This may seem like a dumb question, but I have some memory issues and am not fond of taking my meds. Does anybody have some practical ideas to try to help remember to take meds? I don't mean the old plastic 7-day pillbox ;)

Ah, I take mine every morning when I brush my teeth. I keep the bottles next to my toothbrush to remind me.

"I have some memory issues and am not fond of taking my meds."

It might help to change your mindset about your medications - I don't believe there are many people who would admit to being "fond" of taking our medications. #1, it reminds us that we have a condition that needs treating. #2, we regard multiple medications with growing older and the elderly. Perhaps your "memory issues" are simply convenient amnesia. Look at it this way - when you take your medications you are doing something good for yourself - perhaps extending your life or making you feel better. Be glad that there is actually a treatment available - just a few years back, there might not have been any treatment.

Those "old plastic 7-day pill" boxes aren't that bad either - I use them and I'm not old ;) . If you take several different medications, it is a very effective way to organize them. You could also consider buying a digital watch with multiple alarm settings and set the alarms to the times you need to take medications. They aren't that expensive - and get a fancy, colorful "workout" model to remind you that you are actively taking control of your health.

Lastly, reward yourself for taking your medications. If you go a week taking your medications on time everyday, go out and buy yourself some new shoes - or a day at the spa - or even just some of your favorite candy (if it is allowable, of course). Link taking your medications with something pleasurable and you'll be more apt to taking them regularly.

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Originally Posted by J_9

Ah, I take mine every morning when I brush my teeth. I keep the bottles next to my toothbrush to remind me.

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<p>I like the idea, but I like your bacon quote even better, so I may have to borrow both. Thanks!:)

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Originally Posted by jgj6331

"I have some memory issues and am not fond of taking my meds."

It might help to change your mindset about your medications - I don't believe there are many people who would admit to being "fond" of taking our medications. #1, it reminds us that we have a condition that needs treating. #2, we regard multiple medications with growing older and the elderly. Perhaps your "memory issues" are simply convenient amnesia. Look at it this way - when you take your medications you are doing something good for yourself - perhaps extending your life or making you feel better. Be glad that there is actually a treatment available - just a few years back, there might not have been any treatment.

Those "old plastic 7-day pill" boxes aren't that bad either - I use them and I'm not old ;) . If you take several different medications, it is a very effective way to organize them. You could also consider buying a digital watch with multiple alarm settings and set the alarms to the times you need to take medications. They aren't that expensive - and get a fancy, colorful "workout" model to remind you that you are actively taking control of your health.

Lastly, reward yourself for taking your medications. If you go a week taking your medications on time everyday, go out and buy yourself some new shoes - or a day at the spa - or even just some of your favorite candy (if it is allowable, of course). Link taking your medications with something pleasurable and you'll be more apt to taking them regularly.

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<p>I really do have some memory issues, and the meds are the BP person's cocktail. So... it's not easy to force yourself when you think that you're actually feeling GOOD. I'm going to have to break down and buy the 7-day pill box, I think, and some shoes when I empty it at the end of the week.