How to Ask for Alternatives if a Medication Is Not Working

If your medication isn’t doing what it’s supposed to, you’re not alone. About half of all people don’t take their prescriptions as directed, and a big reason? They don’t feel like it’s helping. But instead of stopping cold or suffering in silence, there’s a better way: ask for alternatives. Talking to your doctor about what’s not working isn’t being difficult-it’s part of good care. In fact, studies show patients who speak up are over three times more likely to get unnecessary meds stopped safely. The key isn’t just asking-it’s asking the right way.

Before Your Appointment, Get Organized

Don’t walk into your doctor’s office hoping to remember everything. Most visits are short, and if you’re vague, your concerns might get brushed aside. Start by writing down exactly what’s happening.

• When did the medication stop working? Did it help at first, then fade?
• What symptoms are still bothering you? Be specific: "My knee still hurts when I walk up stairs," not "It still hurts."
• What side effects are you noticing? Dizziness? Sleepiness? Upset stomach? Write down when they happen and how bad they are.
• Have you missed doses? If so, why? Was it too expensive? Too confusing? Too many pills?

Bring your actual medicine bottles. A 2022 study found that patients who did this reduced medication errors by 22%. Your doctor might spot interactions or dosing issues you didn’t even know about. Don’t forget to include over-the-counter meds, vitamins, and supplements-these can mess with your prescription too.

Use These Exact Questions to Start the Conversation

Words matter. Instead of saying, "This isn’t working," try this:

• "Why am I taking this medication?"
• "What are the benefits and risks of staying on it?"
• "Are there other options I could try?"
• "Could any of these alternatives help with my main concern-like sleep, pain, or anxiety-without the side effects?"
• "Can I reduce the dose or stop it completely?"

These aren’t just random questions. They come straight from the Deprescribing Network, a Canadian-led group that’s helped over 47 U.S. health systems improve how meds are reviewed. Patients who used these questions saw more real conversations and fewer unnecessary prescriptions.

Also, don’t be afraid to say: "I’d like to understand what else might work." Or: "I’m worried about long-term use. Is there a different approach?"

Be Clear About Your Goals

Not all meds are created equal-and neither are your priorities. If you’re taking something for anxiety, maybe you care more about feeling calm during meetings than sleeping through the night. If you’re on a pain med, maybe you want to walk your dog without wincing, not just lower a number on a scale.

One patient on Reddit shared: "I brought a two-week log of my pain levels before and after my pill. My doctor switched me right away to a different class of drugs-and it actually worked." That’s the power of specifics. Your doctor can’t guess what matters to you. Tell them.

Ask About Non-Medication Options

Medication isn’t the only tool. Sometimes, the best alternative isn’t another pill-it’s a change in lifestyle or therapy.

• For sleep problems: Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) works as well as sleeping pills after 8 weeks-and without the risk of falls or memory issues.
• For type 2 diabetes: Regular walking, eating whole foods, and losing even 5% of body weight can lower blood sugar as much as metformin in many people.
• For acid reflux: Cutting back on coffee, spicy food, and late-night snacks, plus using antacids like Tums or Rolaids, helped over half of people stop needing stronger meds.
• For back pain: Exercise, physical therapy, and acupuncture are now first-line recommendations by the American College of Physicians-better than NSAIDs for many, with fewer side effects.
• For anxiety: CBT and mindfulness practices match the effectiveness of SSRIs for mild to moderate cases, according to a 2022 Lancet review.

Ask: "Are there non-drug options I could try alongside or instead of this?" Many doctors are trained to think in pills-but they’re not always told how powerful lifestyle changes can be. Your question might open the door.

Bring Up Cost and Accessibility

If the medication isn’t working and it’s too expensive, you’re stuck in a bad spot. Don’t assume your doctor knows your budget. Say it outright:

• "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 found that 62% of people who asked about cheaper alternatives got a switch to an affordable option. Generic drugs are often identical in effect but cost a fraction. And some programs help cover co-pays for brand-name meds if you qualify.

Request Written Instructions

If your doctor suggests a new medication or changes your regimen, ask for it in writing. MedlinePlus reports that patients who get written instructions understand their treatment 40% better than those who only hear it verbally.

Also, ask: "What should I watch for?" and "When should I call back if things don’t improve?" This isn’t being paranoid-it’s planning ahead. Knowing what to expect helps you decide if the new option is working or if you need to go back to the drawing board.

What If Your Doctor Says No?

Sometimes, you’ll get a flat "no"-or worse, a dismissive comment like, "You’re just being difficult." That’s not okay. You have the right to be heard.

• Ask: "Can you explain why this is the best option for me?"
• Request a referral to a specialist or pharmacist who focuses on medication reviews.
• Ask for a second opinion. Many insurance plans cover this.
• Use your patient portal to send a follow-up message. Sometimes, doctors respond better in writing.

One patient on a health forum wrote: "Asking, ‘Is this medication still necessary?’ led to me getting off three pills I didn’t need anymore." That kind of clarity doesn’t come from silence.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Many health systems now offer tools to help. Epic Systems, used by over 60% of U.S. hospitals, has a feature called MyMedList that lets you type in medication concerns directly in your portal before your visit. Your doctor sees it ahead of time and comes prepared.

Also, check if your pharmacy app has a "medication review" option. Some even flag possible side effects or interactions before you even walk in.

Don’t Wait Until Your Next Appointment

A 2022 study found that 32% of people waited until their next scheduled visit to mention a medication problem. That’s weeks of unnecessary discomfort-or worse, risk. Call your clinic. Send a message. Use the portal. You don’t need to wait. Many offices have nurses or pharmacists who can help adjust meds over the phone.

If you’re in pain, dizzy, or having a bad reaction, don’t wait. Call immediately. Your safety comes before appointment slots.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Taking the wrong med-or the right med at the wrong dose-can lead to falls, memory loss, hospital stays, and even death, especially for older adults. The National Institute on Aging says better communication cuts adverse drug events by 30% in seniors.

And it’s not just about safety. When you understand your treatment and help shape it, you’re 35% more likely to stick with it. That’s not magic-it’s science. You’re not just a patient. You’re a partner in your care.

Medication isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix. What works for someone else might not work for you. And that’s okay. The system is designed to let you speak up. Use it.

Next Steps: What to Do Today

• Look at your medicine cabinet. Write down every pill, vitamin, and supplement you take.
• Identify one medication that isn’t working the way it should.
• Write down three specific concerns about it: symptoms, side effects, or cost.
• Call your doctor’s office and ask: "Can I schedule a 20-minute medication review?"
• Bring your list and bottles to the appointment.

You’re not asking for a favor. You’re asking for care that fits you. That’s not just reasonable-it’s your right.