What to write in a medication log
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Date and time | Monday, 8:05 am |
| Medication and dose | Sertraline 50 mg |
| Status | Taken |
| If skipped, why | Forgot |
| New side effect | Nausea |
| Dose changed | No |
| Note | Took it with breakfast |
Note anything new, even if you're not sure it's related. NIMH suggests talking to a health care provider about possible side effects and what to expect when you take a medication.1
Printable medication log sheet (PDF)
Prefer paper? The free sheet has one row for each dose, with room for side effects and initials. That helps if you look after someone else's medications. You don't need to give an email.
Use it as a medication tracker and side effect tracker
Each entry marks a dose and has a place for new side effects, so one log covers both. For a paper medication side effects chart, the PDF has a column for anything new you notice.
Medication log or medication schedule?
A schedule is the plan: what to take and when. A log is the record of what happened. Many people use both. The schedule goes on the fridge and the log shows the doctor how the plan went.
What to look for in your log
- Skipped doses. See whether they cluster at one time of day, or around a reason such as running out.
- Late doses. A dose that's often late may fit better at another time. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist.
- Side effects. Check when each one started, and whether a dose change came before it.
A log shows what happened together. It can't tell you the cause, so use it to ask better questions.
If you miss an antidepressant dose or take too much
A missed dose is rarely harmful, though with some antidepressants it can cause withdrawal symptoms within a day.
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless the next one is nearly due. Do not take two doses at once to make up for it. Your prescribing information gives the exact rule.
Medications that leave the body quickly are the most likely to cause symptoms after a missed dose, such as dizziness or brain zaps. People sometimes mistake this for the illness returning. Taking the usual dose again usually settles it.
If you have missed several days, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist before restarting.
An extra dose by mistake usually means stronger side effects for a while. If you took much more than prescribed, or have fainting, a racing heart, seizures or confusion, call poison control or emergency services.
FAQ
What should a medication log include?
The date and time, the medication and dose, whether you took it, and any side effects or notes.
Is this a free medication tracker?
Yes. It's a free medication and pill tracker that works in your browser, with no account and no email.
Is there a free printable medication log?
Yes. The one-page PDF on this page is free and needs no email.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
It depends on the medication. Check the leaflet that came with it, or ask your pharmacist or prescriber.
Can I share my log with my doctor or caregiver?
Yes. After five entries you can download a PDF report, and you can download every entry as a CSV file at any time.
Where are my entries stored?
In this browser, on this device. We don't receive what you write, and there's no account. Clearing your browser data deletes your log, and Safari can clear it after about 7 days without a visit. On iPhone, add this page to your Home Screen to avoid that, and download a copy now and then.
Does this log remind me to take my medication?
No. It records what you took. A phone alarm works well for reminders.
Sources
More free trackers and templates
- Medication schedule: Set what you take and when. Get a one-page weekly chart with a box for every dose.
- Medication list: Everything you take in one place for your doctor, pharmacist or an emergency. Includes a wallet card.
- See all trackers and templates