If you’ve ever started a new prescription, chances are you wondered what weird feeling might show up next. Side effects are the body’s way of reacting to a drug, and they can be mild, annoying, or sometimes serious. Knowing the most likely reactions helps you stay ahead, avoid panic, and decide when to call your doctor.
Below you’ll see quick snapshots for some popular meds that often pop up on our site. Each description is short, practical, and focused on what matters most – the symptoms you might feel and how to handle them.
Zoloft (sertraline): This antidepressant can cause nausea, headache, or dry mouth in the first few weeks. Some people notice a slight tremor or feeling jittery. If sleep gets weird or you feel unusually angry, note it and talk to your prescriber.
Sinemet (levodopa/carbidopa): Used for Parkinson’s disease, Sinemet often brings nausea, dizziness, or loss of appetite. A common complaint is “on‑off” periods where movement feels better one minute and worse the next. Watch for sudden mood swings; they can signal a dosage tweak.
Dilantin (phenytoin): This seizure medicine may cause gum overgrowth, balance problems, or a rash that looks like a sunburn. A serious red or purple skin reaction needs urgent medical attention. Blood tests are usually done to keep the drug level in range and prevent toxicity.
Buspar (buspirone): For anxiety, Buspar can give you light‑headedness, mild dizziness, or an upset stomach. Unlike some anti‑anxiety pills, it doesn’t usually cause heavy sedation. If you feel unusually restless or notice a rapid heartbeat, let your doctor know.
Other drug groups like NSAIDs (ibuprofen) often cause stomach irritation, while antihistamines can make you drowsy. The key is to match the symptom with the medication you’re on – that way you can decide if it’s normal or a warning sign.
First thing: keep a simple log. Write down what you took, when you took it, and any new feeling that shows up. A notebook or phone note works fine. Spotting patterns (e.g., nausea every morning) makes conversations with your pharmacist easier.
If the reaction is mild – like a headache or dry mouth – try basic fixes: drink more water, eat a small snack, or adjust the time of day you take the pill. Sometimes splitting the dose into two smaller doses reduces upset stomachs.
For moderate issues such as persistent dizziness, rash, or swelling, call your doctor within 24‑48 hours. They may lower the dose, switch to another drug, or add a short‑term treatment to counteract the side effect.
Seek emergency care right away if you notice any of these: trouble breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, severe skin rash that blisters, sudden chest pain, or confusion. These can be signs of an allergic reaction or toxicity and need immediate attention.
Don’t stop a medication abruptly unless your doctor tells you to – quitting suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms or worsening of the condition you’re treating.
Finally, remember that every body reacts differently. What’s mild for one person might feel intense for another. Keep communication open with your healthcare team, and use reliable sources like MapleMed Pharmacy for up‑to‑date drug info.
