Stress and Medication: How a Pharmacist Can Help You Manage Side Effects

In one’s busy lives, stress is something many of us encounter daily—whether from work, family, or the world around us. But what if I told you that stress doesn’t
only affect your mood or energy levels? It can also significantly influence how your medications work and intensify side effects. While you may already have
a basic understanding of taking medications, grasping this connection can help you maintain better health. The good news is that help is available to guide
you through it all. In this blog, we’ll explore the link between stress and medication side effects, as well as how pharmacists can assist you in managing them.
What Is Stress and How Does It Affect Your Body
Stress is your body’s natural response to challenging situations. When you’re stressed, your brain signals the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol,
preparing you for “fight or flight.” This response can be helpful in short bursts, such as dodging a car while crossing the street. However, when stress persists
for weeks or months—known as chronic stress—it begins to cause problems.
Chronic stress can disrupt your digestion, raise your blood pressure, weaken your immune system, and even lead to anxiety or depression. These changes
affect not just your mind but your entire body, including how it processes medications. For example, stress can slow down your digestive system, making it
harder for pills to be absorbed properly. If you’re already managing health issues that require medications, this added layer can complicate things.
The Connection Between Stress and Medication Side Effects
Medications are designed to address specific problems, such as lowering blood pressure or relieving pain. However, they often come with side effects, such
as headaches, nausea, drowsiness, or changes in mood. Stress can amplify these side effects or reduce the effectiveness of your medications in several ways:

• Altered Drug Processing – Stress affects how your body processes medications, from absorption in the stomach to their breakdown in the liver. For
  instance, if stress disrupts your digestion, oral medications may not work as effectively, leading to more severe side effects or the need for dose adjustments.
• Worsened Symptoms – When you’re stressed, you may experience side effects more intensely. Studies show that anxiety and stress can heighten
  awareness of or sensitivity to medication-related issues, such as fatigue or stomach upset. Moreover, depression linked to stress can be a side effect of
  some medications, creating a vicious cycle.
• Forgetting or Skipping Doses – Stress can lead to forgetfulness, resulting in missed doses. This may cause rebound effects, like higher blood pressure
  if you skip your hypertension meds or increased anxiety. Poor adherence can make side effects seem worse when you take medications irregularly.
  Common examples include blood pressure medications, where stress can spike your readings and make side effects like dizziness more noticeable. For
  antidepressants and anxiety medications, stress might heighten side effects such as weight changes or sleep disturbances. The key takeaway? Stress isn’t just
  “in your head”—it physically interacts with your treatments.
  How Pharmacists Can Step In to Help
  Pharmacists are not just behind the counter counting pills; they’re trained experts who can make a real difference in managing your medications, especially
  when stress is involved. Here’s how they can assist:
• Personalized Advice on Side Effects – Pharmacists can explain potential side effects in simple terms and suggest ways to minimize them. For example,
  they may recommend taking medications with food to ease stomach issues or adjusting the timing to avoid daytime drowsiness. If stress is exacerbating
  your situation, they might suggest lifestyle tips, such as relaxation techniques, or check if a different medication would be more suitable.
• Medication Therapy Management (MTM) – This service allows pharmacists to review all your medications, identifying potential interactions, duplications, or
  issues related to stress. They work with your doctor to optimize your plan, helping to reduce side effects and enhance the effectiveness of your medications.
• Improving Adherence – If stress causes you to forget doses, pharmacists can help set up reminders, pill organizers, or even blister packs to assist with
  adherence. They can also answer questions about costs or alternatives, making it easier to maintain your routine.
• Spotting and Preventing Problems – Pharmacists can identify and prevent errors before they occur, such as incompatible medications that could worsen
  stress-related side effects. In some cases, they may conduct home visits or phone check-ins to ensure everything is on track.
  By discussing your stress levels openly with your pharmacist, you provide them with the information they need to tailor their help. It’s like having a medication
  coach on your team.
  Take Control with Your Pharmacist’s Support
  Stress and medications can create a challenging mix, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Your pharmacist is a valuable resource in helping you manage
  both stress and the side effects of your medications.
  Stay healthy,
  Nigel Dube
  Pharmacist, Pioneer Wholehealth Pharmacy