What is a common indication that a patient might be experiencing a medication side effect?

A sudden change in a patient's mood is a common indication that they might be experiencing a medication side effect. Many medications, particularly those acting on the central nervous system, can have an influence on mood, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, irritability, or other emotional fluctuations. These changes can serve as red flags that warrant further assessment, as they may indicate that the medication is affecting the patient's psychological state.

In contrast, a decreased need for sleep may not necessarily be a side effect of medication but could be related to other factors such as stress or changes in routine. An increase in appetite can also occur for a variety of reasons, including lifestyle changes or different health conditions, and is not as specific to medication side effects. Finally, a consistent improvement in a patient's condition is typically not associated with side effects, since side effects are generally negative responses to medications that may obstruct progress or cause discomfort.