Your physician has probably told you that it is extremely important to take your blood pressure medicine exactly as prescribed, and he or she is right. Following your doctor’s instructions to the letter will help you effectively manage your blood pressure levels and reduce your risk of hypertension complications and drug side effects.

Most people have the best of intentions to take their blood pressure-lowering pills when they leave the doctor’s office with their prescription in hand, but many stray off course in the days, weeks, and months that follow.

Do any of these scenarios sound familiar? You fill the blood pressure medication prescription but never take the medicine bottle out of the package. Or you may begin losing interest in the pills, forgetting to take them for days at a time. You may skip a dose here or there, or you may take a higher or lower dose than your doctor instructed.

With each of these lapses, however, you may be putting your health at risk, increasing your chances of having a heart attack or stroke or developing kidney or eye disease. Your blood pressure pills are likely not the only medication you are on, and it can be difficult to keep all of your drug regimens straight. So, here are some tips to help ensure that you’re taking your blood pressure medications when you should:

• Buy and use an inexpensive plastic pillbox (available at pharmacies). Look for one with seven compartments that correspond to the days of the week (Sunday through Saturday), as well as times of day (morning, noon, evening), and keep your medication there. It will help you organize your pills, and give you a way of keeping track of what pills you need to take and when.
• Leave a Post-It note on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror, or anywhere else you’re likely to see it, as a reminder to take your pills. Or set your watch, alarm clock, or cell phone to alert you to take your medication.
• Take your blood pressure pills at the same time each day, and at the same time as an everyday activity (for example, eating breakfast or brushing your teeth). This will help make taking your medication a part of your daily routine.
• Medical pagers and electronic pillboxes are also available. These products make a beeping noise when it’s time for your blood pressure medication. Some of the electronic pillboxes even record the day and time when the cap of the pillbox is opened.
• Each time you take your blood pressure medication, write it down in a log or on a calendar, including the date and time that you took it.

Because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms, you may be finding it difficult to take your blood pressure-lowering medication day in and day out. You may be thinking, "Why should I keep taking medication if I’m feeling fine.” However, hypertension is called “the silent killer” for a reason: It quietly wreaks havoc on your body, until you suffer a heart attack, stroke, or other illness. If knowing this isn’t enough to motivate you, try one or more of these strategies.

• Purchase a home blood pressure monitor to track your progress. Seeing your blood pressure drop as you to continue to take your medication is motivating for many people.
• Ask a close friend or family member to give you a call once a day to remind you to take your blood pressure medication and how important it is to your health.
• Along with that Post-It note on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror, post some pictures of your grandchildren and other loved ones to remind you that keeping your blood pressure under control will help you live a long life.
• Reward yourself for lowering your blood pressure to a new level and keeping it there for a month or two. Buy tickets to a play or the opera, plan a vacation, or go out to your favorite restaurant.

Bottom line advice: If you forget to take your blood pressure medicine, don’t "double up” with an extra dose to make up for the lapse. Instead, just take your next scheduled dose. When you travel, make sure to pack an adequate supply of blood pressure pills in your carry-on luggage, purse, or briefcase. Also, bring some extra pills with you in case your return home is delayed.

Never stop taking your blood pressure medication (or adjust its dose) on your own without first discussing it with your physician. Doing so can cause a dangerous spike in your blood pressure. Nor should you take a smaller dose (or skip a dose) in order to make your medicine last longer. Let your doctor know if you’re having difficulty sticking with or paying for your pill regimen, and he or she may have some suggestions. In addition, don’t forget to refill your prescription with plenty of time to spare so you don’t run out of pills.