Posted by medlib on March 2, 2002, at 0:34:38
In reply to medication compliance?, posted by trouble on March 1, 2002, at 20:41:50
Hi Trouble--
I've wanted to post to you a number of times, but I've been afraid I'd succumb to my deplorable tendency to profer unasked-for advice. I try not to miss any of your messages, partly because what you've revealed of yourself reminds me so often of my brother. Anyway, be aware that your posts likely have affected many more than you know. BTW, the remarkable change in those messages over such a short time is, IMO, the antithesis of decompensation.
Now, about multiple-dose meds: the general rule of thumb is that if the time until the next dose is less than the time since the last dose, simply skip the missed dose. DO NOT change the amount of the next dose without MD approval; abrupt major increases in med dosage exacerbate side effects and make adverse events more likely. If you remember a missed dose within 2 hours after its scheduled time, go ahead and take it. Different rules apply for "critical" meds (i.e., anticonvulsants for epileptics, heart meds, etc.). One takes a missed dose of those meds as soon as it's remembered, making adjustments in the timing (not the amount) of future doses, as needed.
As Mark mentioned, 7 day pill boxes help, particularly if one has the self discipline to fill them each Saturday night. Advance warning about refill needs is a side benefit. I use a different box color for each dosage time, placing each where I usually am at that time. Ny son carries a pocket-sized timer to help him remember a 4x/day med (people think the timer's a pager). People who know me tease about my "purse pharmacy"--usually while they're asking for an Advil or Tums. Hey, you do what you have to to cope with what you don't have (in my case, a short-term memory and the ability to multitask*).
Well wishes---medlib
* sorry for using such an linguistic idiocy, but it's succinct and I'm not.
poster:medlib
thread:96004
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020301/msgs/96029.html