Your doctor may prescribe blood pressure medication you can take to lower your blood pressure. If complications associated with high blood pressure are present, other medications may also be prescribed. Whatever the treatment prescribed to you, it is a good idea to keep the following guidelines in mind when you're taking prescription medication.

Know the names of your medications and how they work. Know the generic and brand names, dosages, and side effects of your medications. Always keep a list of your medications with you.
Take your medications as scheduled, at the same time every day. Do not stop taking or change your medications unless you first talk with your doctor. Even if you feel good, continue to take your medications. Stopping your medications suddenly can make your condition worse.
Have a routine for taking your medications. For example, using a pillbox marked with the days of the week, fill the pillbox at the beginning of each week to make it easier for you to remember.
Keep a medicine calendar and note every time you take a dose. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose, but your doctor may change your dosage periodically, depending on your response to the medication. On your medication calendar, you can list any changes in your medication dosages as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not decrease your medication dosage to save money. You must take the full amount to get the full benefits. If cost is a problem, talk with your doctor about ways you can reduce the costs of your medications.
Do not take any over-the-counter drugs or herbal therapies unless you ask your doctor first. Some drugs may interact with your medication causing undesirable effects.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses to make up for the dose you missed.
Regularly fill your prescriptions and ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. Do not wait until you are completely out of medication before filling your prescriptions. If you have trouble getting to the pharmacy, have financial concerns or have other problems that make it difficult for you to get your medications, let your doctor know.
When traveling, keep your medications with you so you can take them as scheduled. On longer trips, take an extra week's supply of medications and copies of your prescriptions, in case you need to get a refill.
Before having surgery with a general anesthetic, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist in charge what medications you are taking. An antibiotic may need to be prescribed prior to your surgical or dental procedure.
Some medications may alter your heart rate, so take your pulse regularly.
Medications that relax constricted blood vessels may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness when standing or getting out of bed, sit or lie down for a few minutes. This will increase your blood pressure. Then get up more slowly.