What should I ask before starting a new medication?

The two minutes at the end of the appointment are where medication problems get prevented. The eight questions that cover the ground: What is this for, and what should it improve? (You cannot judge a drug you cannot name the target of.) When should I notice it working - and what is the checkpoint date? What are the common side effects, and how long do they last? (Most start-up effects ease within a couple of weeks - knowing that up front prevents day-three quits.) Are there food, drink, or timing rules? (Empty stomach or with food, grapefruit flags, alcohol.) Does it clash with anything I already take - including vitamins and supplements? (Bring the actual list; interactions live in the overlap.) What do I do if I miss a dose - and if I take too much? How long am I on it - a course, a season, or indefinitely - and how do we stop? Is there a generic or lower-cost option? (The FDA confirms generics match brands on active ingredient and effect - asking can cut the price dramatically.) Write the answers on your phone while still in the room. One bonus question for the pharmacist at pickup: anything on MY list this does not play well with? - they run the interaction check your prescriber may have rushed. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can help you build the list for a specific prescription.