What Are Drug Side Effects?

Drug side effects are unintended reactions that occur when taking medication, ranging from mild discomfort to serious health risks. These effects can vary based on dosage, individual health conditions, age, and interactions with other medications.

Common types of drug side effects

• Mild side effects: Nausea, dizziness, fatigue, or dry mouth that may improve as the body adjusts.
• Serious side effects: Severe allergic reactions, irregular heartbeat, or difficulty breathing that require immediate medical attention.
• Long-term effects: Some medications can cause gradual changes, such as bone loss with long-term steroid use or liver damage from certain pain relievers.

Why are side effects a concern?

• Older adults and those with chronic conditions may be more sensitive to side effects due to slower metabolism or multiple medications.
• Ignoring side effects can lead to worsening health—for example, dizziness increasing the risk of falls.
• Some side effects mimic other conditions, making it difficult to recognize them as medication-related.

How Solace can help

A Solace advocate can help you track symptoms, document side effects for your doctor, and ensure all your providers have a full picture of your medications. If side effects become disruptive, an advocate can also assist in scheduling follow-ups or discussing alternative treatment options with your healthcare team.

What to do next

Experiencing side effects? A Solace advocate can help you communicate with your doctor, coordinate care, and keep track of medication changes. Find an advocate today.