Reddit mentions: The best medication aids

1. This is going to be long >.>
   
   Apple Cinnamon Raisin Cake
   
   3 cups flower
   
   1 1/2 cups sugar
   
   1 teaspoon baking soda
   
   1 teaspoon nut meg (I usually go about 2 or 3)
   
   2 teaspoons cinnamon (I usually go 2-3 table spoons but I like it with a lot)
   
   1 cup raisins (I always add more and never measure. Just when it looks like there is enough)
   
   3 cups peeled cubed apples (Try to get tart apples if you can)
   
   1 cup oil
   
   1 teaspoon vanilla
   
   3 eggs
   
   Okay here's what you do. Add everything up to up the apples and give a little stir. Stir in the apples. Stir in the oil and vanilla (not all the way just so the stuff get wet). Add your eggs (Try to make a little valley where you can break the yolks and beat them a little bit). Mix everything well. Put in greased bunt pan. Shove it into your oven at 350 for 60 mins. Sit back and eat the whole damn thing. Perfect for breakfast, snacks and desserts!
   
   This is literally the best way to put it all together, even from what the book says because this gives it the best texture and best strength I added the flower last once and it was a crumbly mass of crumbs. Good with a tiny bit of milk but no bueno for your hands.
   
   I can't make this cake that often either because I'm addicted and I will sit there and eat the whole cake myself, and it's a big cake. I made two one time and I ate both with my dog. And there's really not too much sugar in it. I also forgot to add that there are no photos of this cake because above reason: I ate the photos of the cake too.
   
   Second thing: Art keeps me going because I know no matter what it doesn't matter what anyone says. My Art. My Way.
   
   Third thing: Third thing: It's a bear. It's Rambo. NO! It's rambopandabear! They're hear to to take names and ask if you've met their little friend. (I don't even know)
   
   Fourth Thing: http://www.amazon.com/Duck-1304968-Colored-1-88-Inch-Single/dp/B002TOL43M/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1371450615&sr=8-18&keywords=green
   
   Because everyone needs duck tape for those hard to shut up people and the ones you don't want getting away. Now in the new colour of green, you can use this to fix just about anything in your home or office and keep quiet those pesky coworkers two cubicles down that talk the whole day away. Also available in every colour and pattern under the sun to help keep you entertained.
   
   Okay I hope I kept you entertained and not going OMG why wont she shut up haha. It'll be interesting to see what other people come up with. I'd like this to be my winning item: Mad Hatter Pill Box but if you decide to go under ten or whatever I've got items I can switch it for. Really a fun contest and I hope you have a wonderful and fantastic birthday with friends, family, hopefully drinking if you've got the family I've got, and just good times all around.

From a bipolarbear to a loved one of a bipolarbear, if your nephew isn't in a place to say it himself: thank you. We have a way of alienating the people who care for us the most and a lot of us end up alone, ashamed of things we've said and done in the past with nowhere to go. The fact that you're willing to take him in is huge.

Now, part of what makes this decision huge is that it's probably not going to be a cakewalk. I think it's fine to require that he be compliant with treatment, but it's going to require some finessing on your end to make sure that things outside of his control don't get in the way of his compliance. Mental illness is tricky because it often operates on its own logic, and things that seem very simple or straightforward to you are quite complicated for someone whose decision-making capabilities are jeopardized by their brain chemistry.

Early on, "support" might mean that he needs help in his treatment compliance. Things like help scheduling and making appointments on time, picking up meds from the pharmacy, dosing them out into a daily meds organizer like this, reminders or help setting up a reminder system for taking meds, or perhaps even going with him to talk to his doctors about medication options that don't need to be taken daily, like monthly antipsychotic shots (yep, they can shoot you up with your meds so you don't have to remember taking them -- there are a lot of positives and negatives to this, so be open-minded).

When the mentally ill turn to substances as self-medication, consider this behavior as the desperation it is, rather than the disregard for others families tend to see it as. Substance addiction is tricky and really, really hard to kick, even with professional help. If your nephew is dealing with alcoholism, he has a long, uphill battle ahead of him and he's going to need your support and understanding more than ultimatums. Now, yes, it's your house, your rules, and your family's safety and sanity takes precedence, but when it comes to his substance use I urge you to measure any actions you take against the context of "Is this leading to positive results, or negative results?"

Let go of "should be" and "could be" when it comes to substance use. The things that drive people into substances have their own logic (which is why addiction ruins lives like it does), so tread softly. You're doing an incredibly generous, kind thing for your nephew that's going to require a lot of patience.

In that same vein, be proactive about recruiting outside help. Will he be in an outpatient group? Dual-diagnosis therapy (treatment designed to reach those who struggle both with mental illness and substance use)? Given the damage done to society by untreated mental illness and substance abuse, most regions have public health services and pro bono private services available. Get a support structure in place before your nephew even arrives so the pressure isn't all on you. If you do get to a point where he can't be in your home anymore, it will be easier for everyone involved if you've had a shit-hits-the-fan plan set up from the beginning.

Guns: Yep, off-site storage. You sound like you've got a good head on your shoulders and are a responsible firearms owner. It's an inconvenience, but follow your gut here and ensure that your nephew will have no opportunity to harm himself or anyone else with your pieces. The statistics on guns, the mentally ill, and avoidable accidents/suicides/tragedies just go to show that the two don't mix. When we're stable, being treated, and have spot-on crisis plans in place, even then gun ownership is dicey, but possible. But only after a great deal of time stable and a commitment to a solid treatment plan.

Finally, the thing that's going to help your loved one the most is knowing that you're there for him, you're doing to do everything you can to help him (especially when he has days or strings of days when his illness robs him of his ability to be the best version of himself), and that his illness isn't the most important thing about him. I encourage you to bond with him over common interests and help him relax and feel like part of the family (he might be struggling with feeling like an intruder, or waiting for the other shoe to drop and get kicked out). Make sure you recognize any steps he takes in a positive direction, and sympathize with him when he screws up, because bipolar is all about screwing up.

/r/bipolar is also an excellent place to get advice and feedback for anything that comes up, or to just shoot the shit and joke around when you need to, so stick around. We've got your back. Introduce your nephew, even? We're a bunch of weirdos but there's good people here. You're doing a good thing, so don't forget that. I wish you all the best.

Your list is good, however there's a few things you're likely to run into.

-------------

TL;DR: of what’s ahead

You only have so much willpower to expend in any given day, you probably can't pursue everything at once. To maximize your goal fulfillment, remember the following:

1. Cut unnecessary drains out of your life.
   
2. Figure out which goals are most important. You don’t have to pursue them all at once
   
3. Figure out which goals (once reached) will make the others easier.
   
4. Look for smart investments that will make your goals easier to fulfill (ie cost less willpower)
   
   ----------
   
   In a nutshell, humans have a finite amount of willpower that we can expend in one day. There are only so many conscious decisions that you can make in one 24-hour period, only so many things you can force yourself to do.
   
   And that’s fine, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. We’re all human, that’s how we are.
   
   Think of as being like money, where you only have a finite supply at any given time. If you suddenly start expending more on one part of your life, one of two things will happen:
   
   
5. You'll eventually peter out. You're spending extra willpower (or money) that you don't really have, and you can only do that for so long before you go back to doing what you were before. OR
   
6. You'll keep at it, but you'll find yourself dropping the ball elsewhere...you have enough willpower (or money) to go after your new pursuits, but not enough to also keep at it with your old ones.
   
   So you might take on new fitness goals but find yourself dropping the ball on your diet goals, similar to how you might start making payments on a car only to find yourself unable to pay the electric bill. Make sense?
   
   That's the bad news. The good news is, there's a few strategies that you can use to stretch your willpower a lot further, adapted from the financial advice world.
   
   ------------
   
   1. "If you're in a hole, stop digging."
   
   In other words, be prepared to make significant lifestyle changes.
   
