Prescription Management: Helping Your Teen Master It

As teens grow, so does their responsibility—including managing their prescriptions. Ultimately, they will need to be able to refill, pick up, and take their medications once they are on their own. Gradually teaching them how to do this during their teen years helps them build confidence, independence, and lifelong self-care habits. With a little guidance, you can empower your teen to take control of their health safely and effectively.

Prescription Management Starts with Understanding

Before expecting your teen to handle their medications, make sure they understand:

• Why they need the medication
• How and when to take it
• Possible side effects
• What happens if they miss a dose

Having open conversations builds their confidence and encourages them to take ownership of their routine.

Prescription Management Is Easier with a Routine

Teens are busy with school, friends, and activities, so finding a way to incorporate medication into their day-to-day life is key. Encourage them to connect taking their medication with something they already do, like:

• Taking it after brushing their teeth
• Keeping it near their phone charger
• Using a pill organizer to track doses

Creating a Natural and Effortless Routine

A solid routine makes medication management feel natural and effortless. Additionally, and particularly for teens with ADHD or memory challenges, using a pill box that organizes pills by days of the week and even times of day (morning, evening) can help ensure proper doses are taken at the right time. Keep the pill box or their bottle in a visible place so that teens see their medication and are prompted to take it when they are doing an activity like one of those mentioned above. For example, keeping their medication on a bathroom shelf next to their toothbrush will remind them to take their meds after they brush their teeth.

TIP: If you use a pill box, have your teen fill the box on the same day each week. Sunday nights are a great time to put in their pills for the week ahead. It also allows them to see when they are getting low on a medication so they can either tell a parent or, if they’re at this point, request a refill with their pharmacy or doctor.

Using Reminders for Better Prescription Management

Since teens are practically glued to their phones, why not use technology to help? Below are some ways to incorporate tech:

• Phone alarms or reminders—set them for the same time each day.
• Smartwatches or fitness trackers—many have medication reminder features.
• Medication apps—some even track when you’ve taken a dose.

Letting them take charge of their reminders fosters independence while giving you peace of mind.

Prescription Refills: Teaching Independence

Filling prescriptions is an important life skill, but it’s not something teens just magically know how to do. Walk them through the process step by step:

• Show them how to check the prescription label for refill details
• Explain when to request a refill so they don’t run out
• Teach them how to call the pharmacy or set up an automatic refill

If they take medication long-term, consider having them place the next refill order themselves (with your support). Little by little, they’ll gain confidence in managing their own healthcare.

TIP: Most pharmacies have an app where you can request refills. This makes it easier for your teen to manage their medications and stay on top of refills while filling their pill box for the week. By doing this regularly, they can ensure they never run out of medication and stay consistent with their routine.

Encourage Them to Speak Up at Doctor’s Appointments

As teens take more responsibility for their health, they should feel comfortable discussing their prescriptions with their doctor. Encourage them to:

• Speak up about how they feel on their medication – If they experience side effects, don’t notice improvement, or have concerns, they should voice them.
• Ask the doctor about side effects or alternative options – If a medication isn’t working well or causing unwanted effects, they can ask about adjustments or different treatments.
• Take notes or use a health app to track symptoms – Keeping track of how they feel can help identify patterns or issues. HydroAssist®, a free app designed for people with hydrocephalus, allows users to track their treatment history, log symptoms, and much more.

By taking an active role in their healthcare, teens will feel more empowered to manage their prescriptions confidently.

Prescription Safety: Teaching Smart Habits

As teens gain independence, it’s important to set clear expectations around medication safety. Keep the conversation judgment-free and focus on key points like:

• Taking the right dose at the right time – No skipping or doubling up
• Never sharing medications – Even with friends who seem to have similar needs
• Being mindful of interactions – Some medications don’t mix well with alcohol, energy drinks, or certain over-the-counter meds

By keeping the conversation open and approachable, you create a safe space for them to come to you with any concerns or questions.

Support Them Without Hovering

Some teens will quickly take the reins on medication management, while others might need a little more guidance. The goal is to find a balance—offering support without micromanaging. If they forget a dose here and there, try gentle reminders rather than strict rules. Celebrate their progress, and if they’re struggling, work together to find a system that fits their lifestyle.

Helping Your Teen Feel in Control of Their Health

Teaching your teen to manage their prescriptions isn’t just about taking pills on time—it’s about building confidence in their ability to care for themselves. By guiding them with patience, encouragement, and practical tools, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of good health habits. And remember, they’ll always look to you as a source of support—whether they say it or not!

Medication Apps and Smart Devices for Prescription Management

Medication Reminder Apps:

• Medisafe (iOS/Android)

  • Sends pill reminders with notifications
  • Tracks missed doses and provides refill alerts
  • Allows family or caregivers to monitor adherence

• MyTherapy (iOS/Android)

  • Tracks medication, mood, and symptoms
  • Supports team-based medication management with reminders for caregivers
  • Offers printable health reports for doctor visits

• Pillboxie (iOS)

  • Visual pill organizer with drag-and-drop scheduling
  • No internet required for reminders
  • Designed by a registered nurse for ease of use

• CareClinic (iOS/Android)

  • Tracks medication, vitals, and symptoms
  • Generates health reports for doctors
  • Integrates with fitness apps for a holistic health approach

Smart Medication Dispensers and Devices:

• Hero (www.herohealth.com) – An automated pill dispenser that sorts and dispenses medication on schedule.
• PillPack by Amazon Pharmacy (www.pillpack.com) – Delivers medications in pre-sorted, labeled packets for easy use.
• EllieGrid (www.elliegrid.com) – A smart pill organizer that lights up and sends alerts when it’s time to take medication.
• Pria by Black+Decker (www.okpria.com) – A voice-activated smart dispenser that helps manage multiple medications.

Information you can trust! This article was produced by the Hydrocephalus Association, copyright 2025.