Whether you’re managing an acute illness or handling a chronic condition, medications can help.

But for all the benefits they offer, many medications have side effects — ranging from mild discomfort to more serious health problems.

In fact, 70% of Americans report having at least one side effect when they take a new medication.

If you’re one among many, then it’s important that you understand how your medications work and how to manage the side effects that may come with them so you can stay adherent.

Learn about some of the most common side effects associated with medications, the mechanisms behind those medications, and most importantly, how to manage the side effects you may be facing.
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1. Nausea

Associated Medications

Nausea is common with antibiotics, painkillers (especially opioids), and antidepressants.

Antibiotics, for example, can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and lead to gastrointestinal discomfort (including nausea).

Opioids, especially morphine and oxycodone, can slow down gastrointestinal motility, and cause a buildup that results in nausea.

Certain antidepressants, like SSRIs, can increase serotonin levels in the body and cause upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues.

Management

If you’re experiencing nausea, you should:

• Take your medication with food, if it’s recommended
• Drink plenty of water to soothe your stomach
• Use homeopathic remedies, like ginger or peppermint
• Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods

When to Call a Doctor

Talk to your healthcare provider if nausea persists or worsens after a few days. Persistent nausea can impact your ability to keep food and fluids down and may require additional treatment options.
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2. Drowsiness

Associated Medications

Drowsiness is common when taking antihistamines, sleep aids, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, and opioids.

While the mechanisms are different, the result is the same.

Antihistamines, for example, block histamine receptors — which are responsible for keeping the brain awake and alert — and lead to feelings of drowsiness.

Sleep aids, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and muscle relaxants stimulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity.

By stimulating GABA, they create a sedative effect that leaves you feeling sleepy.

Management

• Take your medication at night, if possible
• Avoid driving or operating machinery, especially at night
• Increase daytime caffeine, but avoid excessive levels
• Get plenty of rest so your body can recover

When to Call a Doctor

If drowsiness affects your daily activities, impairs your ability to function, or persists despite taking precautions, consult your healthcare provider.

You may need to get your medication adjusted or review your treatment plan with your pharmacist.
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3. Headache

Associated Medications

Headaches are common with medications such as birth control pills, nitrates (for heart conditions), and antidepressants.

Birth control pills alter hormone levels, particularly estrogen, which can affect blood vessels in the brain and cause headaches.

Nitrates may widen blood vessels and increase blood pressure to the head, thereby increasing pain.

And, finally, antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) can interfere with blood sodium levels and cause headaches or confusion.

Management

• Rest in a quiet, dark space
• Take acetaminophen, if it’s safe with your medication
• Keep track of headache triggers
• Avoid skipping medication doses, as sudden changes can worsen your symptoms

When to Consult a Doctor

If headaches become severe, frequent, or are accompanied by other symptoms (like vision changes, nausea, or confusion).
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4. Diarrhea

Associated Medications

Diarrhea is often associated with antibiotics, metformin (for diabetes), chemotherapy drugs, and certain antacids (especially those containing magnesium).

These medications can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system.

Antibiotics, for example, can upset the balance of gut bacteria by killing off both harmful and beneficial microbes, which cause diarrhea.

Metformin can similarly disrupt the gut microbiome, increase intestinal glucose and bile acid turnover, and increase GLP-1 concentration — leading to diarrhea.

Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, including those in the lining of the intestines, and cause digestive inflammation and diarrhea.

Antacids containing magnesium can draw water into the intestines, causing loose stool.

Management

• Drink water or electrolyte drinks
• Eat bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet).
• Avoid dairy, fatty, or high-fiber foods
• Consider taking probiotics to get your gut back in balance

When to Call a Doctor

If diarrhea lasts more than a couple of days, becomes severe, or is accompanied by dehydration symptoms (such as dizziness, dry mouth, or dark urine), contact your healthcare provider.

You may need to rule out other causes or treat your dehydration more directly.
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5. Constipation

Associated Medications

Constipation is a common side effect of opioids, iron supplements, antacids containing calcium or aluminum, antihistamines, and some blood pressure medications.

