How to Ask for Alternatives if a Medication Is Not Working

If a medication isn’t helping-or worse, it’s making things worse-you’re not alone. About one in four people stop taking their prescribed drugs because they don’t feel any better. But instead of quitting on your own, you can take control. The right conversation with your doctor can lead to a better solution. You don’t need to be pushy. You just need to be clear, prepared, and honest.

Start by Tracking What’s Really Happening

Don’t just say, “This medicine isn’t working.” That’s too vague. Your doctor needs details. Write down:

• When you take the medicine (time of day, with or without food)
• What symptoms you still have (e.g., “My headaches happen every afternoon, even after taking the pill”)
• Any new side effects (dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, mood changes)
• How long you’ve been on it (and if it ever helped at all)

A 2022 study from University Health found that patients who brought a two-week symptom log to their appointment were 68% more likely to have their concerns taken seriously. One Reddit user, ChronicPainWarrior, shared that bringing a simple chart showing pain levels before and after medication led to an immediate switch to a more effective drug.

Bring Your Actual Medication Bottles

Don’t rely on memory. Bring every pill, supplement, and over-the-counter product you’re taking-even the ones you only use once in a while. This includes:

• Prescription drugs
• Vitamins and herbal supplements
• Antacids, pain relievers, sleep aids

Why? Because interactions matter. A 2022 study showed that patients who brought their physical bottles to appointments reduced medication errors by 22%. Your doctor might spot a conflict you didn’t even know about-like how a common antacid can block absorption of your heart medication.

Ask These Specific Questions

Prepare a short list of questions. Don’t wait for your doctor to bring it up. Say something like:

1. “Why am I taking this medication?” - Sometimes, you’re on a drug just because it was prescribed years ago and never reviewed.
2. “What are the alternatives?” - There might be another pill, a different class of drug, or even a non-drug option.
3. “What are the pros and cons of each option?” - You need to weigh side effects, cost, and how it fits your lifestyle.
4. “Can I stop or reduce this dose?” - Not all medications need to be taken forever.
5. “Would a different medication cause fewer side effects?” - Especially if you’re feeling worse, not better.

Harvard Health Publishing says asking “Why was this chosen for me?” helps you understand if the treatment matches your goals. For example, if you’re on an anxiety medication but your main concern is social situations-not sleep-you need a different approach.

Ask About Non-Medication Options

Medication isn’t the only path. Many conditions respond just as well-or better-to lifestyle changes:

• For acid reflux: Losing 5-10% of body weight and avoiding late-night meals helped 55% of patients avoid proton-pump inhibitors altogether, according to the American Journal of Gastroenterology (2023).
• For type 2 diabetes: A 2022 study in Diabetes Care found that regular exercise, healthy eating, and weight loss matched metformin’s effectiveness in nearly 70% of cases.
• For insomnia: Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) worked just as well as sleeping pills after 8 weeks, with fewer side effects and longer-lasting results (JAMA Internal Medicine, 2021).
• For back pain: Exercise, physical therapy, and acupuncture gave the same pain relief as NSAIDs for 61% of patients-with no stomach or heart risks (American College of Physicians, 2023).

These aren’t “alternative therapies.” They’re evidence-backed treatments. Ask your doctor: “Could I try one of these before switching to another drug?”

Bring Up Cost and Accessibility

If a medication isn’t working and it’s expensive, you’re stuck between two bad choices: keep paying or stop taking it. Don’t be embarrassed to say:

• “Is there a generic version?”
• “Is there another drug that works the same but costs less?”
• “Can you help me find a patient assistance program?”

AARP reports that 62% of patients who asked about cheaper alternatives were offered a similar, lower-cost option. Some pharmacies even have $4 generic lists for common medications like statins or blood pressure pills.

Request Written Instructions

If your doctor suggests a change, ask for it in writing. A MedlinePlus survey found that patients who received written instructions understood their new regimen 40% better than those who only got verbal advice. Even a simple note with:

• Drug name
• Dosage
• When to take it
• What to watch for

can prevent mistakes. Many patient portals now let you download your medication list after appointments. Use it.

Don’t Wait for Your Next Appointment

A 2022 JAMA Network Open study found that 32% of patients waited until their next scheduled visit to mention medication problems-even if they’d been feeling worse for weeks. That’s dangerous.

If you’re having side effects or your condition is getting worse, call your doctor’s office. Ask if you can:

• Schedule a dedicated 30-minute “medication review” visit
• Talk to a pharmacist (many clinics have one on staff)
• Use your patient portal to send a message with your symptom log

Medicare now reimburses providers for 30-minute medication management sessions (CPT codes 99487-99489). That means your doctor has both the time and the incentive to have this conversation.

What If Your Doctor Dismisses You?

Some patients report feeling brushed off. One Healthline survey found that 41% felt dismissed when asking for alternatives. If this happens:

• Ask: “Can you explain why you think this is still the best option?”
• Request a referral to a specialist or a pharmacist who does medication reviews.
• Consider a second opinion. You have the right to one.

Dr. Barbara Farrell, co-founder of the Deprescribing Network, says patients who actively participate in medication reviews are 3.2 times more likely to safely stop unnecessary drugs. You’re not being difficult-you’re being smart.

Use Tools to Stay Organized

Epic Systems launched “MyMedList” in late 2023, letting patients log concerns directly into their electronic health record before appointments. If your clinic uses this system, use it. Even if they don’t, you can create your own simple tracker:

Medication Concerns Tracker

Medication	Why I’m Taking It	How I Feel After	Side Effects	Cost per Month
Metformin	For type 2 diabetes	Energy improved, but bloating	Stomach cramps, diarrhea	$12
Atorvastatin	For high cholesterol	No change in symptoms	Muscle aches	$15

This kind of tool helped 78% of patients in a Deprescribing Network trial feel more confident during consultations.

The Bigger Picture: You’re Part of the Team

Healthcare isn’t a one-way street. The American Medical Association, the National Institute on Aging, and the Patient-Centered Medical Home model all agree: treatment decisions must include your voice. When you understand your options, you’re 35% more likely to stick with them. And when you speak up, you’re not just helping yourself-you’re helping doctors improve care for everyone.

Medication isn’t magic. It’s a tool. And like any tool, it only works if it fits the job. If it doesn’t, ask for another one. You’ve earned that right.