Nurse at state veterans' home in Vineland charged with stealing patients' medications

VINELAND -- A 30-year-old nurse employed by the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home was arrested Sunday and charged with stealing medication from patients there.

Sarah Taman, of Woodbine, was charged with unlawful possession of prescription medication (Vicodin), endangering the welfare of the elderly and theft of prescription medication.

According to police, Taman had been employed as a nurse at the veterans home for the last year. Over the past three months, she allegedly stole medication which was designated for elderly patients on the floor where she worked.

Tylenol, an over-the-counter drug, was allegedly substituted in place of Vicodin, a narcotic prescribed for patients suffering from severe pain.

It is believed 10 to 15 patients may have been victims in the incident, according to Vineland Detective Lt. Thomas Ulrich.

Upon her arrest, Taman was in possession of 8 Vicodin pills, Ulrich said.

DEA quota causes painkiller shortage for legitimate uses

Oxycodone is in short supply in some Colorado pharmacies because of a quota imposed on the powerful painkiller, which is abused by both the sick and the slick.

Good-faith efforts to keep the pills from addicts and pushers are also keeping them from those who desperately need them, say some pharmacists.

"We have customers who bring in a prescription from a doctor every month . . . and now we can't fill them," said Dennis Mantas, owner of Wheat Ridge Pharmacy. "It's a big problem."

Jeannine Hawkins, 68, of Littleton, who takes oxycodone to deal with the pain of cancer treatments, nerve damage and knee surgery, used to be able to get a 30-day supply at a time.

This week, "the doctors today told her they could give her just a 10-day supply because of the shortage," her husband, Wayne, 69, said. He's worried that next time, there will be no pain pills available for his ailing wife.

The Drug Enforcement Administration limits the amount of oxycodone and Oxycontin (the leading brand name) manufacturers can produce, said Val Kalnins, executive director of the Colorado Pharmacists Society.

Each year, the DEA estimates how much Oxycontin is needed to meet the "legitimate medical, scientific, research and industrial needs of the United States," then sets the quota accordingly.

Oxycodone is an opioid, as is heroin, codeine, fentanyl and morphine. Too much inventory heightens the chance of its diversion to illegal uses, the DEA says.

But Mantas says the DEA must not have taken into account that the population is getting older, and that means more aches and pains and cancer treatments that need to be treated by Oxycontin and other pain medications.

A recall by drug maker Mallinckrodt and cutbacks by Ethex have exacerbated the shortage, which started about December, say pharmacists.

Oxycontin, also called "Oxy" or "hillbilly heroin," contains the active ingredient oxycodone and first was made in 1996. By 2001, its use had increased twentyfold.

Doctors are prescribing more pain medication, mostly because people legitimately need it, says Mantas.

Certainly, thieves try to steal from the supply, and there are some doctor shoppers who may get a 30-day supply three times for the same injury, say pharmacists. "But you know your regular customers, and you know their issues," Mantas said.

"We have customers who go to their doctor once a month, and stay right on time, right on task," he said. "We can't fill them. They try to switch to something else, but sometimes it's not covered by insurance.

"We're not going to fill prescriptions willy-nilly for anyone who walks in from the street. The DEA's intentions are good, but they're hitting the wrong end of it," Mantas said.

scanlon@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2897

Call us today to discuss how the V.I.P. Way can free you from your Vicodin dependency and get your life back. Call today: (800)276-7021 or (702)308-6353 Email: info@rapiddetoxlasvegas.com Medical Director: Board-Certified by American Board of Anesthesiology 1994, former chief of cardiac anesthesia, University of Nevada School of Medicine. Board-Certified by American Board of Pain Medicine 1997, Clinical Assistant Professor University Nevada School of Medicine.

Stimulant drugs cause cocaine-like brain changes

A common stimulant drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can cause brain changes in mice similar to those seen in cocaine addiction, U.S. researchers said on Monday.

They said healthy mice exposed to daily injections of the Novartis drug Ritalin, or methylphenidate, developed changes in the reward centers of their brains, and some of these changes resembled those in mice given cocaine.

