Deprescribing:
Making Sure Your Medications Are Right for You
What Is Deprescribing?
Deprescribing is the planned, supervised process of reducing the dose of a medication or stopping a medication when it may no longer be needed, may be causing harm, or may not be providing enough benefit to justify its risks.
Medications can be an important part of managing health conditions and improving quality of life. However, as health needs change over time, it is important to regularly review medications to ensure they remain safe, effective, and appropriate.
Deprescribing is not about stopping medications unnecessarily. It is about making informed decisions with your healthcare team to ensure that every medication has a clear purpose and supports your health and well-being.
How Does the Deprescribing Process Work?
Deprescribing is a collaborative process between you and your healthcare team.
1. Review your medications
I will review all your prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements.
2. Discuss benefits and risks
Together, we can discuss why each medication was started, whether it is still needed, its potential benefits, and any side effects or concerns.
3. Agree on a plan
If a medication may no longer be appropriate, we can determine together whether reducing the dose or stopping it is the best course of action. Some medications require a gradual reduction rather than abrupt discontinuation.
4. Monitor your health
After a medication change, we will monitor your symptoms, side effects, or other relevant health measurements to ensure the change is safe and effective.
5. Follow up and adjust as needed
The plan can be adjusted based on how you feel, your health outcomes, and your preferences.
Is Deprescribing Safe?
When carefully planned and supervised by a qualified healthcare professional, deprescribing can be a safe and beneficial part of medication management.
However, stopping certain medications too quickly or without appropriate guidance can cause withdrawal symptoms, a return or worsening of symptoms, or other complications. Some medications should not be stopped suddenly.
I will consider your medical history, current health conditions, medication doses, treatment goals, and individual risks before recommending a change.
If a medication is reduced or stopped, follow the agreed plan and contact your healthcare team if you experience new or worsening symptoms.
Take the Next Step
Your medications should support your health, independence, and quality of life. Regular medication reviews can help ensure that your treatment remains appropriate as your needs change.
I can help you with a medication review and help you determine the safest approach to deprescribing for you.
The goal is simple: the right medications, at the right doses, for the right reasons.
Why Is Deprescribing Important?
Over time, people may accumulate medications prescribed by different healthcare professionals for various health conditions. Taking multiple medications, also known as polypharmacy, can increase the risk of side effects, drug interactions, falls, and other medication-related problems.
A medication review may identify medicines that are no longer necessary, may be causing unwanted effects, or may no longer align with a person's health goals.
Potential benefits of deprescribing include:
Reducing the risk of medication side effects and interactions.
Simplifying medication schedules and reducing pill burden.
Improving safety and overall quality of life.
Reducing unnecessary medication use and costs.
Aligning treatment with changing health needs, priorities, and personal goals.
The benefits and risks of deprescribing vary from person to person. Some medications remain essential for long-term health, and stopping them may increase the risk of serious complications.
Which Medications Might Be Considered for Deprescribing?
I will review and discuss with you about your medications that:
Are no longer needed or are not providing meaningful benefit.
May be contributing to dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, falls, or other side effects.
May interact with other medications.
Require a level of monitoring that is no longer appropriate or practical.
May pose more risks than benefits based on a person's current health status or goals of care.
Certain medications, including some medicines used for sleep, anxiety, pain, and blood pressure management, may require particular attention during a medication review. However, whether a medication should be reduced or stopped depends on your circumstances.
Never stop or change a prescribed medication on your own. Some medications must be reduced gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms, worsening of a medical condition, or other serious complications.
What Is My Role in Deprescribing?
You are an important partner in decisions about your medications. Sharing your experiences, concerns, and health goals can help your healthcare team make the best decisions for you.
You can prepare for a medication review by:
Bringing an up-to-date list of all medications and supplements you take.
Sharing any side effects or symptoms you have experienced.
Telling your healthcare team if a medication is difficult to take or afford.
Asking whether each medication is still necessary.
Discussing what matters most to you, including your daily functioning and quality of life.
Helpful questions to ask include:
Why am I taking this medication?
Is it still helping me?
Could it be causing any of my symptoms?
Are there safer alternatives?
If we reduce or stop it, what should I expect?
How will we monitor my health afterward?