   For example, suppose you're using all your willpower just to get through the day without punching your boss in the face. Guess what, you need a different job ASAP...as long as you stay there, you will be so sapped of willpower/energy that you'll never accomplish your other goals.
   
   Make sense? Look for the unnecessary willpower drains that you can cut out of your life. Your friends, your church, your job, your girlfriend. All are fair game, if they're only sapping your strength.
   
   -------------
   2. Some goals are more important right now than others. There is nothing wrong with choosing to focus on a few and letting the others go for now.
   
   Financial example: I have credit card debt at 20% APR, and student loan debt at 8% APR. Do I try to pursue both equally, at the same time?
   
   Answer: no. Obviously I heavily pursue the credit card debt first, and worry about the student debt later.
   
   Similarly, I might decide to only worry about diet and sleep for now, and take on my porn addiction and lack of fitness later.
   
   And remember: once you've established a good habit, the amount of willpower you spend on it will be significantly less than what you spend on it right now.
   
   For example, right now you might be spending all your willpower on eating correctly. But a year from now, it will come naturally to you...at that point, eating correctly will be so easy that it doesn’t cost you any willpower whatsoever.
   
   Then you’re free to start pursuing your fitness goals...now you easily have enough willpower to pursue both diet and exercise, because you didn’t try to do them all at once.
   
   --------
   
   3. In addition to #2, some goals (once they’ve become second nature) will actually make it easier (ie cost less willpower) to accomplish other goals. I call them “enabling goals.”
   
   Sleep is the best example…if you are able to get the appropriate amount of sleep every night, suddenly your other goals all become easier and cost less willpower because you’re not so damn tired all the time.
   
   So if you can’t do all your goals at once, focus on sleep (or other enabling goals) first. You get those down, the others will follow.
   
   Make sense?
   
   ------------
   
   4. A smart investment up front will save money (or willpower) down the road
   
   Financial example: you ditch the junker and spend extra money on a car that is highly reliable and gets good gas mileage, saving you mechanic’s bills and gas money down the road.
   
   Personal goals examples:
   
   
7. I have a lot of nutritional supplements that I take every morning and evening. At first, I was unscrewing every bottle, every morning and evening. I was a dumbass who wasn't putting any thought into it, and surprise surprise, I was failing. I just wouldn't get around to it.
   
   Eventually, I bought four of these weekly pill organizers on Amazon. Now, I just go and fill them up once a month (not difficult), and pop one slot open and take the supplements every morning and evening (also not difficult).
   
   
8. I used to try to eat greens...but by the time I was done, I looked like a cow chewing its cud and my jaw was literally tired. And again, I was failing at it.
   
   Until I went and bought a used juicer...now, I juice once a week, and getting my vegetable intake is as easy as drinking it.
   
   
9. One of the supplements I take in the evening (per #3) is a small amount of melatonin...this in turn makes getting adequate sleep much easier, which makes all my other goals a lot easier.
   
   You get the idea? A smart investment can mean a far smaller willpower expenditure in pursuit of your goal. Figure out what’s holding you up, and if there’s something worth investing in to make it easier.
   
   Easier = less willpower expended = greater chance of success & more willpower for your other goals.
   
   ---------
   
   Now go start fulfilling your goals, TL;DR is at the top. Questions?

This is behavior hacking! You need to (1) remove obstacles to success and (2) set up rewards and punishments for your behavior.

(1) Remove Obstacles

Stumbling Block: Too many bottles to open when I’m tired
On Sunday evenings, when my husband is ironing shirts and I’m going over my doctor’s appointments for the week in my calendar, I also put my pills in a weekly pill sorter. I had to try a few to find which one worked best for me.

Stumbling Block: Mid-day meds forgotten at home
Right now I’m on AM/PM only but when I had mid-day meds, I put them in a separate, smaller pill sorter that went into my purse since I am often out mid-day.

Stumbling Block: Don’t want to get out of bed to take meds in the kitchen/supplies were all over the place
My med bottles, heating pad, pain cream and other pain/injury stuff are in a 3-tier rolling cart from IKEA that is by my bedside. I try to keep the top tier clear except for my pill sorters, my take as needed meds and a few other small bits.

Stumbling Block: Started ignoring my alarms
I have phone alarms that have a loud and annoying ringtone to remind me to take my meds. I change it up every few months so I don’t get too used to it. It’s also a different sound than my wake up alarm and my other phone sounds. Some people do better setting a physical alarm clock that is harder to turn off or ignore.

(2) Rewards & Punishments

For awhile when I was struggling to take meds, I had a deal with my sister that I’d text her every am and pm with a picture of my empty pill sorter section that was time/date stamped.
(Note the removing obstacles here by fighting against my instinct for laziness. The check in was twice per day, required a photo and required a time stamp.)

Punishment:
I gave her an envelope with $25 bucks per week in it. If I missed an accountability picture text, I lost $5. If I was more than 30 minutes late with my meds, I lost $2.

Reward:
At the end of each week, she’d tell me my balance and if I never missed a dose, she sometimes put in an extra $5 reward (Never asked her to do that. It was just her being awesome.)
Reward:
At the end of the month, she’d send me the money in the mail since we live a few hours away. We could have done all this electronically, but physically sending her an envelope with $100 in it each month and physically getting that money back (or less money back) made it much more real to me.
Reward:
I also got to reward myself with that money by paying for a massage or pedicure or a nice haircut/blowout.
Penalty:
If I didn’t have enough money for the reward I was working towards, I didn’t get to do it.

This worked super well for me until I got into a better natural rhythm. Now I do it for myself and my husband kind of checks in with me about it.

Here are some tools I’ve tried and liked:

AM/PM 7-Day Pill Sorter, long & flat - nicely sized, has push buttons instead of snaps that hurt fingers, good colors
AM/PM 7-Day Pill Sorter, removable rectangles - nice, large capacity, easy open, secure close, individual squares for each day of the week, 8th container for extra meds

Mid-Day/Travel Med Sorter, rectangle - nice size, secure, removable compartments for different pill sizes, up to 4 sections, nice colors
Mid-Day/Travel Pill Sorter (Round, 7 day) - east to load, easy to dispense, 7 sections, small and well-designed

Did You Take Your Pills? Tool - small card that has switches you can flip for each day and AM/PM to ensure you take meds
Time Since Last Dose Pill Bottle Caps - Of you forget when you last took your meds, check the color-coded caps to see how long it’s been since your last dose. Helpful if you take multiple times per day or struggle to remember if you’ve taken each med. several colors so you can mark multiple bottles.

Good luck OP!

no definitely not confusing. I used to take medication and it was the same for me. Lack of appetite and felt like compete shit after and a little bit during as well. like i felt off during. but i say get a lower dose and try using caffeine it’s a natural stimulant that may or may not help. You’ll probably need a lot. like. a lot. but could work definitely has helped w me and if it makes you tired don’t be surprised it’s kinda weird w adhd my ex’s dad told me how it’s the opposite in the brain bc ADHD ppl take meds to calm them down where as if other ppl take them it’ll do nothing or hype em up. If others drink coffee they get jittery and we chill tf out. but in summary that dosage is very high and could be too strong. if you wanna make the most of it I say get a pill splitter like this one https://www.amazon.com/Apex-Ultra-Pill-Cutter-Retracting/dp/B000EGKTGK and take 20 mg in the morning and 20 at lunch or something. and tell guardian how you think it’s too strong. best of luck.

Any little present that shows that someone loves me, CFS and all, is honestly the best thing I could get. I think that many of us (definitely me) get in our heads about whether we and our illness are too much of a burden for an SO. Even when we're single we can get in our heads about whether we'd be able to date an imaginary future person. For me this can get really amplified around holidays. A little card, a little toy, anything. It's the meaning behind it for me, doesn't have to be much.

In that vein, a lot of friends have given me stuffed animals since I got sick. While I feel a little silly to be a grown woman with a bunch of stuffed animals in the house it also serves as a nice reminder that I still have friends and they still care about me, even if we aren't always in close touch.

