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Answers from
The Pharmacists
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Topic: Drugs, Compliance
Question: I’ve been taking a medication for two weeks, and it doesn’t seem to be working. Can I stop taking it?

Answer:It’s important to keep in mind that different medications take different amounts of time to produce results.

Some medications may produce immediate results, while others produce their effects more gradually. For example, many antidepressants may take up to 12 weeks to produce noticeable results.

Certain medications may be working even though you do not “feel” any different. For instance, high blood pressure has no symptoms; it is a “silent” disease. Therefore, people can’t tell if the blood pressure-lowering medication has improved their condition. The only way to evaluate how the medication is working is by having a blood pressure reading done by their healthcare professional. With some medications, a blood test may be necessary to see if the medicine is doing its job.

Do not stop any medications without first consulting your physician. And do contact your doctor or pharmacist with any questions about your medication.

Get more information about your medication.

View the Walgreens.com Ask a Pharmacist Archives for a list of all commonly asked questions.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment of your medical condition. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of the scientific literature may vary. Walgreens' terms of use and general warranty disclaimer apply to all services provided. If you are in need of immediate medical attention, contact your physician, poison control center or emergency medical professional. If you need to speak with a pharmacist for non-emergency matters, contact your local Walgreens pharmacist or call a Walgreens.com pharmacist toll-free at 1-877-250-5823.

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