Medication adherence isn’t always easy. Whether you have a hectic schedule or are taking numerous other medications with their own strict regimes, there’s probably been a day or even multiple when you forgot to take your medication. While forgetting is understandable, it can be dangerous. Missing numerous doses can have more drastic consequences than many patients may realize.

Why It’s Important to Take Medications as Prescribed

Pharmacists stress the importance of medical adherence for good reason. Staying on top of your medications can make the difference between a successful treatment that keeps you healthy and an ineffectual treatment that puts your well-being in jeopardy.

Although some medications work immediately after you take your first dose, many need time to build up in your body. For example, patients dealing with high blood pressure experience immediate effects with metoprolol, a beta-blocker, citing an almost instantaneous weakening of contractions. Conversely, some medications for anxiety or depression, like fluoxetine, don’t provide immediate relief. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor may require weeks of consistent use to accumulate in the body before the patient experiences the full therapeutic effect.

This is often why pharmacists will tell patients to wait a couple of weeks before deciding if a medication isn’t right for them. Some patients rightfully complain their medications don’t seem to be having any positive effect, not realizing it simply takes time and strict adherence to dosage schedules. 

It may be weeks or even months in cases with certain psychological medications before you start seeing effects, and that’s only if you adhere to your regime. Inconsistent use will sabotage any build-up, compromising the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment.

For these types of medications, maintaining positive results requires ongoing adherence to the dose and proactive reporting of effectiveness to doctors. If you notice a reduction in the positive benefit, you may need to have your dose adjusted. Forgetting multiple doses can also weaken the efficacy of the treatment and lead to adverse side effects, from worsening symptoms to potential withdrawal side effects.

Going off psychological medications, in particular, can be especially dangerous, as it can destabilize your condition and potentially lead to a relapse that results in hospitalization.

It’s easy to miss a dose if you’re taking numerous medications that each have their own schedule. The pharmacists at St. Hope Healthcare understand these challenges and can help, providing guidance and customized solutions to make adhering to your treatment easier.

Tools Patients Use to Stay on Top of Their Medications

Writing It Down: The act of writing information down tends to increase our ability to retain the information, which is why schools often recommend students take hand-written notes over typed ones. Similarly, the simple act of marking your medication schedule on a paper calendar can help the information stick in your mind, making it easier to remember when to take what.

Setting Alarms: Setting alarms on your phone or watch to remind you to take your medication can go a long way in ensuring you take your medication every day at the specified time.

Digital Reminders: Using apps like Medisafe, MyTherapy and MedManage that can send you reminders on your phone, track your symptoms and help you manage your treatment schedule can make managing your health more convenient.

Pill Organizers: Using a daily or weekly pill box that compartmentalizes your medications by day or time can help you stay organized while managing your medications, especially if you’re taking multiple prescriptions simultaneously. Alternatively, some pharmacies package medications in blister packs that label doses for certain days and times.

Simplify Regimen: If you’re having trouble taking your medication consistently, whether because of substantial side effects or significant life events, your healthcare provider may be able to simplify parts of your regimen to ease your burden. Scheduling consistent check-ins with healthcare providers and keeping them informed can ensure your treatment plan stays manageable.

Pharmacy Services: Pharmacies often work to make medical adherence more convenient for patients, providing services like automatic refills and medication synchronization that ensure all your medications are refilled before they run out and are ready to be picked up at the same time.

Our Experienced Pharmacists Will Work With You One-on-One So You Never Feel Confused About What You’re Taking and When

Houston residents can rely on St. Hope Pharmacy for reliable refills and compassionate pharmacists who are ready to discuss any issues and provide solutions. Learn more about transferring your prescription today by contacting one of our six pharmacies in Bellaire, Conroe, Houston, Sugar Land and Dickinson today.