"Methylphenidate, which is thought to be a fairly innocuous compound, can have structural and biochemical effects in some regions of the brain that can be even greater than those of cocaine," Dr. Yong Kim of Rockefeller University in New York, whose study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, said in a statement.

The study, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, follows a number of studies in humans that have found the drugs to be safe when used to treat ADHD.

It was prompted by reports suggesting that more than 7 million people in the United States have abused methylphenidate, using it to get high or to improve academic performance.

Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, said in a telephone interview that very little is known about the effects of these drugs when used to improve concentration in healthy people.

"What this study shows was in these animals exposure of two weeks to methylphenidate actually produced changes that are comparable to what is seen with chronic exposure to cocaine," Volkow said.

Millions of children take stimulants such as Ritalin and Shire Plc's Adderall to treat ADHD, a condition marked by restlessness, impulsiveness, inattention and distractibility that can interfere with a child's ability to pay attention in school and maintain social relationships.

Volkow stressed that studies in adolescents show methylphenidate does not increase the risk for later addiction, and several have found adolescents with ADHD are far more likely to smoke or abuse drugs, and treatment with stimulants such as Ritalin can lower this risk.

"If you don't treat them as adolescents, actually you may be seeing more abuse of substances," Volkow said.

But she said nonmedical use of methylphenidate and other stimulants may lead to addiction.

Part of the reason there has been an increase in the abuse of stimulant medications has to do with the notion that they are less dangerous than illicit substances, she said.

"This is wrong. They can be as dangerous as illicit substances when used inappropriately."

Sex / Love Addiction

Augustine Fellowship, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

International. 1234 affiliated groups. Founded 1976. 12-Step. Fellowship based on A.A. for those who desire to stop living out a pattern of sex and love addiction, obsessive/compulsive sexual behavior or emotional attachment. Newsletter, journal, information and referrals, conferences and phone support.
Write:
Augustine Fellowship
1550 NE Loop 410, Suite 118
San Antonio, TX 78209
Voice: 210-828-7900
Fax: 781-255-9190
Website: http://www.slaafws.org
E-mail: slaafws@slaafws.org
Verified: 1/8/2007

Sexaholics Anonymous

International. 700 chapters. Founded 1979. Program of recovery for those who want to stop sexually self-destructive thinking and behavior. Mutual support to achieve and maintain sexual sobriety. Phone network, quarterly newsletter, literature and books. Guidelines to help start a similar group.
Write:
Sexaholics Anonymous
P.O. Box 3565
Brentwood, TN 37024-3565
Voice: 615-370-6062
Fax: 615-370-0882
Website: http://www.sa.org
E-mail: saico@sa.org
Verified: 1/11/2007

Sex Addicts Anonymous

International. 736 groups. Founded 1977. 12-Step. Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so they may overcome their sexual addiction or dependency. Open to all who share a desire to stop compulsive sexual dependency. Bimonthly newsletter.
Write:
ISO of SAA
P.O. Box 70949
Houston, TX 77270
Voice: 713-869-4902
Website: http://www.saa-recovery.org
E-mail: info@saa-recovery.org
Verified: 10/29/2007

COSA (Codependents Of Sex Addicts)

International. 50+ affiliated groups. Founded 1980. A Self-help program of recovery using the 12 steps adapted from A.A. and Al-Anon, for those involved in relationships with people who have compulsive sexual behavior. Assistance in starting new groups. Newsletter ($24).
Write:
COSA
P.O. Box 14537
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Voice: 763-537-6904
Website: http://www.cosa-recovery.org
E-mail: info@cosa-recovery.org
Verified: 1/22/2007

S-Anon

International. 280 affiliated groups. Founded 1984. 12-Step. Support group for persons who have a friend or family member with a sexual addiction. Assistance available for starting groups. Conferences and quarterly newsletter ($14).
Write:
S-Anon
P.O. Box 111242
Nashville, TN 37222-1242
Voice: 1-800-210-8141
Website: http://www.sanon.org
E-mail: sanon@sanon.org
Verified: 10/26/2007

