Health
Surprising Risks Physicians Warn About When Quitting Medications Suddenly\rho
Health Points
- Consult your doctor before any medication changes.
- Watch for rebound issues with blood pressure drugs, PPIs, sleep aids, or decongestants.
- Taper gradually under professional guidance only.
Reasons to stop a medication often include side effects, lack of effectiveness, feeling recovered, or high costs.
Abruptly quitting can trigger dangerous rebound effects or withdrawal symptoms.
Rebound happens when symptoms return stronger after sudden stops, potentially spiking blood pressure or heart rate.
Proton-pump inhibitors like omeprazole for heartburn, zolpidem after long-term use, and oxymetazoline nasal spray beyond three days also pose risks.
“Two prime examples are medications used to treat high blood pressure.”
“If you decide to stop taking the alpha blocker clonidine, your blood pressure might increase considerably.”
“Abruptly stopping a beta blocker might cause your heart rate to rise rapidly, which might result in chest pain or even a heart attack.”
Joanne Doyle Petrongolo, a pharmacist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, says.
Withdrawal may bring mild issues like insomnia or nausea, or severe ones including seizures and hallucinations, worse with prolonged high doses.
Affected drugs target the brain: painkillers like oxycodone, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, gabapentin, antipsychotics.
“Symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer – more than a few days – if you’ve been taking higher doses for a long period of time.”
Doyle Petrongolo says.
Discuss needs, side effects, or costs with your doctor for alternatives or assistance programs.
“If you feel you no longer need it, ask if the doctor agrees. You could have a false sense that you’ve healed, while in reality you’re better only because you’ve been taking your pills.”
Doyle Petrongolo says.
“If you’re experiencing side effects from a medication, or you don’t feel it’s effective, there might be something else you can take.”
“We have a number of strategies we can share with clients and programs we can direct them to.”
Doyle Petrongolo says.
Tapering reduces dose and frequency safely, customized to your situation.
“If you take a 40-mg proton-pump inhibitor for heartburn twice a day, your doctor might recommend going to a 40-mg pill in the morning and a 20-mg pill at night for a few days, then a 20-mg pill twice a day for another few days, then a 20-mg pill once a day for a little while, and then a 20-mg pill every other day for a few days.”
Doyle Petrongolo says.
“But please don’t attempt it yourself. There are many variables and risks, and you need a doctor to evaluate what’s best for you.”
Empower your health journey by talking to your doctor about medication adjustments today.
