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 nearly a quarter stop because they feel it’s not helping. That’s not non-compliance-it’s a signal. Your body is telling you something, and your doctor needs to hear it. But asking for alternatives isn’t as simple as saying, “This isn’t working.” You need to be clear, prepared, and confident. Here’s how to do it right.

Start with the facts, not just feelings

Don’t say, “This pill isn’t doing anything.” That’s vague, and it’s easy for a doctor to brush off. Instead, track what’s actually happening. Write down when you take the medicine, what symptoms you still have, and how bad they are. For example: “I take 10mg of lisinopril every morning, but my blood pressure is still 150/95 on three readings this week.” Or: “I take sertraline at night, but I still can’t sleep before midnight, and I feel more anxious in crowds than I did before starting it.” Studies show that patients who bring detailed symptom logs are 68% more likely to have their concerns taken seriously. A Reddit user named ChronicPainWarrior shared how bringing a two-week pain log led to an immediate switch to a different drug class-something that finally worked. Your notes aren’t just helpful-they’re powerful.

Bring your meds in a bottle

Don’t rely on memory. Bring every pill, supplement, and over-the-counter product you’re taking to your appointment. That includes vitamins, herbal teas, pain relievers, and sleep aids. Many people forget these, but they can interact with your prescription in ways you don’t expect. One study found that bringing actual bottles to appointments reduces medication errors by 22%. Your doctor might not ask you about them. That’s why you need to show them. Lay them out on the table. Say, “Here’s everything I’m taking. Can we go through it together?” This simple act opens the door to a real conversation about what’s necessary-and what isn’t.

Ask the right questions

You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to ask the right questions. Here are the ones that actually move the needle:

• “Why am I taking this medication?”
• “What are the benefits and risks?”
• “Are there other options?”
• “Can I stop or reduce the dose?”
• “Will this affect my memory, balance, or risk of falling?”
• “Is this still necessary?”
• “Can we try something with fewer side effects?”

These aren’t just questions-they’re tools. The Deprescribing Network, founded by geriatric specialists, developed these exact phrases after seeing patients get off unnecessary drugs and feel better. One patient on a health forum said asking, “Is this medication still necessary?” led to being taken off three prescriptions that weren’t helping.

Be specific about your goals

Medications don’t work the same for everyone. A drug that helps with nighttime anxiety might do nothing for social anxiety. A painkiller that eases joint stiffness might not touch nerve pain. Tell your doctor what matters most to you. Say: “I don’t mind if I still feel a little tired in the morning, but I need to be able to walk to the store without pain.” Or: “I’m okay with trying something new if it means I can stop feeling dizzy all day.” Harvard Health says this kind of clarity helps doctors choose the right alternative. If your goal is to reduce side effects, say that. If your goal is to avoid taking something long-term, say that too. Your goals guide the options.

Ask about non-drug options

You don’t always need another pill. Sometimes, the best alternative isn’t a different drug-it’s no drug at all.

• For sleep problems: Sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) work just as well as sleeping pills after eight weeks.
• For type 2 diabetes: Regular walking, eating whole foods, and losing 5-10% of body weight lowered HbA1c levels as much as metformin in over two-thirds of patients.
• For acid reflux: Cutting out spicy foods, eating earlier in the evening, and using antacids like Tums® helped 55% of people avoid proton-pump inhibitors.
• For anxiety: CBT alone matched the effectiveness of SSRIs for mild to moderate cases, according to a major study in The Lancet.
• For back pain: Exercise, physical therapy, and acupuncture gave the same pain relief as NSAIDs-without stomach issues or addiction risk.

Ask: “Are there non-medication options I haven’t tried yet?” Many doctors won’t bring this up unless you do. But these alternatives are backed by solid science-and often cheaper and safer.

Ask about cost and generics

If a medication isn’t working, it’s even harder to stick with it if it’s expensive. Don’t be embarrassed to ask: “Is there a generic version?” or “Is there another drug that works the same but costs less?” AARP found that 62% of patients who asked this question were able to switch to a cheaper, equally effective option. Some brand-name drugs have generics that are identical in effect but cost 80% less. You deserve to get better without going broke.

Request written instructions

If your doctor suggests a change, ask for it in writing. Say: “Can you give me a note or printout of what I’m supposed to do now?” MedlinePlus found that patients who got written instructions understood their new regimen 40% better than those who only heard it spoken. You’ll remember the dose, timing, and warning signs better. And if you need to talk to a pharmacist or another doctor later, you’ll have proof of what was agreed on.

Book a dedicated appointment

Don’t try to squeeze this into a 10-minute checkup. Schedule a “medication review” appointment. These are longer-usually 30 minutes or more-and designed for exactly this purpose. Healthline reports that 85% of meaningful alternative discussions need more time than a standard visit allows. If your doctor’s office says they don’t offer them, ask if they can refer you to a pharmacist or care coordinator who does. Many clinics now have medication therapy management services, especially for older adults or those on multiple drugs.

Use your patient portal

Most clinics now have online portals where you can message your doctor, view lab results, and even submit notes before your visit. Use it. Send a message like: “I’ve been taking [medication] for [time] and haven’t seen improvement in [symptom]. I’d like to discuss alternatives at my next visit.” Epic Systems’ new tool, MyMedList, lets patients log concerns directly into their medical record before the appointment. That means your doctor sees it ahead of time-and comes ready to talk.

What if your doctor says no?

Sometimes, you’ll get pushback. Maybe they say, “This is the best option.” Or, “You’re not being compliant.” Don’t walk out angry. Say: “I understand your view. Can I get a second opinion or see a specialist?” You have the right to seek another perspective. If cost or access is an issue, ask: “Can you refer me to a clinic that offers medication reviews?” Many hospitals and community health centers now offer free or low-cost medication counseling.

It’s not just about changing drugs-it’s about getting your life back

Medications are tools, not life sentences. If one isn’t working, it’s not your fault. It’s not weakness. It’s medicine not matching your body. The goal isn’t to take more pills-it’s to feel better, move easier, sleep deeper, and live without constant side effects. Patients who actively ask for alternatives are 3.2 times more likely to safely stop unnecessary drugs. They’re also more likely to stick with the treatment that actually works. You’re not being difficult. You’re being smart.