How do I adjust my medication schedule across time zones?

Protect intervals. Slide your clock gradually unless your clinician says otherwise. Don’t compress doses to “catch up.”

1. Time shift ≤2 hours? Usually keep schedule.
2. Bigger shifts? Move 1–2 hours per day toward destination time.
3. Keep meds in carry-on and set alarms before travel day.

• Pre-Trip Ramp-Up: Build a dosing ladder and share with your travel buddy.

What about opioids? Never shorten intervals without advice.

Sleep meds? Anchor to local bedtime, not flight time.

Long haul with multiple zones? Use the ladder; don’t improvise mid-air.

• CDC jet-lag and travel-med guidance supports interval-based dosing and pre-planning schedules.
• Controlled meds may require specific clinician timing plans.
• Micro-anchor (migraine): Missed preventives are a top relapse driver — alarms are non-negotiable.
• Micro-anchor (OA/back pain): Consistent dosing reduces rebound stiffness after long sits.