Look Inside Young Adult Road Map

4
Guiding Star Point four: Manage Information
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Stopping
a Medication
You experience the world in your
own way. You know how you feel.
So, it may be difficult to keep taking
medication(s) if you no longer feel a
condition interferes with your daily
life. It can be difficult if you don’t
like the way a medication makes
your body feel. If you think you need
to stop taking your medicine, consult
with a licensed medical practitioner
(such as a doctor or a licensed
nurse practitioner). Talk with this
provider about the pros and cons
of stopping a medication. You
may actually need to change to
something that works better for you.
Stopping medication on your own
can hurt you physically and
emotionally. It can harm those
around you, including your family
and friends. If you need to stop
taking a medication, your doctor or
nurse practitioner needs to help you
plan how to do that safely.
Guiding Star Point Four Review
1. The facts in your files tell a story about you. As an independent adult with your
own voice, managing your own information means taking charge of your story.
2. Your job as information manager has five parts: (1) organize records,
(2) maintain the treatment plan routine, (3) record treatment progress and
other observations in daily life, (4) share this information with your providers,
and (5) inquire about any health information that can help you understand
your own care.
3. A two-inch, three-ring binder is a good way to keep paperwork organized
and available for appointments, phone calls, and anytime you need to check
information.
4. Pharmacists can be excellent sources of information about medications. Most
are willing to spend time making sure you have all the facts. Pharmacists also
know a lot about your prescription drug insurance.
5. A solid routine is the key to taking medications safely. Put your medications in
a seven-day pill organizer (if you are not required to keep them in the original
containers). Consider using reminder apps or Activity 4.2, My Medication Log.
6. Make written notes in a journal (or use the Activity worksheets with this Guide)
to make notes about side effects and other incidents that happen between
visits. It can be hard to remember past details during an appointment. Share
what’s happening honestly with your provider.
7. Ask questions about your medications, tests, and any information in your files
you don’t understand. This is YOUR story, and the information affects decisions
about YOUR life.
Change
the
conversation
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