What is Parkinsons Disease
Parkinson's disease (paralysis agitans or PD) is a movement disorder often characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement (bradykinesia), and in extreme c...
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Taking Medication on Time
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Hi,
I am a caregiver for my husband who was diagnosed with PD about 7 months ago and he just turned 60 years old. They didn't think he needed the meds at the time, but since his tremors have worsened and the fatigue has increased so they put him on levodopa/carbidopa which has to be taken at 7 a.m. 11 a.m. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. without any protein, so he just takes it with water. He remembers the 7 a.m. with the use of the alarm at the bedside, but the others he doesn't always remember or maybe off a half hour or forget altogether. I want him to remember by himself and get used to the schedule so that the medication will work. He's only been up to full dosage for less than a week, so we haven't seen any sign of improvement yet. Do you think I should let him remember on his own, even though he might forget or get off schedule? The pharmacist said that it's important to be on schedule so he body will get used to the meds. I don't want him to get off schedule, but at the same time, I don't want to nag him or always ask if he took his medication and I can't be with him all of the time. He got a little upset and said he has to think of pills all day long, which I know can be depressing. Does anyone have any suggestions? Maybe in time he'll get used to the schedule, and maybe I'm worrying for nothing, but I am concerned. Thanks for your support.... Posted on 07/20/08, 12:07 pm |
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My mother had always been very regimented about taking her vitamins, appointments, etc. PD has changed her. She was terrible about taking her medicine on time. Both my father and I have had stern talks with her about the importance of taking them timely. It frustrated my father since he couldn't always remember for her but felt responsible if he didn't.
While my parents have a cell phone and several alarm clocks and timers, what finally did it was buying her a watch specially made for pill-taking. It took a while for her to finally wear it, but she wears it now and, yes, she now takes her meds. on time! 
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I purchased a timex watch with three alarms that you can set or change whenever you want.
I bought one for my husband and myself. It beeps when it's time to take the pills. They were rather inexpensive. Got one from Walmart and one from Kohls. We don't always hear them if there's a lot of noise so I take a loud alarm in my purse when we leave the house. Often times, somebody younger will hear our alarms so we get a lot of help
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