What is a side effect?

A side effect refers to an unintended and usually unwanted effect that occurs as a result of taking a medication. Medications can produce a range of effects in the body, and while many are intended and beneficial (such as alleviating symptoms of a condition), side effects are often negative or undesired reactions that happen in addition to the primary therapeutic action of the drug.

For example, a patient taking a pain reliever might experience nausea as a side effect, which is not the goal of the medication but rather an additional reaction to it. Understanding side effects is crucial in medication management, particularly in assisted living settings, where residents may be taking multiple medications and experiencing various interactions.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately define a side effect. The intended therapeutic effects refer to the positive outcomes that a medication is designed to achieve. Beneficial interactions of medications suggest positive effects when multiple drugs are taken together, which is distinct from the concept of side effects. Lastly, a result of medication overdose pertains to severe consequences of taking too much of a medication, distinct from the usual, unintended side effects experienced at therapeutic doses.