Q: I take a lot of different herbs and other supplements. Should I tell my doctor I am taking these, or doesn't it matter?
A: You should definitely have a discussion with your doctor about the supplements you are taking. Unfortunately, studies have shown that the majority of people do not tell their doctor about the complementary or alternative medicines (CAM) they take. Some of the reasons for this are:
- They don't think it matters.
- They fear their doctor won't approve or understand.
- They think it's not their doctor's business.
On the other hand, doctors also frequently don't ask about what CAM therapies a patient is using. In part this might be due to lack of understanding or knowledge of all of the potential benefits and harm that these supplements can cause. Some doctors, however, are very knowledgeable about supplements and other CAM therapies. Doctors must learn to discuss the complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) in order to give proper guidance to the patient and ensure their safety.
First of all, start by telling your doctor the names and doses of all of the supplements you are taking. If a product has a general name like "Living Well," look on the label to see what the ingredients include. There could be many different supplements present in such a product. Write down the names of all of the supplements and doses of those supplements that are present in one pill. Then tell the doctor how many pills you take a day and why you are taking these supplements.
- Are you taking the supplement because a friend told you that you should?
- Or because you believe it helps you?
- Or did another doctor recommend the supplement to you?
Also, be sure to tell your doctor anything that you notice when you take the supplements. For instance, if you think a particular supplement makes you feel better, tell your doctor. It is also important to tell your doctor if you think another supplement does not make you feel well or gives you an upset stomach or a headache. By sharing this information, you are educating yourself and your doctor about the specific effects that particular supplement has in your body.
And finally, one of the most important reasons to talk with your doctor is because some supplements can interfere with medications which can lead to some serious side effects. Supplements can also act like drugs and have profound effects on the body. An increasing number of adverse side effects related to supplements (including death) are reported in this country every day. The good news is that more dollars are being spent now on research to evaluate the effects – both good and bad – of specific supplements.
Your question is a good one, and it is very important for you to tell your doctor what supplements you are taking. If your doctor is not knowledgeable about supplements, ask about any resources that he or she feels are reliable. The following resources can help you learn more about recommended doses, safety issues, actions, and interactions of a variety of supplements. |