Sexual Compulsives Anonymous

International. 118+ groups. Founded 1982. (BILINGUAL) 12-Step. Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from sexual compulsion. Based on the 12-step model of recovery. Newsletter, information and referrals, phone support and conferences. Guidelines for starting similar groups.
Write:
Sexual Compulsives Anonymous
P.O. Box 1585 Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10011
Voice: 1-800-977-4325
Website: http://www.sca-recovery.org
E-mail: info@sca-recovery.org
Verified: 10/29/2007

Sexual Recovery Anonymous

International. 32 affiliated groups. Founded 1990. 12-Step. Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover. For those with a desire to stop compulsive sexual behavior. Online referrals, literature and support also available.
Write:
Sexual Recovery Anonymous
P.O. Box 1296
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Voice: 212-340-4650 (leave message for call back); 323-850-8565 (Los Angeles area) or 604-290-9382 (BC, Canada)
Website: http://www.sexualrecovery.org
E-mail: info@sexualrecovery.org
Verified: 11/12/2007

Overcomers Outreach, Inc.

International. 700 affiliated groups. Founded 1985. 12-Step. Christ-centered support group for persons with any compulsive behavior, as well as their families and friends. Uses 12-steps of A.A. and applies them to the Scriptures. Uses Jesus Christ as 'higher power.' Supplements involvement in other 12-step groups. Newsletter, group development guidelines and conferences.
Write:
Overcomers Outreach
P.O. Box 922950
Sylmar, CA 91392
Voice: 1-800-310-3001
Website: http://www.overcomersoutreach.org
E-mail: info@overcomersoutreach.org
Verified: 4/25/2007

Overcomers In Christ

International. Founded 1987. Recovery program that deals with every aspect of addiction and dysfunction (spiritual, physical, mental, emotional and social). Uses Overcomers goals which are Christ-centered. Resources, literature, information and referrals. Assistance in starting new groups.
Write:
Overcomers In Christ
P.O. Box 34460
Omaha, NE 68134-0460
Voice: 402-573-0966
Fax: 402-573-0960
Website: http://www.OvercomersInChrist.org
E-mail: OIC@OvercomersInChrist.org
Verified: 5/2/2007

Recoveries Anonymous

International. 50 chapters. Spiritual recovery group for anyone seeking a solution for any kind of addition, problem or behavior. Family and friends welcome. 'How To Begin...' guides and 'Start A Group' kit can be downloaded free from the website.
Write:
Recoveries Anonymous
P.O. Box 1212
East Northport, NY 11731
Website: http://www.r-a.org
E-mail: raus@r-a.org
Verified: 9/28/2007

The above information was "verified" as correct on the date at the end of each entry. Since American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse's database is extensive but staffing is limited and information for these organizations can change, it is not possible to keep every entry in American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse database completely current and accurate. Please check with the organizations listed for the most current information.

For additional information on self-help groups, please visit the American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse web site at http://www.mentalhelp.net/selfhelp

If you find information that is not current, please contact American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse at: admin@selfhelpgroups.org

Don't Cut Nutrition from Your Grocery Budget

Trips to the supermarket are getting more and more expensive as the prices of food climb in response to increased fuel costs. If we're to stick to our previous grocery budget, we'll have make some sacrifices - but too often, we start by cutting back on the healthy foods we should be eating more of.

Think about it - white bread is less expensive than whole-grain bread; fatty ground beef is cheaper than the leaner cuts; and sugared cereals are often the ones on sale, not the whole-grain varieties. By always choosing the cheapest products, you may be compromising your health.

I want to encourage you to still make nutritious foods part of your grocery list and think about other ways you can spend less, such as eating at home more often and eating out less. Here are some tips to help you save at the supermarket while still making healthy choices:

* Try to limit your trips to the supermarket to just one a week. This generally cuts down on overall grocery spending and saves you some gas money, as well.
* Make a list and try to stick to it. The only exception should be when you spot a product on sale - stock up on it and increase your overall savings.
* Buy fresh fruits and vegetables when they're in season. Seasonal foods are where the bargains will be.
* Try to purchase locally at a farmer's market. A win-win for you and the farmers. You could even start your own garden.
* Buy more foods in bulk. This often saves money because you're not paying for packaging. But remember: If a food is perishable, only purchase what you can use up soon.
* Limit the snack foods and put more of your money towards healthy meals.

