Is volunteering for clinical research safe?
In general, yes it is safe. There is the chance that you can get side-effects but you can greatly reduce your odds by being honest about any medical conditions you have. Also, it is important to be honest about drugs, illegal or prescription drugs, that you have taken recently. But even healthy people with no medical problems can have side-effects, even severe. This is of course why clinical studies are conducted. Bottom line, don’t hesitate to tell a clinic staff member if you are feeling anything but normal. You won’t get in trouble for reporting side-effects! In fact, doctors can prescribe drugs with certain side-effects for other uses. A drug that cause drowsiness may be prescribed as a sleep-aid.
