How can I help myself?

Here are some helpful tips when taking medication:

• make sure you understand what each medication is for and what its effects should be.  If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain again
• don’t alter the timing or dose of your medication without talking to your doctor first
• always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you think you may be experiencing unwanted side effects, or if you have any concerns or queries
• keep a medication diary - this is a good way to monitor your reaction to medications and can help your doctor to pinpoint any unwanted affects and the medication that causes them – see Guide to Living with Parkinson's - Diary for a sample medication record
• don’t assume that your medication regime will be the same as other people with Parkinson’s – each person’s needs are individual and medication is tailored to suit them
• if you have a number of different medications to take throughout the day you may find it helpful to use a timer, rather like an alarm clock, which will remind you to take another dose
• you can also buy various types of tablet organisers that have a compartment for each day which can be very useful to keep with you if you are going out. For advice on this speak to your pharmacist or search on-line
• if you find child-proof bottles, or ‘blister’ packs (plastic strips with a foil seal which you ‘pop’ pills out of) difficult to use, ask your pharmacist to provide different types of lids or packaging
• ask your pharmacist to use labels with large print if you have trouble reading smaller print
• some medicines can be taken in a spoonful of yoghurt or fruit puree to help them slip down easier, some can be crushed or mixed in water. Others may be available in liquid form, or as tablets that dissolve on the tongue. Discuss with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist the best way for you to take your medication.