Many medications require you to take them at a specific time of day, which can be hard to remember. However, there are techniques, such as incorporating little reminders into your daily routine, that can be extremely helpful.
One of the easiest ways to incorporate morning medications is to couple that activity with one you do everyday, like brush your teeth. In the evening you could take your bedtime medicines while you set the alarm clock. Binding repetitive behavior to your medications will aid you to remember each time you should take the drug.
Physical daily reminders are another way to remember to take your medicine. Try taping your schedule on the refrigerator. This will help you keep track of both your daily dosages and times to take the medications.
Making sure that family members know your schedule can also be a helpful tool as they can remind your when it is time to take a dose. This can be especially helpful when you are away from your house, and your physical reminders, for an extended period of time.
However, while all of these tricks are useful, it will not matter if you remember to take a dose if you do not have the medicine! Always try to get a new refill with at least seven days of doses to spare as it is not always possible to get a refill on weekends, which can leave you without important medication.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about simplifying your schedule if you are still having trouble remembering to take your medication. Write down what you want from your doctor or pharmacist before calling, so you’ll be ready when you speak to them about your needs. Remember, you have a team of professionals that want to assist you with any questions you might have about the medication you take every day.
Tags: medication, Medicine