Spring Webinar Series Week 1: The Impact of Medication on Travel Training

Panelists  Jessica Garey MTM Travel Trainer Certified Pharmacy Tech  Pam Canavan MTM Travel Trainer Certified Pharmacy Tech

Medications & Side Effects  All medications may have side effects, but not all patients will experience them Some side effects may not be bothersome Other side effects may cause the patient to stop taking the medication  Sometimes not taking a medication can also cause side effects

Hypertension/High Blood Pressure Medication Side Effects  Dizziness & lightheadedness  Feeling totally wiped out with no energy  Taking some water pills may lead to sun sensitivity  Patients may take their medications (especially water pills) in the morning before training  Doctors often tweak medication levels May lead to ongoing problems with dizziness

Stroke Medication Side Effects  Numbness & tingling throughout body  Difficulty moving  Increased bleeding  Joint/muscle aches

Chronic Pain Medication Side Effects  Disorientation  Sedation, especially for patients taking a pain/muscle relaxant/anti-depressant cocktail  Feeling loopy with an inability to concentrate or focus  Euphoria, delirium, or hallucinations  Dizziness  Respiratory depression

Diabetes Medication Side Effects  Dizziness in patients taking insulin until correct dosage is attained  Dizziness occurs less often with oral meds, but headaches & upset stomach can occur  Type 1 v. Type 2 diabetes  Must make sure trainee has sufficient injectable insulin for training time

Depression/Bipolar Disorder Medication Side Effects  Sedation  Blurred vision  Emotional leveling May not be able to respond to an emergency  Inability to concentrate  Manic behavior

ADHD Medication Side Effects  Headaches & upset stomach  Trouble sleeping, irritability & tics  Can cause trainee to be less focused with extra energy if dosage or medication is incorrect  Not taking medication on time or skipping a day may make trainee less focused

Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Medication Side Effects  Extreme drowsiness  Blurred vision  Muscle spasms or tremors  Rapid heartbeat  Sun sensitivity

Gout/Arthritis Medication Side Effects  Muscle weakness  Numbness & tingling  Fever, chills & body aches  Gout medications may cause side effects worse than a gout attack  NSAID side effects include upset stomach, dizziness, drowsiness & increased bleeding

Neuropathy Medication Side Effects  Drowsiness  Numbness & tingling  Loss of balance  Blurred vision

Migraines & Headaches Medication Side Effects  Fatigue  Difficulty thinking & trouble functioning  Serotonin syndrome may occur if taken with other prescriptions  Trainee may not be able to train if they didn’t take medicine early enough

Seizure Disorder Medication Side Effects  Drowsiness or fatigue  Poor coordination  Loss of strength  Dizziness

Infections (Antibiotics) Medication Side Effects  Upset stomach  Sun sensitivity  Allergic reactions such as hives & swelling of lips, face, or tongue  Fainting

Contact Information & Questions  Jessica Garey  Pam Canavan