As for CFS specific things, some folks on here showed me this badass medbox with tons of room. I LOVE it.

A good comfy pillow to their liking.

Nice looking compression stockings if they have POTS.

Cozy socks/slippers

I got this almost adult looking sippy cup so that I can keep hydrated when I can't sit up.

A good bedside tray or table.

A SAD light for those who have trouble in the winter.

A nice poster for the walls, unless it's going to visually overstimulate them. When you're looking at walls all day it can be nice to change scenery.

edit: goddamn brain fog words are hard.

Comments:

Proscar itself is used for BHP treatment, but it's LITERALLY exactly what Propecia is, but in 5x the dose. It wouldn't be fradulent to obtain it and use it at a propecia dose to treat hairloss.

Don't crush the pills. Use a pill cutter and cut them into 4ths. I use that exact same kind/brand, and it works great.

Pregnant women should not handle crushed/cut pills, so make sure your wife/girlfriend doesn't touch them. I am married, and my wife knows that she's not to touch them. I keep the quarter pill INSIDE the pill cutter so that it doesn't accidentally get touched or anything. Also, the reason that they shouldn't touch them is that it can get absorbed through the skin, and could mess with the development of a male fetus. HOWEVER, the tests that were done on monkeys found that it would take approx 20mg (or 200x the propecia dose) for there to actually be problems. There's no way anyone's going to accidentally take 20 pills. But the fact that, even though it takes an EXTREMELY HIGH does, that warning has to be put on the label.

Questions:

You said you recently discovered the potential Gyno side effect. Did you notice the tenderness in your nipples before, or after you found out about the side effect? If you found out about it and THEN noticed something, then I wouldn't worry about it too much yet. Why not? Well, because you really had no reason to pay attention to how your nipples felt before. Do you REALLY know how they feel every day? Now you have it on your mind, so you're going to be HYPER aware of it. Think of it like this...normally (I assume) you go about your day not really worrying about your wallet. But if I told you "Hey, today someone's going to try to steal your wallet" you'd CONSTANTLY be thinking about it and aware of it. You'd notice every time someone brushed up against you while you were walking down the street, and you'd feel for your wallet 1000 times that day to make sure it was still there.

I really hope I don't come across as preachy...but have you thought about bringing that body fat down? I also speak from experience. I was at 19.6% BF at one point, but I lost 30lbs then put back on muscle. Just my overall life has improved from it, and it's in my top 3 best things I've ever done in my life (Marriage, and Propecia being the other 2!). If you are interested, I can give you advice on that too.

Summary:

Good for you for doing something about your loss, and thanks for the update!

Ok I don't know which comment to reply to, because everyone has the same issue, but here's what worked awesome for me!

Pill Bottle Timer Cap

I mean all it does is start a timer every time it's been opened. The cool guy top doesn't fit my Rx bottles, but they come with a bottle that fits it anyways. It's honestly super dope. I once took a double dose of Adderall because I forgot that I'd just taken it mere moments before. Yikes. never again.

I got mine over a year ago, and the time has just started to fade. But apparently you can replace it with just a regular ol' watch battery.

Do you have a cat (or dog, but I think cats are better at this)? Because I once read a post about forgetting to take meds, or in this case, T, where every time you take those meds at a certain time or on a certain day, you feed the cat a specific treat. After a while, they come to expect food at that certain time on that certain day and they WILL yell at you and follow you around the house until you do it. I know it's kind of silly, but I've had friends who said it worked for them for taking certain types of medication and things. '

Also, they sell pill bottles with caps that have screens on them that tell you how long ago the bottle was last opened. You could put the vial of T inside the pill bottle? So you know when you last opened it and took it?

https://www.amazon.com/Automatically-indicator-Auto-Repeating-pill-included/dp/B004W8EQC4

The BPA free is an excellent idea. Ours that we've been using aren't, and now I kind of want to get new ones! I googled and found this one which would be nice because it has an AM and PM side!

ETA This one is super cool too!! And you can take off each day to throw in your purse if you need to. I think I may order one of these now haha. (another edit--nevermind, this one is quite expensive!)

Hi! These are the capsules I use! I buy Himalayan sea salt from ShopRite, since it is healthier than regular salt and full of minerals, and I pour it into a bowl. I then open up the capsules and just fill them with salt! How many I need per day depends on how much I am doing - or how much heat I am exposed to - but they are extremely helpful on the go. I bring them around in a little container in my purse. I also do the same thing with sodium ascorbate vitamin C - which is a natural mast cell stabilizer! Also - if any of you are struggling with anxiety from POTS, or low energy, I honestly cannot recommend magnesium malate enough. Please check with your doctor and titrate up slowly because magnesium can lower blood pressure, but this article explains how low blood pressure can actually be a result of a long-standing magnesium deficiency. I highly encourage you all to check out magnesium. It has been shown to have interaction with the benzodiazepine receptor. I also have found pharma gaba to be very helpful in a pinch for anxiety - but take caution as this one can really lower blood pressure. TINY amounts can be extremely helpful in anxiety-provoking situations. If any of you have anymore questions, please feel free to send me a message. I have done extensive research on all of this! :)

Okay tagging /u/CarlSagans as well so he sees it.

Long story semi-short, Finasteride is the name of a drug. It was originally developed as a drug to help older men with prostate issues, but they found when they were on the drug, their hair was growing back. So the exact same drug was turned the name brand hair-loss drug that you probably have heard of: Propecia. It's the exact same drug as generic Finsateride (Finasteride is to Propecia as Ibuprofen is to Advil, if that make sense), just in a 1MG dose instead of a 5MG dose.

But here's the rub, Propecia costs a lot, I think it's something like $120+ for 30 pills, so that's like $1500 a year. But you can get a prescription for regular 5MG Finsateride. You just need to get a simple pill cutter (I got this $5 on on Amazon) and cut each pill into 1/4ths, and that's a roughly 1MG dose.

In California, with no insurance, this costs $9 for 30 pills, so 120 doses, which is $27 a year. That's roughly a 98% savings.

All you have to do is know to ask your doctor for this prescription for generic 5MG Finasteride. A lot of people have anxiety about this, they think it's like asking to steal or something. It's not. It's incredibly common. My doctor, the first time I ever saw him, instantly knew what I was talking about and wrote me the scrip in 10 seconds. Didn't bat an eye.

Finasteride has been amazing for me, millions of men have taken it and it's totally safe, and I highly recommend getting on it.

It's a pretty cheap and generic grinder. If you want results like the magic flight finishing grinder but don't feel like paying the 30 bucks, check this out on amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Cut-Crush-Pill-Splitter-Crusher/dp/B000E0ZHFO/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1398122164&sr=8-7&keywords=pill+crusher) It's super cheap and grinds really really fine. I have one, and the only downside is sometimes the herb gets stuck in the teeth, but if you have a brush you can get it out easily

EDIT: oh and it's got a storage compartment for ground herb, it's really useful

Okay, you absolutely need one of these bad boys. I use both sides as one weeks worth of pills, so that I have 2 weeks worth ready at all times.

Next, use an app to track an remind you to take your pills at the same time every day. CareZone and Medisafe both have free useful apps that are super helpful.

I just posted this in another thread, but I love my pill crusher for getting a find grind, and its much easier than the quarter in a pill bottle method. and doesn't take long at all. I even like it more than the finishing grinder.

It can also store ground herbs for the next trench or two. This is the same one I use, I think I paid $5.

http://www.amazon.com/Cut-Crush-Pill-Splitter-Crusher/dp/B000E0ZHFO/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1405655850&sr=8-7&keywords=pill+crusher

It only has two slots, but I really like this case due to the volume it holds. I take my pills in really only two main times anyway (morning and lunch) but a lot of them are LARGE pills, so this holds them all really well. I waffled for a while because the cost on it is crazy, but I've had it for a year and its been great. I also like that the days come off individually, so you can re-arrange them, or take just a day or two with you when going somewhere. It's easy to load, and then I dump the relevant pills into a cute little dish each day to take them.

