Your List of Meds

How does disclosing your meds on every doctor visit affect your care?

By Annette Beach

EVERY time I visit a doctor’s office, I’m asked to bring a current list of medications to update my medical records. It’s a common routine and something I’ve always understood to be important.

Recently I made an observation that led to this question, “What exactly is the purpose for reviewing my current list of medications?”

Last month, while visiting one of my doctors, we reviewed my list of medications and I advised of changes made earlier this year. As I gave the update, I prepared to be questioned since this was the original prescribing doctor and I was no longer following his orders. When I stated I stopped taking one of the drugs altogether, it was noted, but no questions were asked, which I thought was odd.

During the appointment, I asked about a drop in my blood pressure over the last few months and described the symptoms it created. After a moment of brainstorming, the cause was uncertain, but the doctor had concerns and wanted to explore it further. When I asked if the eliminated drug had anything to do with it, the answer was a definite yes!

This doctor prescribes two of the prescriptions I take daily, one being the drug I stopped taking in March and just brought to his attention! He explained, one pill has a side effect that lowers blood pressure while the other pill can increase it. As long as the drugs are taken together (even though they were prescribed for different reasons and three years apart), they balance the blood pressure and there’s not a problem. However, by eliminating the second drug, the first one will lower the blood pressure too much, causing blackouts, fainting and other symptoms.  

So I ask again, “What exactly is the purpose for reviewing my current list of medications?” If the changes are not reviewed and checked for interactions, withdrawals or side effects, how is the patient suppose to know if the medications are the culprit and making them sicker?

Rightfully so, I should have consulted the prescribing doctor before making the change. But in my defense, I did advise of it at the beginning of the appointment and it didn’t seem to matter. Not to mention, I trusted the doctor who felt the drug was no longer effective and suggested I stop taking it. His reasoning was, why take something if you don’t need it (which makes sense).

If another doctor is going to get involved and give advice, shouldn’t they have a responsibility to review medication lists thoroughly? Have you experienced changes in your medications, causing new symptoms? Do your doctors pay attention to changes or do they follow a routine, which makes you feel ignored? How well do your doctors communicate with each other about your care?