What to ask yourself before starting a new medication.
You've just been prescribed a medication. Now what? Six considerations to save you time, energy, and money - and help you heal faster.
Happy Tuesday, health heroes.
Today’s newsletter comes with a freebie for you: a fresh new guide for determining whether starting a new medication is right for you! We’re going to get into the nitty-gritty in today’s newsletter, but the guide is right here for you to download. Merry Christmas!
This is a question I get often from my clients: how do I know if a certain medication is the right choice for me? Or, more often, I hear laments about things they wish they’d known before starting a medication. Side effects and lifestyle considerations aren’t often discussed with patients, and sometimes it can be weeks or months into a medication before realizing something might not have been considered, disclosed or discussed.
So. You’ve just been prescribed a medication, or you’re wondering if one is right for you.
Now what?
First off — pause! Breathe. This is your health we’re talking about.
Only you have the power to make the decision that feels right for you.
If the medication you’re considering is necessary — life-saving, that is — you’re going to be looking at your decision through the lens of tradeoffs and smart considerations. The more you know going into a new medication, the better prepared you’ll be.
If the medication you’re considering is potentially helpful but not life-saving or strictly necessary, it’s useful to take a look at all of the options in front of you. Take Sarah, for example. She struggled with debilitating migraines. Her doctor suggested medication, but instead of rushing into it, she took a moment to reflect. By focusing on her hydration, improving her sleep, and reducing stress, she found relief without needing the prescription.
Yes, Sarah prevented potential side effects and cut costs, but most importantly, she took control of her health.
It’s really easy in our culture to get a prescription filled, pop a pill, and expect our health to improve. We’re a medical-first culture rather than a preventative one. We tend to value speedy results over longer-term efforts, and it’s often to our detriment.
But deciding on a medication doesn’t have to be overwhelming or reactive. The moment you are faced with this decision is the perfect time to take control of your health and recognize you have options — more than you thought.
With a bit of reflection and intention, you can find the path that aligns with your health philosophy and life goals. Here’s how to approach this decision with confidence and clarity.
🧱 Start with the Core 4: Are You Building a Strong Foundation?
Before you take that first pill, check in with yourself. Ask:
Am I nourishing my body with whole, nutrient-dense foods?
Am I moving enough to support my overall health and energy?
Am I drinking enough water to stay hydrated and help my body function optimally?
Am I getting the kind of deep, restorative sleep that allows my body to heal?
Sometimes, the root cause of a health issue can be found in these four areas. Small, intentional tweaks to your daily habits can make a big difference—sometimes even resolving the issue completely. Medications can’t always fix what lifestyle improvements can, so it’s worth checking in here first.
It’s also worth noting that most medications are more effective when your Core 4 are balanced. How?
Better absorption and optimized metabolism, for one.
Proper nutrition and hydration provide the body with essential nutrients and fluids that improve digestive and circulatory functions. This allows medications to be better absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and distributed more effectively throughout the body.
Regular exercise improves blood flow, which can help medications reach their target sites more efficiently.
It also reduces stress on your organs, which are working hard to process medications (even simple NSAIDS and everyday painkillers).
Adequate sleep helps reduce stress on the liver and kidneys, which are responsible for metabolizing and excreting most medications. Better-rested organs can process medications more effectively, reducing the risk of drug accumulation or suboptimal outcomes.
Hydration supports kidney function, helping to clear medications from the body at the right pace, avoiding toxicity or inefficacy.
Better overall health also improves immune function.
Exercise, good nutrition, and hydration strengthen the immune system, allowing the body to work synergistically with the medication to combat illness or manage conditions.
Sleep allows the body to repair and regulate itself, ensuring that medications work as intended in a stable and supportive physiological environment.
These lifestyle factors collectively contribute to a healthier body, which can help you heal faster and better handle the demands and mechanisms of medications.
🪜Weigh the Risks vs. Benefits (and What Happens If You Don’t Take It?)
When you’re handed a prescription, it’s easy to focus on the promised results, especially when you’re looking for relief.
But every medication has potential risks, too. Be sure to ask:
What are the possible side effects, and how likely are they to happen?
What benefits can I realistically expect from taking this medication?
What happens if I don’t take it? Could my condition worsen, or are there other ways to manage it effectively?
How long will I need to take this medication, and what happens if I need to stop?
Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to enhance the effectiveness of this medication?
Should I avoid certain foods, supplements, or activities while on this medication?
Also, remember that medications don’t act in isolation—they can interact with each other or affect other systems in your body. Will this medication impact your digestion, energy, mood, or other areas of your health? Taking a moment to understand these effects is key to making a well-rounded decision.
💡Think About Your Health Philosophy
Your health isn’t just about fixing a problem; it’s about living in alignment with how you want to care for your body and mind. If you don’t know, we’ve gone over it in detail here — ask yourself, what’s your health philosophy?
Do you prefer to try lifestyle changes and complementary therapies first, or do you see medications as a critical part of your toolkit? There’s no right or wrong answer—only what feels right for you.
I refer to the Health Optimization Zone — a middle ground where medical, complementary, and lifestyle interventions overlap. What resonates with you?
Making decisions that reflect your philosophy empowers you and keeps you grounded in what matters most.
💰Assess Cost and Effort
Let’s face it: medications often come with financial and practical costs. Take a moment to ask:
Can I afford this medication, and will it fit into my budget?
How will it affect my daily life? Does it need to be taken at specific times or with food?
Is there a generic version or a more affordable alternative available?
Does my insurance cover this medication, and are there programs to help reduce the cost?
What should I do if I miss a dose, and will this medication require frequent refills or visits to the pharmacy?
Sometimes, the effort required to improve your Core 4 is less than the ongoing costs and demands of medication. Weigh these options carefully and choose the most sustainable path for you.
📅 Consider Your Commitment
Medications work best when they’re taken as prescribed, but not everyone is ready to commit to that. Ask yourself:
Am I willing to stick to this medication plan, especially if it’s for the long term?
If I don’t take the medication, am I willing to commit to doing alternative interventions in an effort to improve my health concerns?
If this is a short-term solution, how will I address the root cause of the issue once the medication has done its job?
Commitment isn’t just about consistency—it’s about aligning your actions with your overall long-term health strategy.
🔍 Explore Alternatives and Keep Your Doctor Informed
Medications aren’t the only option. Ask your doctor about lifestyle, complementary, or medical interventions that might work alongside—or instead of—the prescription.
Consider:
Can I try non-medication options first, like improving my Core 4, trying physical therapy, or addressing stress?
Would it be safe to monitor my symptoms for a few weeks while I explore alternatives?
If you decide to wait, let your doctor know. Share your reasons—they’re part of your health team, and keeping them informed ensures you’re working together toward the best outcome.
Medications can drastically impact our lives, for both better and worse. Knowing that you’ve made a clear, well-thought decision keeps you in the driver’s seat of your health.
One more time, if you missed it, here’s the link to the (very aesthetic and concise) medications guide:
So tell me: what are your biggest considerations when deciding whether or not a new medication is right for you?
See you on Thursday, health heroes.
In good health,
Dr. Alice
A little more about Dr. Alice Burron and The Health Navigator Group:
You can find more about The Health Navigator Group at our website: www.thehealthnavigator.org
On Instagram: @the.health.navigator
And learn more about Dr. Alice Burron at her website: draliceburron.com
Or via her personal Instagram: @dr_burron
You can even connect with her on LinkedIn, if you want to be professional about it. 👓
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