Even though food costs are only going to keep rising, think about your health and don't cut so many corners that you end up shortchanging yourself on nutrition.

Psychotherapy for Depression

It may be an exaggeration to say that there are as many types of psychotherapy as there are therapists, but a great many psychological perspectives and therapeutic techniques have certainly been developed for treating patients with depression. Research studies have even been used to investigate specific types of psychotherapy in the treatment of depression. The use of psychotherapy can be very beneficial, whether done independently or in combination with other treatments such as antidepressant medications.

Psychotherapy can address life circumstances, including factors that may have contributed to the onset of depression or those that perpetuate it. By working with therapists, patients with depression can explore their own role in situations and come up with strategies to make changes in their lives. Psychotherapists can help educate patients about illnesses and offer support related to other treatments, such as maintaining adherence with medications.

The particular advantages of psychotherapy for depression include a relatively rapid and long-lasting improvement in mood. Patients often feel somewhat better soon after beginning therapy. These long-term benefits mean that patients may be less likely to have future recurrences.

The most common forms of psychotherapy for depressed patients are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). Psychodynamic therapy also sometimes may be effective.

Cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT generally is provided during a short-term series of individual sessions that address current issues and strategies for problem solving. CBT is usually structured and goal oriented. The cognitive focus highlights distorted or illogical thinking that contributes to depression. A few examples of distorted thinking:

* focusing exclusively on the negative aspects of a situation
* dreading or expecting the worst possible outcome, however unlikely
* thinking that a situation is unbearable or impossible when it is merely uncomfortable
* making decisions and arguments based on how you feel rather than on objective reality
* concentrating on what you think "should" be, rather than on the actual situation

Often the goal of cognitive therapy is to help patients view themselves in a more positive way and avoid negative assumptions about their current circumstances and the future. Typically, CBT incorporates behavioral plans and homework between sessions.

Interpersonal therapy. IPT is an outpatient therapy that focuses on identifying and solving problems in key areas of a patient's life that are assumed to be contributing to depression. Like cognitive behavioral therapy, IPT is a practical type of therapy that addresses current symptoms. The identified problems typically are in the realms of loss and grief, adaptations of changing life circumstances, interpersonal conflicts and disputes, and social limitations.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy. This type of therapy is based on psychoanalytic theory and examines unconscious conflicts. Current conflicts often are viewed in relationship with early development. It is a less structured approach not specifically designed to directly address the symptoms of depression. However, limited research has demonstrated benefits with longer durations of therapy.

Both CBT and IPT are regarded as standard treatments for depression and their use is supported by numerous research studies. However, these psychotherapies are somewhat limited, especially in severely depressed patients unable to engage in therapy. Often the best response in the treatment of patients with major depression is achieved with a combination of medications and psychotherapy.

Anger and Depression: Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help

The possible beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids on brain development and mental health continues to be an exciting area of research. Certain fatty acids (linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid) are essential in our diets. Like vitamins, we need them but can't make them ourselves. We get them from our food or from dietary supplements. Good sources for these beneficial fatty acids are certain fish and plant oils.

I wrote recently about a study which showed that the amount of fish women eat during pregnancy is correlated to the improvements in cognitive development made by their children by age 3. The conclusion was that more fish was better, except when the species of fish consumed had higher-than-average mercury levels.

Quite a lot of research has investigated the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on particular psychiatric disorders. So far, while no conclusive evidence has shown that omega-3s represent effective treatments for specific diseases, controlled clinical studies have shown some improvement in symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and attention.

Some studies suggest that diets supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids can enhance the activity of serotonin and dopamine pathways in the brain, and this may explain the observed benefits. Data also suggest that supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) yields the best results.

