when you start on a drug.work with your doctor to get the right drug and dose level for you.
if you have side effect.tell your doctor so the drugs can be adjusted.
if you're worried about cost,tell your doctor or pharmacist-there may be a less expensive drug or a generic from that you can use instead.
it's important that you take your drugs as prescribed.
that can prevent a heart attack,stroke,and congestive heart failure.
which is a serious condition in which the heart cannot pump as much blood as the body needs.
it's easy to forget to take medicines.but just like putting your sock on in the morning and brushing your teeth,taking your medicine can become part of your daily routine.
see box 13 foe some tips that will help you remember to take your blood pressure drugs.
box 13 tips to help you remember to take your blood pressure drugs
- put a favorite picture of yourself or a loved one the refrigerator with a note that says, "remember to take your high blood pressure drugs"
- keep your high blood pressure drugs on the nightstand next to your side of the bed.
- take your high blood pressure drugs right after your brush your teeth,and keep them with your toothbrush as a reminder.
- put "sticky" notes in visible places to remind yourself to take your high blood pressure drugs. you can put notes on the refrigerator,on the bathroom mirror,or on front door.
- set up a buddy system with a friend who also in on daily medication and arrange to call each other every day with a reminder to "take your blood pressure drugs."
- ask your child or grandchild to call you every day with a quick reminder. it's a great way to stay in touch,and little ones love to help the grown-ups.
- place your drugs in a weekly pillbox,avallable at most phamacies.
- if you have a personal computer,program a start-up reminder to take your high blood pressure drugs,or sign up with a free service that will send you a reminder e-mail every day.
- remember to refill your prescription. each time you pick up a refill,make a note on your calendar to order and pick up the next refill 1 week before the medication is due to run out.
you can taking drugs and still not have your blood pressure under control.
everyone-and older americans in particular-must be careful to keep his or her blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg.
if your blood pressure is higher than that,talk with your doctor about adjusting your drugs or making lifestyle changes to bring your blood pressure down.
some over-the-counter drugs,such as arthritis and pain drugs,and dietary supplements,such as ephedra,ma haung,and bitter orange,can raise your blood pressure.
be sure to tell your doctor about any nonprescription drugs that you're taking and ask whether they may make it harder for you ti bring your blood pressure under control.