As you age, it may seem as if the number of pill bottles on your dresser is multiplying. How can you keep track of your medications?

Follow these tips to help take the hassle out of medication management.

1. Create a medication record that lists your prescriptions, vitamins and frequently used over-the-counter remedies. For each item, include:

• the drug’s name
• the reason you take it
• prescribed dosage
• special instructions — Should the drug be taken with food or on an empty 
stomach? Do you need to take the medicine at a certain time each day?
The National Institutes of Health recommends storing one copy of your 

medication record with your medications and carrying a copy in your wallet for easy access during appointments.

2. Routinely discuss your medications with your doctor. Bring your medication record or pill bottles to each visit. This helps reduce the likelihood of drug interactions and other complications. Prepare a list of questions you would like to address, and let your doctor know if you’re experiencing side effects. Never stop taking a medication without talking with your doctor.

3. Organize your pills. Dispensers or organizers allow you to group medicines based on when you take them. Most pill dispensers contain compartments
for each day of the week or month, and some also provide compartments
for different times of the day. If you don’t have a pill organizer, the National Institutes of Health recommends using markers or stickers to color code your pill bottles in order to help you easily determine which medicines are needed when.

Talk with your doctor if you are having trouble managing your medications. If you don’t have a physician, Gateway Medical Group is here to help. All of our convenient family practice locations welcome new patients. Give us a call at 931-502-3800 or visit GatewayMedicalGroup.com. Same- and next-day appointments are often available. Patients of all ages welcome! We accept most insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid.

This publication in no way seeks to diagnose or treat illness or to serve as a substitute for professional medical care.