Side effects: How to spot them and what to do right away

Getting a new prescription can feel like a relief — until the nausea, rash, or dizzy spells start. Side effects are common, but not all are dangerous. This page helps you tell the small stuff from the urgent problems, plus quick steps you can try at home and when you must call your clinician.

Common side effects and simple fixes

Some reactions are predictable and easy to manage. Stomach upset and nausea often come from antibiotics like rifampin or other strong meds. Try taking food, sipping plain crackers or ginger tea, and staying hydrated. If food makes the medicine less effective, check with your pharmacist first. Dizziness or lightheadedness can follow blood pressure drugs; get up slowly, avoid driving until you know how the drug affects you, and mention it to your doctor.

Skin reactions range from mild itch to serious rashes. A new red, itchy patch after starting losartan or another drug might be a mild allergic response — over-the-counter antihistamines can help short-term. But if you see spreading blisters, face or throat swelling, or breathing trouble, stop the drug and get emergency care right away.

Some meds cause sexual side effects or mood changes. Antidepressants and certain pain meds can affect libido or cause sleep shifts. Don’t stop them abruptly; talk to your prescriber about dose changes or alternatives. There are often safer switches that keep benefits while reducing side effects.

Steps to take when a side effect shows up

1) Stop or pause only if the reaction is severe. For mild issues, try simple fixes (food for tummy upset, extra fluids for dry mouth) and monitor. 2) Keep a short log: when you took the drug, what started, how long it lasted. That record makes your doctor’s job easier. 3) Check interactions — many problems come from mixing medicines, supplements, or even grapefruit with prescriptions. Your pharmacist can run an interaction check fast. 4) Ask about alternatives. If a drug like Exelon causes nausea or dizziness, a dose change or different medication may work better for you.

If you suspect an allergic reaction or anything that affects breathing, swallow, or consciousness — call emergency services. For less urgent but worrying reactions, contact your prescriber same day or use telehealth if available. You can also report serious adverse events to your local health authority or FDA MedWatch to help track drug safety.

This tag groups articles that dig into specific side effects — from "Can Losartan Cause Rashes?" and "Rifampin and Stomach Issues" to pieces on topical steroid reactions like Elocon or neurological meds such as Exelon. Browse those posts for drug-specific signs, real-world tips, and how people managed the same problems.

Final tip: weigh the benefits against the risks. Most meds have side effects, but many are manageable. Keep a clear list of your drugs, note any new symptoms, and speak up early — that's the fastest path to a safer, comfortable treatment plan.