My dad used to ask me: "I don't feel any difference in my blood pressure (BP) after starting this new blood pressure medicine. Why should I keep taking it?" His was a great question and also a very common one. 

Once we as health care providers get the message across of "why", then our patient will more likely continue taking the medication. In addition, as pharmacists, it's important that we take the time to get to know our patients, listen to what they are trying to tell us, and work with them to achieve the best health outcome. 

Although dad did not feel different after weeks of taking this new medication, I was able to connect with him, patiently answer his questions, and provide evidence that the medication was definitely working - showing that the blood pressure readings (from his home BP machine) were decreasing over time. After all these years, he has never stopped taking his blood pressure medicine and his readings have been very good. .