How to Motivate Yourself to Take Your Medication on Time
Medication non-adherence is when patients don’t take their medicine as prescribed by the doctor. Unfortunately, medication non-adherence is common for most people with illnesses. It is quite alarming, especially if the patient has a chronic disease.
Taking medicine on time requires commitment, discipline, and eagerness. It’s the only way to help yourself improve your health. While it is not unusual to lose track sometimes, you still need to motivate and teach yourself to take all your medications on time and correctly.
In this article, we will discuss essential rules to follow when taking medication and how you can motivate yourself to take it on time.
What Are the Essential Reminders When Taking Medicine?
Your doctor will be the first person to discuss the rules regarding your medication as they write out the prescription. These points are just a general guide to help you when taking your medication.
The second person will be your pharmacist. A pharmacist will go over your meds with you, teach you effective ways to take them and help you schedule them into your busy lifestyle. They will even help adjust them and do a MedsCheck with you to make sure none of your medication is conflicting.
Never Skip Your Medication or Take Half Doses Just Because You Are Saving Money
Some medicines are expensive and not covered by the government or private insurance, but missing doses or taking less than the recommended amount could be more expensive when your condition gets worse. Missing days of work, being sick in bed or even being admitted to the hospital can be a major set back in life and financially. Don’t hesitate to let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are having problems with the cost, intake schedules, or side effects of your medication. This way, they can give you alternatives and solutions. Pharmacies can put you on generic brands and have many ways to help you save money.
Do Not Double Dose on Your Medication in Case You Forgot to Take It on Time
Some people often do this, but it’s not right to double up your medication because it could be dangerous if you take too much at one time. Just remember to tell your doctor or pharmacist about the missed doses and if you’re having trouble with the schedule.
Complete Your Medication Even If You’re Feeling Better Already
When your doctor tells you that you have to take your medication for two weeks, you should take it until the end of the period, even if you’re already feeling better on the first week. Don’t stop taking the medication until the doctor tells you to stop.
How Can You Feel Motivated to Take Your Medicine?
One of the ways to keep yourself motivated is to track your progress. Some people lack motivation because they think they’re not noticing any changes or their lifestyle is busy. However, you need to note that the drug’s good effects will not be noticeable right away. You have to be consistent and wait before you can see yourself improve. Many people use a logbook, an app, blister packs or easy to use compliance packaging like MED Packs by MyEasyDose.
How Can You Properly Take Your Medicine?
In order to see the good effects of your medications, you need to take your medicine correctly and consistently. Here are some tips on how you can take your meds properly:
Make a Medicine Schedule
Once the doctor prescribes your medicine, it’s important to take it on a schedule. Make it a part of your routine, and never forget about it. MyEasyDose MED Packs were designed exactly for that reason. The MyEasyDose by Community Care Pharmacy Inc. team can discuss your medicine with you and assist you to make a schedule and pre-package your meds to fit that schedule.
Make a Medicine Reminder on your Phone. List down all your medication schedules and log them into a reminder app, alarm or calendar. You can even ask someone from your family to remind you to take your medicine.
Conclusion
We know that taking medication is a hassle because it’s an added responsibility from your end. However, you need to take your meds correctly if you want to feel better. Knowing how to take medications properly and finding the right motivation will help you treat or manage your condition better. In some cases, if you take your medication as directed, you could get off that medicine one day because get feel better. Always discuss changes with your primacy care doctor and pharmacist first.