There are many reasons you might want to stop taking a medication. Maybe you’re feeling better, you’re having side effects, you’re concerned about cost, or you simply don’t think you need it anymore.
Whatever the reason, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before making a change.
Some medications can cause withdrawal symptoms or other health problems when stopped suddenly. Others may stop protecting you from the condition they were prescribed to prevent or treat.
Don’t stop your medications without guidance. A quick check-in with your pharmacist or provider can make all the difference in keeping you feeling your best
Why Do Some Medications Need to Be Stopped Slowly?
Your body can adjust to certain medications when you take them regularly. Stopping them suddenly may not give your body enough time to adjust.
Depending on the medication, suddenly stopping could cause withdrawal symptoms, cause the condition being treated to return or worsen, or lead to other health problems.
Your healthcare provider may recommend gradually lowering your dose. This is called tapering.
Not every medication needs to be tapered, and there isn’t one tapering schedule that works for everyone. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can help you determine the safest approach.
Medications You Should Talk About Before Stopping
While it’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare team before stopping any prescription medication, there are some types of medications where that conversation is especially important.
Antidepressants
Stopping some antidepressants suddenly can cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, sleep problems, anxiety, or flu-like symptoms. Your provider may recommend gradually lowering your dose instead.
Anxiety Medications
Some medications used for anxiety, including benzodiazepines, can cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped suddenly. In some cases, withdrawal can be serious.
Talk with your healthcare provider before changing how you take these medications.
Anti-Seizure Medications
Stopping anti-seizure or antiepileptic medications suddenly can be dangerous and may increase the risk of seizures.
Some medications in this category are also prescribed for other conditions, including nerve pain and mood disorders.
Examples include gabapentin, topiramate, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine and divalproex (Depakote).
Even if you don’t take one of these medications for seizures, talk with your provider or pharmacist before stopping it.
Blood Pressure Medications
Certain blood pressure medications, including beta blockers and clonidine, should not be stopped suddenly. Doing so can cause your blood pressure or heart rate to increase.
Steroids
Steroids such as prednisone may need to be gradually reduced, particularly after they have been taken for an extended period. Your provider can tell you whether your medication needs to be tapered and how to do it safely.
Opioid Pain Medications
People who have been taking opioid pain medications regularly may experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop.
Your healthcare provider can work with you on a plan to gradually reduce your medication when appropriate.
What About PrEP?
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is medication that helps prevent HIV.
PrEP is different from the medications above because stopping oral PrEP doesn’t generally cause withdrawal symptoms. However, stopping PrEP can affect your protection against HIV.
If you’re thinking about stopping PrEP, talk with your healthcare provider first. Your provider can help you understand how long you may need to continue taking it based on your circumstances and when it may be safe to stop.
What If I’m Having Side Effects?
Don’t assume that stopping your medication is your only option.
Talk with your provider or pharmacist about what you’re experiencing. Depending on the medication and your symptoms, they may be able to adjust your dose, change when you take it, recommend another medication, or help you manage the side effects.
What If I Can’t Afford My Medication?
Tell your healthcare team.
There may be lower-cost medications, prescription assistance programs, insurance options, or other resources available.
What If I Ran Out?
Contact your pharmacy or healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Some medications should not be missed or stopped for several days. Your pharmacist or provider can tell you what to do based on the medication you take.
Your Pharmacist Is Part of Your Care Team
Pharmacists do more than fill prescriptions. They can help you understand how to take your medications, answer questions about side effects and interactions, and work with your healthcare provider when you have concerns.
If you’re thinking about stopping a medication, start by asking.
Thinking About Making a Change?
Don’t stop, start, or change how you take a prescription medication without talking with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
A quick conversation can help you understand your options and make a plan that’s right for you.
Sources:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Benzodiazepine Drug Safety Communication – Information about the risks of stopping benzodiazepines suddenly and why gradual tapering may be necessary.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Safe Use of Benzodiazepines – Patient safety information on physical dependence, withdrawal, and talking with your healthcare provider before stopping these medications.
- Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering – Evidence-based recommendations for safely tapering benzodiazepines in patients who have developed physical dependence.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – General medication safety and consumer health information.
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing how you take a medication.