Interestingly, Western diets tend to be low in omega-3 fatty acids. Instead, we're inclined to take in more omega-6 fatty acids, which do not have the same beneficial effects. Some researchers have speculated that the omega-3 dietary deficiency found in developed nations can affect the mental health of these populations and may even contribute to a general increase in aggression and violence within Western societies.

International epidemiologic surveys have further shown that these countries where diets are higher in the omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic acid) have significantly higher murder rates than do those countries where people typically consume foods containing higher levels of the omega-3 fatty acids.

Several small studies have demonstrated that people given extra amounts of omega-3 fatty acids became less aggressive and hostile as a result. Some experts have gone so far as to argue that prisoners should be given supplements or a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids to reduce their hostility and, perhaps, their future criminal behavior.

Researchers at the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) also argue that optimal intakes of omega-3 fatty acids during both early development and adulthood may help decrease aggression and hostility. They suggest that behavioral problems may result from abnormalities in serotonin functioning, especially in the brain's limbic system, which helps regulate emotional responses.

One NIAAA study of 21 domestic-violence offenders found that low levels of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were associated with higher levels of the stress-related corticotropin-releasing hormone, which may encourage violent behavior by increasing fear and anxiety.

It's possible that omega-3 fatty acids affect only the brain's general functioning, so that any mental benefits from these fatty acids do not directly influence the underlying processes that cause specific psychiatric disorders. As usual, more research is necessary.

Beyond their possible mental health benefits, the omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help reduce serum triglyceride levels and aid in the treatment of hypertension. The American Heart Association recommends that all people, with and without cardiovascular disease, eat a diet rich in these compounds.

One downside: Fish oils apparently decrease platelet aggregation and prolong bleeding time, so very large doses sometimes will cause excessive bleeding in those having that tendency.

In the meantime, eat more fish but be careful not to take in too much mercury, which is found in larger fish like tuna and swordfish. Another option is to take omega-3 fatty acid supplements. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies as "generally regarded as safe" a daily dose of up to 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from fish.

Healthy Heart Tips for a Bad Economy

The economic news is enough to weaken anyone's heart, and it sometimes does with people feeling stressed, eating poorly and cutting out workouts while trying to make ends meet.

"We've seen an increase in patients complaining about heart palpitations, anxiety and stress over the past months," Karol Watson, an associate professor of cardiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, said in a news release issued by the school. "Much of heart disease can be prevented. That's why it is so important to follow a healthy lifestyle and to control your cardiovascular risk factors."

UCLA cardiologists offer these tips for adults and children in these tough economic times:

* Eat better; exercise more. Eat a healthy diet, including five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. By cooking simple fresh foods at home, rather than indulging in restaurant fare or fast foods, you can save money and your health. Maintaining a good diet and exercise program -- even if it's just 30 minutes of walking around the neighborhood -- helps you prevent obesity, which adds to the risk of heart attacks, heart failure and diabetes.
* Don't skimp on health care. Putting off doctor visits, especially when you have symptoms, hurts your health more in the long run, as does skipping medications or splitting pills to cut costs. Maintain regular checkups. Look at pharmaceutical company prescription programs if medication costs are a concern for you.
* Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking is an expensive habit that greatly increases your risk of cardiovascular problems. Quitting smoking quickly reduces the risk to your heart.
* Reduce stress. Find a positive outlet -- such as exercise, meditation or the company of others -- to ease stress and improve your health.
* Maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Get your levels checked and talk to your physician about the best plan of action to keep your LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels low and your HDL ("good") cholesterol levels high.
* Check your blood pressure. Hypertension is called the "silent killer," because it exhibits few warning signs. Today, several effective treatments are available for high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is normal, maintain it with a healthy lifestyle.

More information

The American Heart Association has more about maintaining a heart healthy lifestyle.

