sELF-rEFLECTIONS AND aDVOCACY

Weighing the pros and cons of taking a medication

This video contains some strategies for weighing the pros and cons of taking a medication. This information is also described in more detail below.

It is important to think about your overall health goals when deciding if you want to start a new medication or continue taking a current medication. Having some goals in mind can help when you are considering the pros and cons of taking a new medication.

For example, do you want to:

• Have reduced symptoms?
• Improve motor function?
• Return to work?
• Spend quality time with friends and family?

Your goals can change over time. That is why it is important to reflect on your goals periodically and determine what matters to you.

Goal Setting

Goal setting is an important part of feeling better and taking ownership of your health. A common method of goal setting is using SMART goals. SMART goals refer to the following:

S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Attainable or achievable
R – Relevant
T – Time related

For example:

I will use a calendar or journal to track my medications by the end of this month. I want to be sure I am taking my medications as prescribed, so I’ll enter key information such as doses, start date, and last refill date into the calendar.

This is a good example because it is:

Specific: The type of goal is well-defined (entering medication schedule into a calendar or journal).

Measurable: You can determine your progress by filling in the journal or calendar.

Attainable: Tracking medication schedules can help you stay organized.

Relevant: You want to ensure you are taking your medication as prescribed, so a method of organization is relevant and important.

Time-based: The goal has an achievement end date (one month).

Goals you set can be related to your physical health, pain level, social wellbeing, and everyday tasks. Communicating your goals to your healthcare provider can help ensure that you are working collaboratively to accomplish your goals.

Your goals can influence the way you assess the pros and cons of starting a new medication or continuing a medication.

Some positives (pros) of taking a medication may include:

• A decrease in symptoms such as pain and spasticity Condition in which muscles become stiff, tight, and difficult to control.
• Improvement in function such as bowel and bladder regulation
• Increase in overall quality of life

Some negatives (cons) of taking a medication may include:

• Unwanted side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment.
• High medication costs
• Difficulty accessing the medication
• Disruptions to daily activities due to taking the medication
• Long-term safety concerns

Strategies for weighing pros and cons of taking a medication may include: 

1. Talking to your healthcare provider: Speak to your healthcare provider and tell them about your goals and any potential concerns or questions that you may have.
2. Talking to your family members and peers: Speak to family members and friends to discuss the pros and cons of the medication. Share your thoughts and listen to their ideas to make an informed decision.
3. Reading or listening to information from different sources: You can find different perspectives by doing research online (e.g. visiting official medical websites, reading peer reviewed articles), talking to people around you, and finding online support groups for people with SCI/D Spinal cord injury or dysfunction. . By exploring different perspectives, you can learn about a medication’s benefits, risks, and suitability for your health needs and goals.

Remember to discuss your thoughts, including pros and cons, with your healthcare provider so you can work together and create a plan that works best for you. Refer to Module 2: Medication-related sources of information and Module 3: Involvement in medication-related decisions.