Because some medicines — such as sleeping pills, pain medications, or mental health medications — have a reputation for causing dependency or addiction, it’s understandable that you may feel nervous if they’ve been prescribed to you.
Remember: “Your doctor will always take into account the benefit versus risk when prescribing a medication,” says Preeti Parikh, MD, Executive Medical Director at GoodRx and pediatrician at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Still, it’s important that you feel OK about the medication you’re taking.
Preeti Parikh, MD is the Executive Medical Director at GoodRx and served as the Chief Medical Officer of HealthiNation.
References
American Medical Association. (2023). Medication adherence: Improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.
Bansilal, S., et al. (2016). Medication adherence and long-term CV outcomes. American College of Cardiology.
Magid, K., et al. (2016). The 7th vital sign: Why we should care about medication adherence. American College of Cardiology.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2011). Research report series: Prescription drug abuse.
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