Many types of blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) work best when taken together. Most people with hypertension need 2 or more medications, as well as lifestyle changes, to help lower their blood pressure. Many drugs can take up to 6 weeks before showing full effects. It is important to always take your medications as directed by your physician.
Tips for remembering to take your medications
- Take it at the same time every day.
- Take it along with other daily activities, like eating breakfast or brushing your teeth.
- Use special pill boxes that help you keep track, like the ones divided into sections for each day of the week (which can be found at a drugstore).
- Ask someone close to you to help remind you.
- Put a sticker or reminder note on your medicine cabinet or refrigerator.
- If you have a personal computer, set up a reminder e-mail to be sent to you.
- If you have a watch with an alarm, set it to go off when it is time to take your medications.