Then I use a regular small, 7-section pill holder for my bedtime pills that was one I rejected for my main daily pill holder because it was too small for everything.

There is a thing called a Finger Toothbrush, they make them for babies and for pets. Lots of different sizes and bristle arrangements, I don't have a specific one to recommend. The tiniest one I found is actually an antique in a museum, but look around.

I also found this: Scope Outlast mini brush.
And a similar product from Colgate.

To make whatever you find keychain friendly, look for pill boxes or toothpick holders or "stash" holders (no link!!) that are keychains. You'll have to figure out what size each thing is and whether your brushy things will fit, but you should be able to find something that will work. You could put a shot of mouthwash into one of these cases.

I found all these when I was looking for a keychain container to hold a USB-C to micro-USB adapter that is 2.5x1.0x0.5cm, so if you see something that would work for that as you are searching, let me know :-)

In the recent VLOG, TB said that he had a lot of problems with swallowing pills. My girlfriend has the same problem so I looked this stuff for her a while ago.

There are two solutions that I found:

1. Oralflo Pill Swallowing Cup - Which you can get at Amazon for a pretty cheap price, which should help a lot. Link: http://www.amazon.com/OralFlo-RC-02-Oralflo-Pill-Swallowing/dp/B000NJJ3C4
   
   
2. There's a site called 'Headstart', which is basically the Israeli Kickstarter, and some pharmacist is now trying to fund a device for swallowing pills as well (I just want to point out that I have NO relations to the guy, I just found out his project recently by chance). The device is already ready and can be bought from him for a very cheap price. It's in Hebrew, but I can help with that if needed. Link: http://www.headstart.co.il/project.aspx?id=10099
   
   I'm not sure any of this is helpful, but maybe TB for some reason didn't search for this and it might help him.
   
   Feel better TB!
   

There's gadgets like this which some people find useful:

https://www.amazon.com/OralFlo-RC-02-Oralflo-Pill-Swallowing/dp/B000NJJ3C4

If you Google pill swallowing techniques there's also lots of ideas, but it's been a while since I looked into it so not sure which sites are great. Generally they advice practising starting with cake sprinkles and working your way up. There's a way to do it with a water bottle that mimics the pill swallowing cup or some people find wrapping the pill in marshmallow or bread helpful

For herb? Medicine pill key chain bottles. They're at CVS and stuff, also amazon.

For the vapes and stuff?

smallest/cheapest smellproof case (Makes no sense to me that this case costs more than the next one, this one's build quality isn't as high at all.) $25

Slightly larger/nicer smellproff case $20

Large and spacious smellproof case $30
That was technically designed for the Haze but is an excellent case in any regard.

Edit: I own all these things/cases, and speak from first hand experience. I also use all 3, none are bad.

honestly I think it's hilarious but I have a humorous view on my meds. My pill case pretty much sums it up: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QV0GGG/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

I have a Walmart brand solar lantern similar to this one. I keep it collapsed, in one of the center cupholders, so that it is always handy and charged for the times when we are setting up camp after dark.

A gear net that stretches across the inside roof of the UTE is good for stashing a wallet, phone, eyeglasses, slippers, and a change of clothes for the morning.

If you want privacy or the ability to sleep in after the sun rises, strip magnets and black cloth will suffice to cover your windows.

If you like to cook, rather than pack a passel of spice bottles, transfer your favorites into daily medication organizers. If you are road tripping and will be out for a while, look for organizers with larger compartments.

If you will be camping in the desert in the summer, get a spray water bottle to dampen your top sheet before you go to sleep. That will keep you cool until you do and the sheet will be dry again by morning.

If you will be camping in hot and humid areas, a small rechargeable usb fan set to blow on your face and neck will make you feel much cooler.

They're the bee's fuckin' knees :) Super thin "paper" made of tapioca flour. You can get disks which you fold yourself or the pre-made little pouches... the pouches cost more but I'm super lazy so the extra cost is fine by me (you get 50 for $7 so it's not like OMG crazy outrageous). I get them on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Pip-Oblate-Bag-Type-Japanese/dp/B000FQOFLO - you can find the discs from the suggested items on that link if you prefer.

Slip ups happen. It's ok. I'm glad for you that you were in your childhood community. A young man who grew up here recently had an episode on the street (not mental health related) and we all just felt sad and worried that this sweet boy we saw grow up was having a tough time. I'm sure your neighbors feel similarly. Like someone else said, keeping meds on your person and setting a phone alarm can help keep you healthy and on track. My family uses these https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HF2UCEU/ref=mp_s_a_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1540052707&sr=8-4&keywords=pill+keychain+container&dpPl=1&dpID=51cBPh2fDoL&ref=plSrch
They have been a real lifesaver.

I've been using https://www.amazon.com/Pip-Oblate-Bag-Type-Japanese/dp/B000FQOFLO/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=oblate%2Bpouches&qid=1566578209&s=gateway&sr=8-1&th=1 to take my noots. Fits waaaay more than a capsule, and once you get the hang of folding the rice paper it's super quick and easy, never breaks, fits 4 grams of powder comfortably.

My best friend gave it to me. Posted about it on the other bipolar sub when that happened and [checks posting history] c_hannah found it on Amazon, and it's apparently back in stock now. I also now use this one for my naltrexone - it looks too much like my lithium to keep in in the same pillbox.

If you want to stop carrying them purely for the mental impact their presence has on you, go for it and I am sure there will be some good advice provided!

If however you find carrying them to be a pain in the butt, I highly recommend this pill carrier on Amazon. My problem was I just wanted to carry around a little kpin with me, I'm not looking to store a week's worth of pills in there. I looked around and even ordered a few until I found this one, it is super unobtrusive and by far the smallest I have found. As an added bonus, this won't help you but for others- I use this to keep track of my intake. I am supposed to try and keep it to two a day so I load it up with 4 halves every morning and easy peasy. EDIT: Of course I forgot the link: https://amzn.com/B00MY9JUME

Haha i was gonna suggest gus, i have the micro and love it, they are extremely sturdy and well made. www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00MY9JUME/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523842656&sr=8-2&keywords=gus+pill+fob

I know that a few people have already mentioned oblate bags, but I’m gonna give you an actual link. These things are AMAZING. You can put up to a half tablespoon in one pouch and swallow it without ever tasting a thing.

Fill it up, twist the top, and seal it with a tiny bit of spit.

oblate bags

I think this is something very useful who have Alzheimer's.

I found it on the other days and I think it will fit here as well.

Edit: Found it for someone interested.

I organize all my pills in these pill organizers. I just toss each day's organizer into my work bag before heading out each morning. Love it because I only have to sort my pills once per week instead of on a daily basis. Also really handy when traveling or staying at my parents' house over the weekend since I don't have to carry all the bottles, just the relevant organizers.

Comes in 2, 3, and 4 compartment options, so pick whichever one fits best with your pill schedule.

Oh yeah, another commenter mentioned that if you have memory problems, making sure you take your meds reliably can be an issue, especially if you are traveling and out of your normal routine.

I've used the pill boxes, and they work well, but filling them weekly can become a pain in the ass. I've also had a situation where the day labels have worn off and I forget if the pill box starts on Sunday or Monday... stupid I know, but it's easy to slip up if you aren't thinking about it.

I bought a smart pill cap that syncs via Bluetooth with an app on your phone, but it was HORRIBLE.. the one thing you need out of such a device is for it to be reliable, and it just wasn't. The app would alert me even though I know I've taken my meds one day, and then not alert me when I needed to take them the next. Almost every day it would have a false open around 4:00 AM, so the morning alert would never go off. It was just bad.. it was called Pillsy, so if you stumble upon it, avoid it at all costs.

I ended up finding this, and it is a near perfect solution. The bottle looks small, but will actually hold a month's worth of my meds, and timer just works perfectly.

