Most people struggle with remembering to take medication regularly. Unfortunately, it is a lot harder to control symptoms and get conditions stabilized when we don’t take medication as directed. Just because this is a common problem for many people doesn’t mean that there is no hope that this problem can be handled well.
Some medication is only to be taken "as needed". They are easy to remember because when symptoms are bothering you, you take it. The symptoms remind you. So perhaps the only thing to remember is making sure you have them with you when you are out of the house for those you can take when out and about. Many as needed medications cause sedation, so if you need them, you need to make sure you are safe first. Then take them. But they are easy to remember to take.
Most of the time my patients are taking daily controller type medication. These are taken every day at the same time. Sometimes twice a day. So, make sure that you have some structure in place to help you remember. Here are some things that can help.
PILLBOXES
Using a pill box is great for a number of reasons. You can put it right at the bedside to remind you to take things first thing in the morning or before bed. You see the box. Seeing it reminds you. So you take the medication. Simple. Sometimes you will need to take medication later in the morning, during the day, or a few hours before bed. You can have a(nother) pill box sitting around in sight where you are at those times of day to help you remember. In your top desk drawer at work, in your bag, next to the kitchen sink, next to your seat in the family room, etc. You want to have it where it will work as a reminder for you. Using a pill box makes remembering much easier. And you don’t have to fumble around finding bottles and pouring your tablets or capsules out when you are half awake. You can fill your box once a week while you are wide awake and able to pay attention. This is important for your safety too! And if you suddenly feel like you forgot to take your medications, all you have to do is check the appropriate bin for that dose in your pill box. If it is not there, you can assume you took it! This can help when you are feeling very poorly like if you have an infection like flu or covid. It can also help during times when depression is so bad that you have a hard time taking care of yourself and your motivation is very low. These are exactly the times you really need to be taking your medication as prescribed to help you feel better.
CELL PHONE REMINDERS
We all carry phones everywhere we go. We are looking at them many times a day. Set an alarm to remind you. And/or use a calendar reminder. I bet there is even an app for that! Leverage the tech you already have to help keep you on track with your treatment plan.
RUNNING OUT
Running out of medication is another common cause for missing medication doses. Make sure that you see me for your follow up appointments so your new set of refills can be sent to your pharmacy. We need to first discuss how treatment is going for you so that any needed changes can be made. So your follow up visit is an important way to stay on track with treatment. If you need to change your appointment, it is always better to move it closer to your last appointment, rather than further away, when possible. This helps to prevent you from running out of your medication. If you can’t do that, schedule your appointment as soon as possible after the original date. And if you will run out of medication before that day, let my
support staff know ASAP so that we can see if you are able to get a “bridge refill” before your appointment. Typically this is allowed when you have attended most of your follow up appointments, you have your next appointment scheduled, and when we did not have any major concerns at your previous appointment. Also, it is always a good idea to have at least an extra week or two of medication on hand just in case unexpected things come up like weather events, car trouble, technology concerns. Certain states prone to hurricanes and other seasonal weather events have laws that allow you an extra month refill (for most non-controlled substance medication types) in case pharmacies and clinics are closed for a weather event. If you live in a state that has this law (e.g. FL), you can request an extra refill of medication during the season, so you are prepared for weather events.
OTHER IDEAS?
You may have other ideas and techniques. Whatever is working for you is the best method to employ to help you take your medications as directed. Feel free to share any great ideas you have with me at your next visit.
REMEMBERING AND TAKING YOUR MEDICATIONS AS DIRECTED IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR TREATMENT SUCCESS! IT IS WORTH COMING UP WITH A SYSTEM THAT WILL KEEP YOU ON TRACK.
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