Today, I want to talk about how creative humans are. As physicians, we encounter patients with ideas that amaze us every day and make our lives interesting, to say the least. The best ones are often the elderly, who have years of experience and unique ways of getting things done that differ greatly from the current generation.

I came across an elderly patient in the office who had previously been diagnosed with ADHD but did not take his medication because he felt he did not need it. He came to see the doctor now because he saw an article online about ADHD medication improving cognitive functioning. Due to some recent changes in his life, he had a lot of work he needed to get done, so he wanted to start his medication again.

As we went into the session, he revealed that he had frozen the medications he had been prescribed years ago. When he needed a boost to get something done, he would take a bite out of the frozen pills. This unconventional method left us all in the room intrigued—who knew that freezing medication was even a thing?

While this story is fictionalized to protect patient privacy, it highlights the importance of consulting your health care provider about proper medication usage and storage. Improper storage can decrease the efficacy of the pills and may lead to unpredictable side effects.

Here are some general tips for storing medications properly:

General tips for medication storage

Keep medications in original packaging. This helps maintain labeling and provides protection from external factors.

Store out of reach of children. Always place medications where children cannot access them to prevent accidental ingestion.

Avoid extreme temperatures. Do not store medications in places that get very hot or cold, such as cars or direct sunlight.

Keep away from moisture. Bathrooms can be humid, which might affect certain medications. Store them in a dry place unless otherwise specified.

Check expiry dates. Regularly check the expiration dates on your medications and dispose of any that are expired.

Follow specific instructions. Always follow any storage instructions provided by your pharmacist or on the medication label. Some medications may have unique storage needs.

Proper disposal. Dispose of expired or unused medications properly according to local guidelines or take-back programs to ensure safety.

Farees Ahmad Khan, a graduate of Khyber Medical College in Peshawar, Pakistan, is an aspiring psychiatrist with a deep passion for the field. Growing up in a closely-knit family, she is known for her compassion, which is reflected in her patient care. As a good listener, she prioritizes the well-being of her patients. In addition to expanding her knowledge in psychiatry, Farees enjoys immersing herself in fantasy books, finding both inspiration and relaxation in their imaginative stories.

Farees is dedicated to making a positive impact in mental health, both through her clinical work and by sharing her insights with a broader audience. She believes in holistic care and strives to provide compassionate and effective treatment to all her patients.

Sarah Alnaher is a physician.