Is Your Drug Therapy Working for You?
Dr. Erica Volk, ND | Last updated July 23, 2026
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 issues, 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, high blood pressure is just one of several risk factors for a cardiovascular event. If a person is otherwise healthy, it could be reasonable to weigh the pros and cons and evaluate whether the cost and potential side effects are worth the slight 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, high blood pressure is just one of several risk factors for a cardiovascular event. If a person is otherwise healthy, it could be reasonable to weigh the pros and cons and evaluate whether the cost and potential side effects are worth the slight benefit.
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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 lower dose than what is routinely prescribed, for any given drug, will be just as effective and prevent the same bothersome side effects caused by the higher dose.
If a medication is helpful but causes bothersome side effects, it's possible that a lower dose could offer the same benefit without the side effects. If this resonates, you could talk to your doctor about whether this approach would be appropriate for you.
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 perfectly positioned 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!
Feel free to learn more about how you can work with me, check out my approach, learn about me, or schedule an appointment online.
This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized medical advice. If you have concerns about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
