Safely balancing medications and supplements: Insights from AnsibleChat
On October 23rd, the second AnsibleChat session of the month brought together peer support group participants to discuss medications, supplements, and their potential interactions with Audra Doyle, a nurse practitioner and clinical team member at AnsibleHealth.
Audra Doyle addressed the topic of supplements and their possible interactions with other medications. She noted that some supplements could interfere with medications, citing cold medicine as an example. She also emphasized the importance of consulting with pharmacists and choosing reputable national brands for supplements, preferably those manufactured in the US.
Throughout the conversation, participants emphasized the importance of staying informed about medications and supplements that they are taking and keeping their healthcare providers aware of any changes in their medications. By maintaining accurate records and discussing potential interactions with healthcare providers and pharmacists, patients can better manage their health and avoid complications from taking incompatible treatments. One participant shared their strategy for keeping track of medications: "I highly recommend that you keep your own list... every time you go to the doctor, have your own little book. Write down what they tell you to stop... when you get a new prescription, put it in your book."
Furthermore, participants underscored the need to be proactive about one's health: "You are the number one most important member of your healthcare team... it is important for you to take really good note-keeping when it comes to your medications."
Later in the session, participants discussed sleep medications and their potential side effects. The need for caution when using sleep aids was highlighted, as they can sometimes lead to unintended consequences such as drowsiness, dependency, or interactions with other medications. It was emphasized that individuals should consult with their healthcare providers and pharmacists to ensure that any sleep medication they take is appropriate for their specific situation and does not negatively interact with other treatments. By being well-informed about the potential drawbacks of sleep medications and seeking professional advice, patients can make better decisions about managing their sleep health while minimizing the risk of adverse side effects.
Inspired by this discussion, we wanted to expand on the topic of sleep in our next AnsibleHealth peer support session scheduled for November 13, 2023. In this session titled "Why Is Good Sleep Important with Audra," we will continue our conversation with AnsibleHealth Nurse Practitioner Audra Doyle and delve into the importance of sleep for overall health and well-being.
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