Hijacking top reply to put a link to a product for people like me who need something like this and wanted to see how much they would be. Looks like around 5 a bottle on amazon. link to a product for the lazy

I've had the same thing happen to me with my med, more times than I care to admit. These helped me get peace of mind.

I used Medi-lyte tablets for the second half of the summer and really enjoyed them. I never bonked or got that weird feeling I usually do when I'm deficient in any of the alkali metals. Remember people, your energy production is pretty much a function of an electrochemical potassium gradient across cell walls. Keep potassium up.

Modalert is easy enough to break up by hand, even into quarters. With Waklert, you'll probably need something like this, even to halve it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000EGKTGK/

Sounds like you need what I finally bought just this year [because of similar incidents in my life] . You can get it on Amazon too --for great prices!

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/4b/79/9c/4b799c124838d477b8f06207c14c0977.jpg

https://timercap.com/

https://www.amazon.com/TimerCaps-Large-Vials-Qty-Automatically/dp/B00ECK8KFG/ref=pd_sim_121_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00ECK8KFG&pd_rd_r=XS7H0XX7PNXH0R28ABH5&pd_rd_w=yahWa&pd_rd_wg=MP8nj&psc=1&refRID=XS7H0XX7PNXH0R28ABH5

I think most of us who use capsules use the 00 size, but if you don't have any issues swallowing the 000 I think you'll be fine. Something else to consider might be using oblate discs or pouches. It's an edible super thin film. Lots of people use them for their powdered herbs.

https://smile.amazon.com/Pip-Oblate-Bag-Type-Japanese/dp/B000FQOFLO/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_2609328962?_encoding=UTF8&%2AVersion%2A=1&%2Aentries%2A=0&ie=UTF8#customerReviews

Amazon! =D I splurged on this one because I thought it was pretty.

This is a much cheaper one.

And this is another cheaper format.

I suggest you physically go to a pharmacy or Walmart or the like and buy earplugs in bulk. If you're black, you probably won't be able to find flesh-colored plugs, but for everyone else they'll have something that'll blend in.

I keep two plugs on my keychain in a little aluminum pill case. Remove the o-ring because it'll eventually make the bottom fall off and it's not actually necessary. It feels great being the only one without ringing ears after going to a bar or hearing some live music.


EDIT: This week (in the US) Walgreens has 30% off online orders and I bought a bunch of their "Mack's Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs."

Go to Walgreens or wherever you want and get a [large pill organizer] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000LJC7N8/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1519912870&sr=8-2&keywords=big+pill+organizer&dpPl=1&dpID=31yvzMrNhrL&ref=plSrch#).

Fill it with your D20s and just shake it around to roll several in sequence. That'll give you several rolls at once.

I'd also put your normal bonus to hit for each of your attacks on the container as well.

This works for GMs who like to roll various checks secretly for the whole party as well.

Alternatively, get the group to use roll 20, you'll be able to program your iteratives in there (among many, many, other things)... But that's probably not a viable solution if you're not already using it...

http://smile.amazon.com/Medique-03033-Medi-Lyte-100-Tablets/dp/B004IZA46S?ie=UTF8&keywords=electrolyte%20tablets&qid=1465322429&ref_=sr_1_3&sr=8-3
Electrolyte tablets. This stuff is pretty cheap; if you have other junk to get off Amazon it'll cost you under 6 bucks atm. And since it's tablets, you can bring them into the festival (you can't bring pedialyte or gatorade in - that's just at your site - or buy the powders).

Been there, done that! You are RIGHT. I've posted about this a few times, but I'm a fat dude and attacked the Amicalola approach trail (from the bottom of the falls) like a nutbag. I was drinking a LOT of water. I drained my 2 liter bag at least twice plus a couple 1 liter bottles. I was sweating like a pig at an Alabama bar-b-que. I started having heart palpitations while on top of Springer and they didn't get any better at all. The next morning, I had to bail on my brother at Three Forks because I was a bit scared. I hit the ER in Dalonega GA and got pumped up up with an IV and I was right as right. The Walmart in Dalonega sold Electrolyte gummies in their pharmacy department and I eat a few of those a day and was fine for the rest of my section.

This year, I started at Damascus and had some of these with me, and I never had a problem.

The thing I learned is that when people tell you to 'stay hydrated! Drink Drink Drink!!!', there can be too much. You have to replace that salt!

This is an excellent product. The deluxe is better than the ultra version.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apex-deluxe-pill-splitter-Model/dp/B000EGP5DC

T4 has a half life of 5-7 days so this won't make much difference in the grand scheme of things.

Drink plenty of water, stay away from caffeine, consider getting a weekly pill organizer to help you keep things straight.

You could also try taking your meds with you whenever you leave the house, putting your meds in bottles with timer lids so you will be able to see when it was last opened, and/or getting something to lock them up in (a lock box with a good lock, or putting a lock on a cabinet or drawer to keep them in). Also, it might help you feel less anxious about leaving the house if you have a way to lock up anything particularly valuable (jewelry, important documents, etc.), confidential, or potentially embarrassing (like sex toys).

Get some electrolyte tablets like these because it's not just water that you've depleted through drinking. Also, consider preventative measures:

If I'm going out to drink, I leave 40 oz of water on my night stand. Drink some water before you go to bed and make it easy for yourself by placing it right there.

Stay hydrated as you're drinking. If you're at a bar, make sure to ask for water if they don't serve it to you automatically.

Pace yourself.

https://www.amazon.com/Pip-Oblate-Bag-Type-Japanese/dp/B000FQOFLO, buy some of these. Put a dose or two for the day in them , and carry them in an m$m minis container. It's easier to take than toss or wash , swallow in bathroom or wherever. Like swallowing food. And won't leave green residue all over your mouth. They are tricky to get used to , but quite nice for work, or having to go places with people for a long amount of time.

Size "00" Empty Gelatin Capsules

• Amazon size 00 empty gelatin capsules
  
• Here is 1000 for $12.49 free shipping with Amazon Prime
  
  
• ebay size 00 empty gelatin capsules
  
• Here is 1000 for $9.99 with free shipping
  
  Size "00" Empty Veggie Capsules
  
  
• Amazon size 00 empty veggie caps
  
  
• ebay size 00 empty veggie caps
  
• Amazon: 1000 empty gelatin capsules size 00 for $11.99 with free shipping from Amazon Prime
  
  
• Veggie Caps on Amazon 1000 "00" veggie capsules for $17.98

I only just eat plain old salt and no salt but I have bought electrolyte supplements before (https://www.amazon.com/Medique-03033-electrolyte-replacement-50-Packets/dp/B004IZA46S/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1543180781&sr=8-10&keywords=electrolyte+supplement+tablets) and I liked them, except I had to use like 6 tablet a day.

Sagely! Is an awesome pill holder!! Elite!

https://www.amazon.com/Sagely-Smart-Weekly-Pill-Organizer/dp/B01CPQHARW

Its on Amazon...u can take them individually out and its magnetic!

Lol, well put. Yeah they make these

Try these. Very easy and fast to pack and they go down easy. They are the quickest way to hit your system after toss n washing.

Pip Oblate Bag Type - Japanese Edible Film, 50pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FQOFLO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nISzzbSS6S3VF

I was deathly afraid of pills until I was sixteen. Putting them in apple sauce, practicing swallowing pills with mini M&Ms, and using an oralflo really really helps. I’d suggest the last one first. In the mouthpiece is a net-structure where you can hide the pill. At times I couldn’t even feel it. There’s some more kid friendly ones, this is just the brand I’m most familiar with.

I hear that my friend. These might help.

https://www.amazon.com/TimerCaps-Large-Vials-Qty-Automatically/dp/B00ECK8KFG

http://www.forgettingthepill.com/products/add-on-timer-item-a001-1b

This is actually pretty cool, you could get a keychain pillbox holder and put these on your keychain and never be without dice!

