More than they bargained for. Adverse drug effects

All individuals interviewed wanted to pursue meaningful activities regardless of their age. Use of medication may facilitate positive adaptation to chronic illness by allowing the pursuit of meaningful activities. When side effects occurred, activities were altered by means of substitution, temporary discontinuance, or modified participation, but most individuals struggled to maintain participation to feel involved. An individual's ability to cope may be interrupted due to adverse effects of medication. Also, hospitalization caused by adverse side effects disrupted meaningful activities and created a need to readapt to an illness. Medication for chronic illness increased the person's ability to seek and use social support. The physical limitations of illness were the cause of loneliness and isolation.