Judie Rappaport: Make sure to ask Mom's doctor about new prescriptions

Dear Judie: Mom (83) got two more prescriptions from her doctor yesterday. This makes eight medications, and I'm wondering if she needs them all. She has no idea what the medications are for and no information on the potential side effects. Isn't this dangerous?

— Marv, Port St. Lucie

Dear Marv: Eight medications without conscious medication management may put the patient at risk for serious adverse reactions. To stay safer, do not leave your doctor's office with new medications without answers to these five questions:

1. What is this medication for? Most drugs have more than one use. Knowing why you need this medication is motivation for taking it: Up to 50 percent of patients do not follow doctors' advice when it came to medications; more than 20 percent of first-time patient prescriptions are never filled."

2. What if I don't take this medication? Here's a good example of risk: Without high blood pressure medication, you raise your risk for heart attacks or kidney damage. Guessing is similar to Russian roulette — ask your doctor.

3. When will this medication start working? A week? Thirty days? An hour? Depression medication may take weeks; pain medication may work in an hour or two. Knowing what to expect will help you keep taking your prescription and give you confidence to call your doctor for help if the medication doesn't work for you.

4. What are the potential adverse reactions from this medication? Many medications can cause upset stomachs, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and a host of other adverse reactions you don't want. Knowing the potential hazards will alert you to call your doctor immediately. She/he may adjust the dose, the time you take the medication, or change the medication.

5. Can I take this medication with my other medications? Your doctor can't answer this potentially lifesaving question unless you bring a list of all your prescriptions with doses and times you take them. Many vitamins, aspirin/ibuprofen, herbal, and other nonprescription products interfere with prescription medications so be sure to add those to your list.

Medicine has advanced to a wonderful healing and extremely complicated science. Help your doctor help you. You have the most to gain.