Opioids, for example, inhibit gastric emptying and peristalsis in the GI tract — which results in delayed absorption of medications and increased absorption of fluid. This lack of fluid leads to constipation.

Iron supplements can move water out of the intestines and harden stools.

Antacids with calcium or aluminum can interfere with muscle contractions in the intestines, slowing digestion.

And, finally, antihistamines and certain blood pressure medications also relax smooth muscles and delay bowel movement.

Management

• Increase fiber intake with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Drink plenty of water
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Use over-the-counter laxatives, at the discretion of your healthcare provider

When to Call a Doctor

If constipation lasts more than a week, causes severe discomfort, or is accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, bloating, or severe abdominal pain.
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6. Dry Mouth

Associated Medications

Dry mouth is a common side effect of antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, blood pressure medications, and muscle relaxants.

These medications can affect saliva production or change the composition of saliva, leading to feelings of dry mouth.

Antihistamines, for example, block histamine receptors that play a role in stimulating saliva production and create sensations of dryness.

Antidepressants and antipsychotics can impact neurotransmitters that regulate salivary glands, reducing saliva flow.

Blood pressure medications, particularly those with diuretic effects, increase urine output and can inadvertently lead to reduced saliva production.

Muscle relaxants can interfere with the nerves that control salivation, resulting in a dry mouth.

Management

• Sip water frequently throughout the day
• Use saliva substitutes or mouthwashes designed specifically for dry mouth
• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies to stimulate saliva production
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, as these can worsen dryness

When to Call a Doctor

If dry mouth leads to difficulty speaking, swallowing, or causes dental problems, or if it persists despite using saliva substitute, you may need to reach out to a healthcare provider.
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7. Dizziness

Associated Medications

Dizziness is a common side effect of blood pressure medications, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, sedatives, and certain antibiotics.

Blood pressure medications, especially those that lower blood pressure, can reduce blood flow to the brain, causing dizziness when standing up quickly.

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may affect neurotransmitter levels, impacting balance and equilibrium.

Sedatives can depress central nervous system activity, leading to a feeling of dizziness.

Some antibiotics — especially those that affect the vestibular system — can disrupt balance and cause dizziness.

Management

• Stand up slowly from sitting or lying down to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure
• Stay hydrated and maintain adequate fluid intake to support blood volume
• Avoid sudden or abrupt movements, especially when changing positions
• Limit alcohol and avoid activities that require full alertness (like driving)

When to Call a Doctor

If dizziness is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like fainting, confusion, or difficulty walking. This could be a sign of another underlying health condition.
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8. Insomnia

Associated Medications

Insomnia can be a side effect of stimulants, certain antidepressants, corticosteroids, and some blood pressure medications.

Stimulants — like those used to treat ADHD — can increase alertness and interfere with the ability to fall asleep.

Similarly, some antidepressants with stimulating effects can alter neurotransmitter levels and disrupt sleep.

Corticosteroids, like prednisone and dexamethasone, can affect hormone levels and lead to difficulties with falling or staying asleep.

And, finally, blood pressure medications can also impact sleep by altering blood flow or interacting with other neurotransmitters involved in sleep regulation.

Management

• Take medications earlier in the day, so as not to disrupt your circadian rhythm
• Establish a regular sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine
• Avoid caffeine and other stimulants before bedtime

When to Call a Doctor

If insomnia persists despite these adjustments, affects your daily functioning, or is accompanied by other symptoms like mood changes or persistent fatigue, consult a healthcare provider.

This can help identify if the insomnia is related to your medication or if other underlying issues need to be addressed.
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Conclusion

Understanding and managing medication side effects can be challenging, but it’s essential to improving your health.

Remember, while some side effects are manageable with lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter remedies, others may require a more individualized approach or a discussion with your healthcare provider, especially your independent pharmacist.

Don’t have a pharmacist, or looking to find a new one?

Consult our Pharmacy Finder, which can match you with local pharmacists in your area and help you find a healthcare team that makes you feel right at home.

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