For minus the cost of a super expensive 3D printer, you could just take the base compounds and put them inside empty digestible capsules like these:

https://www.amazon.com/Capsule-Connection-Wholesale-preservatives-Vegetarian/dp/B005JDXC7Q

I bought this. Best investment ever. Don't have to think about it. Don't have to remember to use an app or write anything down. I can also tell if someone else has opened the bottle!

Pip Oblate Bag Type - Japanese Edible Film, 50pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FQOFLO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_AGaFAbA9KRJ6K

They also have cheaper flat circles that are more parachute like versus bags but they are out of stock.

Ever had the Japanese candy botan with the edible rice paper? This is similar to that. I toss and wash because these make me nervous that they'll rip open. It's also hard to swallow IMO. I'd love if someone chimed in on tips to use these. I put 1/2 tsp in a bag so it shouldn't be overfilled.

I also am on several meds for BP and thyroid issues. I usually store away the few remaining pills when my Rx renews. So, for example, I have a 90 day Rx for my thyroid meds and the prescription renews and I have like 6 pill left. I put them in one of these and tuck it away in my safe.

I do the same with my other meds, and over time I stockpile 30+ days of backup supply for all of them. I then rotate them out as I get renewed prescriptions.

How do those tablets compare to these super cheap ones on Amazon?

It's possible. I can't say for sure, but it's worth giving it a shot at least. This is what I pack in with me. Each dose is individually packaged so it's easy to just toss a handful in a bag.

26 with Gout, started when i was 23.

I'm no fuckup, but drink heavily every weekend (and weeknights too throughout college).

To be honest, whenever I start feeling ANY discomfort, i immediately pop an anti-inflammatory. Keeps the extreme pain at bay.
I just try and carry around a couple Aleve/Naproxen pills whereever I go. For example, I now know if i feel symptoms (stiffness, discomfort, lack of mobility in my toes) and I'm at a restaurant, it always pays to excuse yourself, find the nearest drugstore and buy some medication. The sooner, the better. I've had to call in sick with some strange excuse over the past couple years when I ignored the initial symptoms to "deal with it in the morning." Now i carry a tiny little pill holder

I try and avoid stout beer, although stout is my favourite. Dude, the only thing young guys can do is preventative maintenance.

There's not a chance in hell I'm going to be vegetarian. There's a 0% chance I'm not gonna go out for drinks with friends. But for me, the sooner I take an anti-inflammatory, the better. I know that the pain will subside if i pop right away. The longer I wait to take it, the exponentially worse it gets the morning after…

Just two months ago I didn't take my own advice, and felt an imminent flare-up around 6pm when i was on my way to a dinner party. Didn't take a 'flammy until I got home around 1am. Horrible fucking mistake.
Gout lasted for a whole fucking week and couldn't walk without hopping on one foot for 4 days. I got my grandpa to FedEx me his Colchicine (he's 92 and had gout, but hasn't had a flare up in 20+ years because he swears by Colchicine).

Apple Cider vinegar, as recommended by these fine Gouty people, seems to help. Although I always drink the Apple cider vinegar in conjunction with the 'flammys. Take a couple swigs before bed and in the morning, can't hurt.


TL;DR Carry an anti-inflammatory with you, pop 'em as soon as you can. A keychain pill holder like this is an easy way to be safe

http://www.amazon.com/Apex-Deluxe-Pill-Splitter-splitter/dp/B000EGP5DC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425587990&sr=8-1&keywords=pill+cutter

Worked perfectly for my xtane.

Sagely Smart Weekly Pill Organizer - Sleek AM/PM Twice a Day Pill Box with 7 Day Travel Containers and Reminder App (Large Enough to Fit Fish Oil and https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CPQHARW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_yYwWBJ1EFwH2k

I have this pill organizer. It's great, as long as I remember to fill it.

Get a pill cutter. Great things.


https://www.amazon.com/Apex-Ultra-Pill-Cutter-Retracting/dp/B000EGKTGK

what an awesome deal. the closest i've found is this one

This thing is awesome for carrying around pills with you.

I bought one of these to keep it on my keychain. Waterproof and I can store other things in there too. It's awesome.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GG13Q7Q/ref=sxts1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1479834757&sr=1

It’s just as easy to forget if I already took it. These prescription bottle timer caps have been really helpful

on top of the vitamins, is it also a good idea to bring those electrolyte pills i see mentioned here?

specifically these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IZA46S/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Everyone will probably vote me down but go to a reputable headshop/smokeshop and ask if they have Urban Ice Organics Kratom. This is how I first got into Kratom, they sell 25 caps for $20-$25. Urban Ice Organics has quality Kratom as well, I can account for that, but it must be that brand.

If you have the time, go to amazon and buy this capsule machine and capsules to go with it. Then buy the Kramtom powder from online and fill the capsules yourself, much cheaper that way,

Personally, I prefer to just drink straight water, so I just started using electrolyte tablets instead. I haven't been doing it very long, but they do seem to help, though I've been meaning to do a little more research into figuring out how much I should be taking.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IZA46S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I ordered a 1000 pack of vegetable (not glycerin) based 00 capsules from Amazon, and they work great. Here's the link:

Capsule Connection Wholesale Bulk Empty Vegetable Capsules '00' Size, Vegan & Vegetarian (1000) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005JDXC7Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_1SksDbNY8XJKY

G-Shock GX-56BB Blackout Series Watches - Black / One Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GR7MF4S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_jeGdRkXA4HHJ2

Silicone Wedding Ring For Men By ROQ Affordable Silicone Rubber Band, Black - Size 9 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VV7QNJR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WyhEAb9SSAYS9

Ruger LCP (carried if not in hospital)

Smith & Wesson K frame 38 Special vehicle EDC (not pictured)

BangTi Titanium Quick Release Keychain Set Super Durable (45mm+32mm Ti Keyring) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0197PL5AW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_nUCqrg1Tvd2hC

Recut small truck key for 2001 GMC Yukon XL

Maratac copper AAA light https://countycomm.com/products/copper-maratac-aaa-flashlight-rev-3

GUS Pill capsule GUS Mini Pill Fob, Made in USA, Stainless Steel Keychain Pill Holder, Emergency Aspirin Holder, Compact Design https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MY9JUME/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bEhEAbYAPF3BX

House key

Gerber Dime Multi-Tool, Black [30-000469] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006M9NIDO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_gvDoYJLF2Mhvl
(If traveling Gerber Dime Multi-Tool Travel, Bladeless [31-002777] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TBF5JC4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_SkE1gAGkchC9B)

DIY keychain pen http://www.instructables.com/id/Mini-BIC-Keychain-Pen/?amp_page=true

Spyderco Native Lightweight plain edge

Old monogrammed money clip

Chapstick

If you don't like caps, try oblates. It's an edible film you can swallow, people use it for stuff like kratom so they don't have to deal with the taste. Way better than dealing with caps.

I personally prefer to use oblate bags.

I put about 4 grams in each and down them kind of like raw oysters. It's not for everyone but works better than T&W for me.

I've got one like this. Works really well, even on small pills.

You can get pill bottles that tell you how long it's been since you've last taken medication. You can also buy just the caps at CVS, which is what I did. They're a lifesaver.

I see these suggestings of pill minders, but my favorite solution is the timer cap. No need to fill it weekly, good way to keep all your extras in the same bottle, just very fool proof.
www.amazon.com/Timer-Caps-Std-oz-Vials/dp/B00EZ6TL2S/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1511961881&sr=8-2&keywords=timer+cap

this is what happens when you throw dry powder down your throat. consider looking into oblate disc bags. they work wonderful
https://www.amazon.com/Pip-Oblate-Bag-Type-Japanese/dp/B000FQOFLO

I had this problem at first too. If you're taking it daily, I would highly recommend a 7-day pillbox like /u/kalupa said. Really helps stay organized and getting the right doses prepared ahead of time. I put it somewhere that I can't miss, which is typically in front of my alarm clock. If you take multiple doses a day, get the AM/PM version of the box.

