How to get better at taking medication?

Studies show that approximately 30% to 50% of patients with chronic conditions do not take their medication as prescribed [1.2.4]. Learning how to get better at taking medication is crucial for effective treatment and overall health, and simple strategies can make a significant difference.

Quick Summary

Improve your health by mastering your medication schedule. This article provides practical strategies for remembering doses, managing multiple prescriptions, making pills easier to swallow, and handling side effects.

Key Points

• Build a Routine: Link medication with daily habits like brushing your teeth to improve consistency [1.3.4].

• Use Organizers: A weekly pill organizer provides a clear visual reminder and helps track doses [1.4.1].

• Leverage Technology: Set alarms or use medication reminder apps for automated notifications [1.3.1].

• Communicate Openly: Regularly review all medications with your doctor and use one pharmacy to avoid interactions [1.4.1, 1.4.2].

• Manage Side Effects: Never stop a medication due to side effects without consulting your doctor first [1.6.2].

• Swallow Smarter: Use the 'pop-bottle' or 'lean-forward' methods to make swallowing pills easier [1.5.3].

• Follow Food Instructions: Adhere strictly to directions about taking medicine with or without food for proper effectiveness and safety [1.10.1, 1.10.2].

The Importance of Medication Adherence

Medication non-adherence, which means not taking medication as prescribed, is a widespread issue that can lead to significant health consequences and increased healthcare costs [1.2.2, 1.2.5]. Adherence rates for chronic medications are estimated to be around 50% [1.2.5]. Failing to take medications correctly can result in treatment failure, worsening of the disease, and even death [1.2.5]. Reasons for non-adherence are complex, ranging from simple forgetfulness to financial constraints and management of side effects [1.2.1, 1.2.4]. Improving your ability to follow your prescription is one of the most impactful steps you can take for your health.

Strategies for Remembering Your Medication

Forgetting to take a dose is a common challenge. Integrating medication into your daily life with consistent cues can dramatically improve adherence.

Build a Routine

• Habit Stacking: Link taking your medication to an existing daily habit, like brushing your teeth, having your morning coffee, or getting ready for bed [1.3.4, 1.3.5]. This creates a powerful mental connection.
• Consistent Timing: Take your medicine at the same time every day to establish a rhythm [1.3.2]. For medications prescribed "twice daily" versus "every 12 hours," it's important to ask your pharmacist for clarification to maintain the right concentration of the drug in your system [1.11.1].

Use Physical and Digital Reminders

• Pill Organizers: Weekly pill boxes are a simple and effective visual aid. By sorting your pills once a week, you can see at a glance if you've taken your dose for the day [1.4.1]. Some pharmacies may even prepare weekly blister packs for you [1.3.2].
• Alarms and Apps: Set daily alarms on your phone, smartwatch, or a home assistant [1.3.4]. There are also numerous free medication reminder apps that can track doses and send notifications [1.3.1].
• Visual Cues: Place your pill bottle in a visible spot you pass by frequently, like next to your keys or on your nightstand (ensure it's out of reach of children and pets) [1.3.1]. You can also use sticky notes on mirrors or your refrigerator as a temporary reminder [1.3.2].

Managing Multiple Medications

Polypharmacy, or taking multiple drugs, adds a layer of complexity. Organization and communication are key to managing it safely.

Stay Organized

1. Create a Master List: Keep an up-to-date list of all your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, and supplements [1.4.3]. Note the dosage, why you take it, and the prescribing doctor.
2. Use One Pharmacy: Filling all your prescriptions at a single pharmacy allows your pharmacist to screen for potential drug interactions [1.4.4]. Their system can flag issues that might otherwise be missed [1.4.1].
3. Medication Synchronization: Ask your pharmacy if they offer "med sync" services. This aligns your refill dates so you can pick up all your medications on the same day each month [1.4.4].

Communicate with Your Healthcare Team

• Annual Review: At least once a year, bring all your medication bottles to your doctor for a full review. As your body changes, dosages may need adjustment, or some medications may no longer be necessary [1.4.2].
• Ask Questions: Whenever you start a new medication, talk to your doctor and pharmacist about potential side effects and interactions with other drugs you're taking [1.6.2].

