NT Automatic pill dispensers

[Mel in Hawaii]

When I was a child, I had to take medication every 6 hours because of a medical condition I had. Unfortunately, I am very forgetful of such things and tended to forget taking the pills which showed up on my twice weekly blood tests as wildly varying blood levels. Luckily, back then my doctor gave me an automated pill dispenser that wouldn't allow me to have the pill until it was time and sat there bleep bleep bleeping until I opened the compartment and took the pills. It was small enough that it fit in my pocket about the size of a deck of cards and could take it everywhere and even had a clock on it so I didn't carry a watch. It was a godsend and ensured that I was able to take my pills on time. Luckily after a few years, I was free of taking the medication and no longer have the device (I wish I had saved it).

Now, I know that times have changed and I would have thought technology had improved, but I have been searching for such a device now and I just can't find one. A call to the Doctor and he said he would 'research' it. I know that most schools would have an issue with kids having medication at school, but there has to be someone that makes these things today. The only ones I can seem to find are in the UK and 'Can not be shipped to the USA'... I don't know why, it's not a drug, just a reminder device.

Anyone out here as forgetful as I am and take medications regularly and have one of these devices? I need some information on the manufacturer or name so I can get one again.

The features I need are this: Needs to be small enough to carry in your pocket. Needs to have an alarm reminder (preferably loud) that doesn't go off until the pills are taken. Needs to be able to dispense 3 times a day and carry at least a weeks worth of pills. Preferably that also restricts the ability to get to the pills until it's time to take them (my old one had a key that my parents kept). It doesn't have to be solid as a bank, just prevent playing with the pills or double doses. The three pills are small so compartment size is not a big deal, tight closure is as one is very small.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

[JohnH]

Mel:

Try this for starters:

http://www.epill.com/multiplus.html

[Mel in Hawaii]

That's close to what I was looking for. I question it's portability due to the alarm going off when turned upside down, also the pills seem to be able to spill out when the wheel moves forward. 7inches is also large for a kids pocket.

It's definately better than what we have now though. Thanks for the help!

[johnmac]

Mel,

Another one http://www.dynamic-living.com/automated_me...n_dispenser.htm