Did you know that a large number of older adults are open to the idea of “deprescribing”—that is, stopping medications they no longer need? A recent national poll from the University of Michigan found that 80% of adults aged 50 to 80 would be willing to stop taking one or more long-term prescription medications if their doctor recommended it.
This is an important finding, especially as people age and often take multiple medications every day. In fact, 82% of those surveyed said they take at least one prescription drug regularly, and more than a quarter said they feel they’re taking too many. Nearly one in three even said they had already stopped a medication in the past two years.
Deprescribing can offer many benefits. It may reduce the risk of side effects, lower medication costs, and improve quality of life. But it needs to be done safely and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Alarmingly, 35% of those who had stopped a long-term medication said they did so without first consulting a health professional. This can be risky, as suddenly stopping some drugs can lead to serious health issues.
The poll also highlighted a gap between expectations and reality. More than 90% of older adults expect their doctors to review their medications at least once a year. However, research shows that these reviews don’t always happen.
This is unfortunate, because a medication review—where your provider goes over all the drugs you’re taking—can help identify medications that are no longer necessary, are causing side effects, or are interacting poorly with other drugs. The good news is that comprehensive medication reviews are covered by Medicare and many other insurance plans.
If you’re taking multiple prescriptions and wondering if you still need all of them, you’re not alone—and there are safe ways to approach this question.
Here are some key tips for stopping medications safely:
First, talk to your healthcare provider. Don’t stop taking any medication on your own. Let your provider know that you’re interested in cutting back and ask if a medication review is appropriate. They can help you figure out which medications may no longer be necessary or which ones might be causing problems.
If your provider agrees that a medication should be stopped, follow their instructions carefully. Some medications need to be reduced slowly over time to avoid side effects or withdrawal symptoms.
Keep track of how you feel as you reduce or stop the medication. If you notice any new or worsening symptoms, contact your provider right away. This feedback can help guide the next steps in your care.
The process of deprescribing isn’t just about reducing the number of pills you take—it’s about making sure that every medication you use is still the right one for your health and well-being.
With thoughtful conversations and careful planning, deprescribing can lead to better health outcomes, fewer side effects, and a more manageable daily routine. If you or someone you know is taking several medications, consider bringing up the topic at your next doctor’s appointment. It might be the first step toward safer, simpler care.
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