Do I really need to be taking all of these medications?
Are you wondering if you still need to take all the medication your doctor prescribed you?
Maybe you feel better and are thinking, “Why do I still need these pills?”
If you’re experiencing improvement, it likely means your medication is working.
Stopping your medication without asking your doctor can be bad for your health.
Do I still need my medication if I’m feeling better?
If you’re feeling better after taking your medication, it means it’s probably working.
But even if you feel the same, it does not mean the medication is not doing its job.
Some medications, like for blood pressure and cholesterol, do not show signs they are working without a test or reading. An example of this is regularly checking your blood pressure to monitor your levels.
What is deprescribing?
Deprescribing is when your doctor makes a plan for you to slowly stop taking your medication or take less of it over time.
A doctor may deprescribe medication if it is:
- Not giving you its full intended benefits or working how it should.
- Putting your health at risk or making you sick.
- Only a temporary solution.
- Your condition is improved.
Some people may see improvement in conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol from lifestyle changes. As a result, their doctors may suggest reducing or stopping their medication.
It is important your doctor oversees this process.
Your doctor needs to watch how you react to medication and change things if needed. This is very important for your health and well-being.
If you stop taking your medication on your own, that is called non-adherence. This can be dangerous because your doctor can’t monitor your health.
Here are some of the dangers when you stop your medication without your doctor’s help:
- It could lead to new or worsening conditions.
- Some medications can cause withdrawal symptoms.
- It could affect other medications you take.
Do I have other options?
Deprescribing is not always an option. It depends on what your medication is treating.
Your doctor may choose a different option if they do not think deprescribing your medication is the best for your specific situation.
Some other possibilities include changing:
- Your medication dosage.
- How often you take your medication.
- To a similar medication that may work better for your needs.
When it comes to deciding which medications you should be taking, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
They have the knowledge to help make informed decisions about your medication routine. They will know what will be right for you.
If you are an ExactCare patient and have questions about your medication, give us a call at 1-877-355-7225. Our pharmacists are here to help!
1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/blood-pressure-medication/faq-20058056