Reminder Method	Pros	Cons	Best For
Pill Organizer	Visual cue, easy to track doses, portable, one-time cost [1.7.1].	Requires manual filling, can be lost, some pills can't be repacked [1.3.5].	People who take multiple pills daily and prefer a physical system.
Smartphone App	Automated reminders, tracks adherence history, can remind for refills [1.3.1, 1.7.1].	Requires a smartphone, can be dismissed, potential subscription costs [1.7.1].	Tech-savvy individuals or those needing flexible, on-the-go reminders.
Simple Alarms	Free and readily available on most devices [1.3.4].	Easy to turn off and forget, provides no tracking [1.3.5].	Individuals taking only one or two medications who just need a simple nudge.

Overcoming Physical Barriers

Sometimes, the challenge isn't remembering but the physical act of taking the medicine.

Making Pills Easier to Swallow

Difficulty swallowing pills, or dysphagia, can be a major hurdle. Two effective, researched techniques can help:

• The Pop-Bottle Method (for tablets): Place the tablet on your tongue, form a tight seal with your lips around a plastic water bottle opening, and use a sucking motion to drink. This action helps the tablet go down more easily [1.5.3, 1.5.4].
• The Lean-Forward Method (for capsules): Place the capsule on your tongue, take a sip of water but don't swallow yet, then tilt your chin down toward your chest and swallow. The capsule will float to the back of your throat [1.5.3, 1.5.5]. You can also try taking pills with soft foods like applesauce or yogurt, but always check with your pharmacist first, as some medications should not be crushed or taken with certain foods [1.5.4]. Never crush or open extended-release or coated tablets, as this can cause a dangerous overdose [1.11.1].

Managing Side Effects and Dosing Instructions

Understanding and managing side effects is critical for staying on track.

• Talk to Your Provider: If you experience side effects, don't just stop taking the medicine. Call your doctor [1.6.2]. They may be able to adjust the dose, switch you to a different medication, or suggest ways to manage the effects [1.6.5]. Severe reactions like hives or trouble breathing require immediate emergency care [1.6.3].
• "With Food" vs. "Empty Stomach": "Take with food" means taking the medicine shortly before, during, or after a meal to prevent stomach upset or improve absorption [1.10.1]. "Take on an empty stomach" typically means one hour before eating or two hours after, as food can interfere with the drug's effectiveness [1.10.2]. Always follow these instructions precisely and consistently [1.10.3].

Conclusion

Getting better at taking medication is an active process that combines building habits, using organizational tools, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare team. By implementing strategies like habit stacking, using pill organizers or apps, and understanding how to manage side effects and swallowing difficulties, you can improve your medication adherence. This commitment is a powerful investment in your long-term health and well-being.

For more information on medication adherence, you can visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I miss a dose of my medication?

Check your medication's label for instructions. Often, you can take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, you should skip the missed one. Never double your dose to catch up unless specifically told to by your doctor [1.9.1, 1.9.2].

Does 'take with food' mean I have to eat a full meal?

Not necessarily. Taking medication 'with food' means you shouldn't take it on an empty stomach. A small snack like crackers is often sufficient to prevent stomach upset or help with absorption [1.10.1].

Is it safe to crush pills to make them easier to swallow?

No, not always. You should never crush, split, or chew pills that are labeled as 'extended-release,' 'controlled-release,' or have an enteric coating. Doing so can release the medication all at once, which can be dangerous. Always ask your pharmacist before altering a pill [1.5.4, 1.11.1].

How can I manage taking multiple medications at different times?

Using a pill organizer with compartments for different times of day (morning, noon, night) is very helpful. Also, create a written schedule or chart and use alarms on your phone for each specific time [1.4.1, 1.4.2].

What's the best time of day to take a 'once daily' medication?

For many 'once daily' drugs, the most important factor is consistency—taking it at the same time every day. However, some medications are more effective or have fewer side effects when taken in the morning or at night, so it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist for their recommendation [1.11.1, 1.11.2].

What should I do if I experience a side effect from my medication?

Contact your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the medication on your own, as that can cause other problems. Your doctor can help you manage the side effect or may adjust your treatment plan [1.6.2, 1.6.5]. If you have a severe reaction like swelling or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical help immediately [1.6.3].

Are medication reminder apps better than a simple pillbox?

It depends on your preference. Pillboxes are great visual reminders, while apps offer automated alerts and tracking [1.7.1]. Some people find that using both—a pillbox for organization and an app for reminders—is the most effective strategy [1.7.1].