gut. If a symptom matches a known pattern, note timing and severity so your clinician can act fast.