Is your Drug Therapy Working for You?
Dr. Erica Volk, ND
How do I know if my medication is right for me?
Medications are prescribed for all kinds of problems — depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, infections, heartburn, pain, blood sugar, thyroid disorders, anxiety… You get the point. If you're reading this, I'm guessing you are currently taking one or more medications to support your health. But is drug therapy always appropriate? And are there good and effective alternative treatments to medications?
It can be difficult for patients to navigate the world of drug therapy. After all, we’ve always been taught that our doctor knows best and that we should just take the medication our doctor prescribes. But due to factors like high cost, and unpleasant or even harsh medication side effects, more and more people are turning away from medication management and turning toward natural solutions to improve their health.
It can be difficult for patients to navigate the world of drug therapy. After all, we’ve always been taught that our doctor knows best and that we should just take the medication our doctor prescribes. But due to factors like high cost, and unpleasant or even harsh medication side effects, more and more people are turning away from medication management and turning toward natural solutions to improve their health.
You may be surprised to learn that the evidence of benefit for many drugs is marginal at best, and often these drugs can come with bothersome side effects and a hefty price tag! We have to ask: is drug therapy always worth it?
Here’s an example:
The average blood pressure medication reduces blood pressure by about 7 points systolic and 4 points diastolic. This means if your blood pressure is 150/90 mm Hg, you could expect to see your medication reduce your blood pressure to about 143/86 mm Hg. For many people, this many not be enough of a benefit if they also experience annoying side effects like a chronic cough or fatigue. Plus, given that high blood pressure is simply one of many risk factors for a cardiovascular event, if a person is otherwise healthy, we really have to weigh the pros and cons and ask ourselves if the cost and potential side effects are worth the marginal benefit.
Here’s an example:
The average blood pressure medication reduces blood pressure by about 7 points systolic and 4 points diastolic. This means if your blood pressure is 150/90 mm Hg, you could expect to see your medication reduce your blood pressure to about 143/86 mm Hg. For many people, this many not be enough of a benefit if they also experience annoying side effects like a chronic cough or fatigue. Plus, given that high blood pressure is simply one of many risk factors for a cardiovascular event, if a person is otherwise healthy, we really have to weigh the pros and cons and ask ourselves if the cost and potential side effects are worth the marginal benefit.
Medication tip: Take the minimum effective dose
Many people don’t realize the medication dose they are prescribed is often much higher than what is necessary to achieve the desired outcome. Often using a much lower dose than what is commonly prescribed, for any given drug, will be just as effective and prevent the same bothersome side effects caused by the higher dose. I don’t know about you but if I’m taking a medication, I want the lowest effective dose possible!
Offering effective medication alternatives
If you’re taking medications for management of your health problems and are wondering if it is working for you, or if there might be alternative solutions available, please connect with me.
As a naturopathic doctor, I’m uniquely poised to help people navigate the pros and cons of their drug therapy program and explore effective natural alternatives that may be more appropriate. My ultimate goal with all my patients is that they will eventually improve their health to the point that they don't need any medications (or supplements) at all!
**It can be difficult to find a doctor in BC. If you're looking for a primary care doctor in BC who is accepting new patients, I can help. Appointments are available in-person in Kelowna or virtually from anywhere in BC.
Feel free to learn more about how you can work with me, check out my approach and philosophy, learn about me, or schedule an appointment online.