Beyond the ideas above, here are some other long-term strategies to help you remember to take your medications regularly.
Create a Routine
Get into the habit of taking medications at the same time every day. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you should take them before, after, or with food. Also decide on a routine that will help you remember that.
Perhaps you’ll take it when you wake up, go to bed, or during the day with a healthy, enjoyable snack. That can help you remember to take the pill.
Consider a Pill Organizer
These are boxes with separate compartments that can be labeled with both days and times. At the start of the week, put your pills in the box according to when you need to take them. You can also ask a family member or friend to help you do that if your sight or dexterity is impaired.
Involve Family or Friends
Beyond helping with your pill organizer, loved ones are often happy to assist you with maintaining or improving your health. They can:
- Accompany you to medical visits: They may remember what the doctor said even if you forget, especially if you feel anxious or stressed.
- Learn about your drugs: Two heads can be better than one at understanding how drugs work and which risks to look out for.
- Provide reminders: Ask a loved one to call you or send an SMS at the times you should take your drugs.
- Support your treatment journey: Tackling health issues through teamwork is easier than going it alone. If they have treatment to follow, too, you can support them.
Communicate With Your Doctor and Pharmacist
- You’re concerned about or are experiencing side effects.
- You don’t understand the drug or are getting confused between drugs.
- You don’t think the medication is helping.
- You’ve heard negative reports in the news or from friends about your medication.
- You can’t afford to pay for the treatment.
- You have another health condition that could affect regular use, such as depression or memory loss.
Your doctor may be able to simplify your drug regimen, prescribe a more affordable drug, or address other concerns.
Understand Why You Need Blood Pressure Medication
- Blood pressure over 140/90 mmHg
- A personal or family history of high blood pressure, stroke, or heart problems
- Risk factors for high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, smoking, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol levels, or older age.
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