If you go to a primary care clinic for concerns about your health, it is likely that the doctor will write you a prescription as part of the treatment. Make sure to ask them some follow-up questions. Even if you have a good relationship with them and trust their medical expertise, it’s natural to want to understand what is going on—and will be going into—your own body. The following guide offers some suggestions for topics to bring up.

What to Know Before Leaving Your Primary Care Clinic

1. What Is the Purpose of This Medication?

If you’re recently diagnosed, ask your doctor to explain the details of your condition—what body parts is it affecting and in what ways? How is this medication counteracting the problem? Is it meant to address your symptoms or the root cause? 

2. Are There Any Alternatives?

Although the prescription your doctor initially prescribes might be a viable option, it doesn’t hurt to find out what alternatives are available. Some pharmacies might not carry the name brand they suggest—or the generic version might just be cheaper. In other circumstances, such as with birth control, the side effects might be slightly different by brand. 

3. What Is the Right Way to Take the Medication?

Most prescriptions come with written instructions on the bottle about how to properly administer the medication. However, you should still ask your doctor this question before leaving the primary care clinic to ensure consistency throughout the process. On a daily basis, when and how often should you take the medication? Do you need to eat or drink anything beforehand? Are their foods and beverages you should avoid?

4. Can You Modify the Dosage?

If you start to feel better, you might want to cut the dosage in half or stop taking it altogether. However, always clear this with your doctor first. Suddenly stopping a prescription could lead to withdrawal symptoms, while the time release can be broken by splitting a pill, leading to complications.

Not feeling well? Visit the primary care clinic at Santiam Hospital in Stayton, OR. Committed to their clients, these medical professionals offer everything from routine checkups to specialized care, using state-of-the-art equipment. Visit their website to learn more about their offerings or call (503) 769-2175 to schedule an appointment today.