Then, I leave that specific day open so when I wake up to turn the alarm and can barely see, I can just grab the box and toss 'em back like skittles. Now when I'm feeling weird and not sure if the meds are kicking in, I just look at the box and see if I missed it today for whatever reason. And that's happened at least a handful of times.

I put my vitamins on the monitor stand next to my monitor at work so I remember to take them while I'm eating lunch, or right after lunch. But as a student, not sure that would work.

Could you get a small pill carry tube thing like this and put it onto your keychain and set a daily phone reminder to take your pill? If you get sublingual, you won't even need water around or food in your stomach.

My memory has always been pretty bad, so I rely on calendar reminders and phone alarms to get me to do a LOT of stuff. LOL.

Staggering medication start times is generally done so that if you have an adverse reaction to one of them, it's apparent which one is causing it. Also, I'm suggesting going bicalutamide-only initially just so you can tell if it's effectively blocking testosterone before starting the rest of the therapy.

By splitting pills, I mean getting a tablet splitter and physically cutting your pills into halves or quarters. Bicalutamide is intended to treat prostate cancer, so its dosage in a single tablet is actually much higher than most transgender women need.

A drug's half-life time is the amount of time it takes for your body to eliminate half of the drug. Flutamide has a half-life of 6 hours, so 12 hours after taking it, you only have a quarter of the dose still in your body, and an eighth after 18 hours. In comparison, bicalutamide has a half-life of 6 days, so you can sustain an effective level in your body around the clock much more easily. The flip side though is that if you took enough bicalutamide for it to immediately be effective at the first dose, you'd quickly reach toxic concentrations by taking that same amount every day. It takes about three months for the amount of bicalutamide you take daily to equal the amount eliminated by your body, regardless of what that dose is.

I like this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HVGZ2J0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_GYn9AbZK6P863

They make it in several different configurations, and you can pack only as many days as you need so you're not constantly lugging around a whole bottle or a whole weeks worth.

Don't think that at all. You're not a wuss. It's a really aggravating thing to have to deal with.

Do you know if the Concerta is extended release? If it isn't you can cut it up or open the capsule into a drink (I used to do orange juice or coca cola) and drink it quick.

If it is extended release I would do the following:
Put the pill on your tongue and with room temperature water drink a bit into your mouth. Swish the pill around in your mouth until you no longer feel that the pill is touching any part of your mouth. I use my tongue to move the water/pill around till I get it in the right spot. When it is in the right spot for me to feel comfortable swallowing, I then swallow. It has worked very well for me.

I wouldn't try and take the pill, whole, with soda or any carbonated beverage. It always made it harder for me.

I also purchased this cup in the past, but it didn't work for me because of my issues—but I know people who it did work for. Perhaps it's worth a shot!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HVGZ2J0/ref=twister_B07LBYCYWF

I own 7 weeks of these bad boys. Perfect for travel, fun colors, and very dependable. I do the 3 times a day deep organizers, but this company has a few different options. The only thing is they can be a bit difficult to open, but when I load them I just use a letter opener to save my nails.

/u/DodgyBollocks is correct. They were given out by Camel as merchandise at a festival a few years back. They originally contained some crappy earplugs some people use for live music. It appears they used exactly this fob with their logo lasered onto it:

www.amazon.com/Pillbox-Keychain-Profile-Gifts®-Medicine/dp/B00GG13Q7Q

Every year I try to get some more but all I can get are some plastic ones which I use for storing chewing gums. I just have to show it... 6 pieces stack really neatly for when your are on the go :D

Camel fob

gum gum gum gum gum gum

For my son I use a set of individual day pill boxes that is a set of 7. It has Morning, Lunch & Bedtime sections in each box. This one

It works really well, especially since he spends some weekends with his grandparents and I can just send the days that he needs instead of a whole week's worth.

Here's a weird one: a butter knife.

I use it to open cans that have a pull-tab top without wrecking my fingers. Stick the tip through the loop, lever up.

See also: an electric can opener, this giant pill organizer, these grab bars that can easily be installed in the tiniest of apartment bathrooms without starting an argument with your landlord (priceless!) combined with this hockey tape (put it on your grab bars and crutch handles to keep your hands from slipping) and these anti-slip stickers, (I even put the stickers on the bathroom floor.)

Am avut acum vreo 15 ani un taietor care semana cu asta, primit de la cineva din afara; cand s-a rupt am cautat la farmaciile din Romania, dar nu am gasit, macar acum au aparut si la noi.

Oblate pouches are your friend

https://smile.amazon.com/Pip-Oblate-Bag-Type-Japanese/dp/B000FQOFLO

Or you can make it into a tea. I can’t stomach it on its own either.

Something like this might help you out if you're ever unsure. They have caps for different styles.

You could try the Mango app, which not only sets reminders but lets you earn points for taking your pills on time, etc. You can also get really small waterproof pill container keychains so that you can carry around your medication and not have to worry about your flexible schedule.

I'm a huge fan of electrolyte supplements because I can never seem to balance my electrolytes through diet, no matter how hard I try. They are especially important when I've imbibed. I use Medi-Lyte tablets: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IZA46S/ref=s9_hps_bw_g469_i1

If you just want an am/pm pill dispenser, and something you could leave on the kitchen counter with that week's meds in it (nothing massive) try this it has push buttons to open the compartments. here is a different one that is interesting too.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000E0ZHFO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B075HZYT9G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought these 2 and were completely useless (although seem great for regular pill) so i dont really wanna risk it and waste more money lol

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LJC7N8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_NQLczbVTXGNBN

I've used something like that with other legal pills mixed in many times.

It also has the benefit of keeping the tobacco tamped down so nothing spills all over when you open it.


amazon link to keychain

If it's big enough, you should be able to do fourths (with a pill splitter) and get a good dose. These are a god-send.

Pip Oblate Bag Type - Japanese Edible Film, 50pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FQOFLO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_agf6e34rJCXrB

Is much better than toss and wash

You can get bottle caps that show the last time it was opend.
https://www.amazon.com/TimerCap-Stopwatch-Organizer-EZ-Twist-Mail-Order/dp/B00ECK8KFG

I just post this as a suggestion for her next gift.

Something like this?

Pillbox Keychain by Profile Gifts® - Carry Your Daily Medicine in This Compact Metal Pill Box Case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GG13Q7Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_qlWryb5B92W79

I'm on mobile so excuse the monster link. You would probably want to put some tape around the batteries to prevent shorting out or making contact and draining...

I bought this bad boy: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E13BVA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I keep Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Benadryl, and Imodium neatly separated and protected from crushing in a few different first aid kits.

Oblate disks or ham-chutes are safer to ingest; replace TP with a piece of thinly sliced deli ham.

I ordered 3 of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Pillbox-Keychain-Profile-Gifts%C2%AE-Medicine/dp/B00GG13Q7Q/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1468938134&sr=1-1&keywords=keychain

For my car, dop kit, and travel bag.

Nice to never be left without a pill.

This has worked really well for us!

https://www.amazon.com/TimerCap-Automatically-Displays-Opened-Built/dp/B00ECK8KFG

Got this one from amazon. Worth the investment.
https://www.amazon.com/Apex-70068-Ultra-Pill-Splitter/dp/B000EGKTGK/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1474544164&sr=1-3&keywords=pill+splitter

I use 0 caps and fit about 5g into 20 caps. I usually swallow them 3 at a time with a soft drink. Mostly I use oblate bags, put about 2.5g in each bag and essentially parachute them.

You could also try a pill box like this [Amazon link]

I also recommend these or similar cap timers
https://www.amazon.com/TimerCap-Stopwatch-Medication-Reminder-Mail-Order/dp/B00ECK8KFG

Something like this one. there's other ones that's just the first one that showed up.

