Fear of Trying New Medications

Psalm 27:3 - Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

As you sit in your doctor’s office, you try to pay attention to what the doctor is saying, but he lost you when he informed you that he was going to put you on a new medication.
 
To most people this may not be a big deal. But for those who suffer from a chronic illness it can mean a change in their lifestyle.
 
A new medication isn’t just worrying about side effects. We all know there will be some. All medications come with a price. Not just a financial one, but how they interact with your body. They can add to the negative effects of other medications you are taking. For example:
 

• New medications can cause increased limited mobility and the need to rise slowly from a sitting or laying position. 
• They can increase stomach distress and slow bowel motility.
• There may be increased nausea or other flu-like symptoms.
• You may need to limit exposure to sunlight.
• It may cause increased dry eye, mouth and throat.
• It may cause dizziness making falling a greater risk.
• It may cause changes in your vision.
• You may need to be extra careful or stop operating machinery or driving which can mean loss of your independence.

 
This is just to name a few. All of these possible negative effects can cause someone who is already on many medications due to battling several health conditions to fear adding one more medication to the list.
 
There is also the judgment factor. People who know you’re already taking a boat load of medications may question you being prescribed more medications even if you explain to them that they are necessary.
 
And who would want to take multiple medications on purpose?
 
So how do we let go of our fears of the affects medications have on us? Psychologytoday.com in their article, “The Side Effects of Drugs: A Strategy,” talks about the fear of side effects new prescription medications may have on us and how to let go of this fear and realize that side-effects are not a reason to avoid taking the drug.
 
Having learned from the article above about medication fears and with the help of a patient doctor, we can start the new medication with confidence.
 
In addition, take a look at the Bible verse above which was about David being surrounded by the enemy, yet he didn’t let fear take hold of his heart. He was confident that even though war had broken out, he knew that God would be his protector. We can also be confident that God will be our protector from excessive fear when starting a new medication.

Learn more