Medications Prescribed for Depression

There are quite a lot of medications that sometimes are prescribed for the treatment of depression. Here are 3 broad categories:

* the medications that we typically call antidepressants—those approved by the FDA with specific indications for the treatment of depression
* medications prescribed for treating bipolar disorder that may treat or prevent depressive episodes
* certain medications prescribed along with antidepressants to augment their effects, most commonly when an antidepressant alone has not been satisfactory

Meds developed for depression. There are about 20 medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression. While some are similar in their pharmacologic actions, others are unique. It is curious that such a broad spectrum of different types of medications can improve mood.

Which one is best? That depends on the individual. In research studies with groups of depressed people, all of these medications tend to be equally effective; however, sometimes individuals respond better to one or another. Often, the selection of an antidepressant has more to do with avoiding side effects than a particular medication's effectiveness.

Meds developed for bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers developed for bipolar disorder can also help prevent depression, as well as mania. Drugs approved by the FDA for the treatment of bipolar disorder include lithium, lamotrigine (Lamictal), valproate (Depakote), carbamazepine (Equetro), olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone (Respirdal), quetiapine (Seroquel), and ziprasidone (Geodon). Occasionally, other anticonvulsants are recommended for their possible mood stabilizing effects. Meds that augment antidepressants. Many different medications have been prescribed to augment antidepressants. Although the use of several different drugs is supported by research studies, most have not been evaluated by the FDA for this purpose. Among these augmenting medications are lithium, thyroid medications, stimulants, some antipsychotics, and a few miscellaneous drugs. Aripiprazole (Abilify) has been specifically approved by the FDA as an add-on medication for patients with major depression.

Herbal remedies for depression. Are there natural remedies for major depression? People sometime do take herbal preparations or try other alternative-medicine approaches. The remedy that has gained some support from research studies is St. John's wort, which is derived from plants in the hypericum genus. St. John's wort, which is not regulated by the FDA for use in the U.S., is most likely to be helpful in milder cases of depression.

Antidepressants Can Be Lifesavers

Antidepressant medications work equally well for most depressed people, but certain antidepressants may be more effective for particular individuals. Sometimes one antidepressant will be helpful after another has failed, or an antidepressant ultimately may help once another medication has been added to augment its effect.

Antidepressants usually are taken daily. Often it takes several weeks for them to be effective. Although some symptoms may improve early, it may take 6 to 8 weeks or longer to achieve the maximum benefits.

Antidepressants generally are helpful for people suffering with major depression, which is a sustained type of depression lasting for weeks or longer and that affects how people feel and function most days.

Although antidepressants are most helpful for more serious types of depression, they also might benefit people with milder depressions.

Antidepressants decrease symptoms of depression rather than directly elevate mood. They are not really mood stimulants. People without symptoms of mood or anxiety disorders generally will have no positive effects from antidepressants.

When people with major depression have responded well to an antidepressant, generally it is recommended that they continue taking the medication for 6 to 12 months. If they have experienced repeated depressive episodes, often it is suggested that they remain on antidepressant medication indefinitely to prevent recurrences.

When people are discontinuing an antidepressant, usually it is recommended that they decrease the dose gradually to avoid any withdrawal symptoms. However, serious side effects may require a sudden discontinuation of a medication. Always coordinate medication changes with a health care provider.

Some antidepressants need to be started at a low dose that is gradually increased over a period of weeks to avoid side effects. However, many of the newer antidepressants can be started at the full therapeutic dose.

The pharmacologic actions of antidepressants vary considerably. Their positive effects are thought to relate to how they influence the receptors for serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine in the central nervous system. However, their effects on these and other neurotransmitter systems can cause bothersome or even dangerous side effects.

Antidepressants that are safe and effective when taken alone may become ineffective or unsafe when combined with certain other medications or substances. It is important to make sure that all health care prescribers know all meds a patient is taking to avoid undesired interactions.

Antidepressants have helped millions of people. Often they have been life saving. Most people taking antidepressants benefit from them and tolerate them well. Serious side effects are rare, but it is important that they be taken as prescribed.

If you're taking an antidepressant medication, make sure that you know the name and dose of the drug, when it should be taken, whether any particular foods or other substances should be avoided, whether it should be taken with meals, what common side effects you might experience, and any serious side effects that you should alert your prescriber about right away.