Something like this?

or this

Going to throw in pill bottle timers too! I use them for my sleeping pills since a side effect of taking them is forgetting things! ;)

https://www.amazon.com/TimerCaps-Large-Vials-Qty-Automatically/dp/B00ECK8KFG

I got this. Absolutely necessary for me because I take IR so not only will I forget if I took it, but I will forget when even if I remember I did. lol

Please consider buying this pill bottle cap, which will tell you the date and time the bottle was last opened. This way you can see how long ago you took a pill, or if someone else is opening the bottle.

Amazon has pill bottle lids, that tell you the last time you opened the Bottle!!
https://www.amazon.com/TimerCap-Organizer-Medication-Reminder-EZ-Twist/dp/B00HJD7RGQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=36XFLI8KRQDOL&keywords=pill+bottle+cap+with+timer&qid=1554142770&s=gateway&sprefix=pill+bottle+cap+&sr=8-4

Yeah, the ones I found are not flavored.
https://www.amazon.com/Medique-03033-electrolyte-replacement-50-Packets/dp/B004IZA46S/ref=sr_1_9?crid=2DUEKICNFHO8X&keywords=electrolyte+tablets&qid=1565711499&s=gateway&sprefix=electrol%2Caps%2C302&sr=8-9

Yes! Here's the item, turns out it's more than I thought, but not by that much.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000E0ZHFO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1480255544&sr=8-1&keywords=pill+grinder+fine+powder&pi=SY200_QL40

I started off taking these electrolyte pills while I was drinking or hungover. Started taking them with fasting and all seems well so far.

Even OP in your link admitted is was from somewhere else.

This is where you can get them. It's the first amazon link I could find. https://www.amazon.com/TimerCaps-Large-Vials-Qty-Automatically/dp/B00ECK8KFG

If you get a pill crusher, the one I have chops up the OPs really fine. There's usually even some actual powder instead of shredded OP.

This is the one I have, and I've had it ever since the OPs came out

7 Day 4 Compartment Pill Organizer DEEP One Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E13BVA/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_bi8Ytb04T5PZ1DAE

I swear by this. Since I started using it I haven't run out of pills once. And, I like that I can take just one day's pills with me, especially when I go to work.

Another idea: does your pharmacy have auto-refill?

Sorry you are having a crappy time without your meds. Hang in there and internet hugs!

i bought a pill cutter personally, it works fine, i got this one https://www.amazon.fr/Apex-Boite-Coupe-Comprim%C3%A9s-couper-m%C3%A9dicaments/dp/B000EGKTGK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504116031&sr=8-1&keywords=pill+cutter

I'm a guy who's not had to deal with the same difficulties you're facing, but I have had my share of meds/pain, and I've picked up a few tricks along the way, some of which might be of use.

With regards to daily medications, I have a routine where I put my daily morning/night little case (this one, or similar) on my table directly next to my bed, so I am literally staring at it when I wake up. I also have a bottle of water there. So I wake up, sit up, and take my morning meds. There's nothing on that table except for my glasses case, my daily meds case, and the bottle of water.

In the evening, same deal. As I'm getting to bed, I take my evening meds, and swap out the empty container for the next morning's one.

For the first few years I was on daily medications, I would have a daily timer set on my phone at a fixed, and as soon as it went off I would go and take my meds. If I wasn't able to take them right then (out of the house or w/e), I would re-set the timer for an arbitrary length of time, where I thought I'd be back home. That way I wouldn't forget. Over time, I've stopped needing to set a timer, but do what works.

Point is, you can do it! Take the step that lets you be able to utilize the wonders of modern medicine (tm).


As for remembering to take pain meds when you're in pain, I feel your pain (hah). I've been through that situation a lot of times. The best strategies I've figured out are to keep just one or two of a lighter pain med in a case in my bag (I used this one, but anything that tightly seals is fine), as well as one on my desk (as opposed to the rest of the bottle, which is up in the box with the rest of my meds, etc). That way when I'm hurting I can just grab the pill there and take it, and I know ahead of time that I've just put what's safe to take in a single dose out.

I've also on occasion put a sticky note on my computer monitor that just said "if you're hurting, take pain meds"... Surprisingly effective.

Sorry for the essay, I'm just hopeful I can help share some stuff that worked for me, stuff I wish someone had told me years ago.

I use a 7 day pill thingy but in each container is enough of my certain drug I need for the week; the original bottles are put away in a first aid box until I need to refill the container Sunday night.

Doesn't help with meds I don't take often (i.e. OTC meds); currently driving myself insane trying to remember if I took some painkillers after work. :p

Get these and be free from the awful taste forever ツ

I have an alarm that goes off an hour before I'm supposed to be up for the day so I can take my meds and wake with them working. Most of the time, I remember if I took them when the alarm went off. But a few times I had to play the 'do I feel like my meds are working' game. So I bought these and its come in handy a lot http://www.amazon.com/Timer-Caps-Large-Vials-Easy-/dp/B00ECK8KFG/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1459370759&sr=8-1&keywords=timer+caps

I have a timer cap for my prescription bottle. Each time you take the lid off the bottle the timer resets so you know the last time you opened it. No more mystery. Doesn't help if I accidentally leave the house without taking my meds, but at least I don't take 2 by mistake.

I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJD7RGQ . One problem: The lid does not fit on the prescription bottle my pills come in. Solution: I transfer my pills to the bottle that came with the cap and carefully peel off the prescription label and stick it on the timer bottle (so I know when to call my doc for a refill and for legal reasons).

like this

Apex Ultra Pill Splitter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EGKTGK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_tlmdzb8NXJTQZ

I use this for my ai:
Apex Ultra Pill Splitter

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EGKTGK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_Jp2ysyokAWVEo

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EGP5DC

These?

Here's the link. Also they are tapioca starch, not gelatin.

There's also a bag version

These are a life saver.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FQOFLO/?coliid=IMQSBTZJX90AR&colid=3D1AGW8XLLNVP&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FQOFLO?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title

This is what I used, but I see from the OP and other comments that rice paper would be far cheaper.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FQOFLO/ref=pd_aw_fbt_325_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=C59MP29HGJ2MAYZV6QJG

My wife got me this one https://www.amazon.com/Mad-Hatter-Pill-Box-Compartment/dp/B000QV0GGG

Nope, I just got it off [amazon] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QV0GGG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

I just take two of these every morning.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004IZA46S/ref=mp_s_a_1_23?ie=UTF8&qid=1486701390&sr=8-23&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Electrolyte+Supplement

[medication time indicator bottle] (https://www.amazon.com/Automatically-indicator-Auto-Repeating-Medication-Non-Adherence/dp/B004W8EQC4/ref=pd_cp_121_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B004W8EQC4&pd_rd_r=TSS9AWN1P3Q6VGG7BXWZ&pd_rd_w=iQxpk&pd_rd_wg=ambPG&psc=1&refRID=TSS9AWN1P3Q6VGG7BXWZ)

Check out these pill bottle caps that tell you when it was last opened
https://www.amazon.com/Automatically-Records-Indicator-Auto-Repeating-Included/dp/B004W8EQC4/

This is the one I have https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004W8EQC4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ANCkDb0CKDGG7

I found this https://www.amazon.com/Automatically-indicator-Auto-Repeating-Medication-Non-Adherence/dp/B004W8EQC4/ref=sr_1_18_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1481128223&sr=8-18&keywords=electronic+pill+dispenser

I use a wooden dowel, and compress AVB into gelatin capsules.

Aka Delet3r is talking about this and similar products

https://www.amazon.com/TimerCaps-Large-Vials-Qty-Automatically/dp/B00ECK8KFG

They make pill bottle caps with timers. You could try those.

There's a cap for that

then buy one

https://www.amazon.com/TimerCap-Stopwatch-Medication-Reminder-Mail-Order/dp/B00ECK8KFG

TimerCaps with Large Vials (Qty 2) - LCD Stopwatch Timer Automatically Tracks Time Elapsed Between Doses - Pill Reminder for Medications and Vitamins https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECK8KFG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aFmUDb351ZHS8

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECK8KFG