A new trend is growing among older adults: many are becoming interested in “deprescribing,” which means reducing the number of medications they take.
A recent national poll from the University of Michigan found that 80% of adults aged 50 to 80 are open to the idea of stopping at least one of their long-term prescription medications—if their doctor says it’s safe.
This isn’t just talk. About 26% of those surveyed said they had already stopped taking at least one medication in the past two years.
Why are people interested in deprescribing? There are several reasons. Taking fewer medications can lower the risk of side effects and save money.
But there’s a catch: 35% of those who stopped a long-term medication did so without talking to a health professional first. This can be risky and shows why it’s important to work closely with doctors when making changes.
One of the best tools for managing medications is a medication review. During a review, a doctor or pharmacist looks at all the drugs a person is taking to see if they are still needed. These reviews can help find medications that may no longer be helpful or could be causing problems.
Even though most people over 50 take at least one prescription drug, and many feel they take too many, these reviews are not used as often as they should be. That’s surprising, because they are usually covered by Medicare and other insurance plans.
The poll also showed a disconnect: over 90% of people expect their doctor to review their medications every year, but research shows this often doesn’t happen. This means that many people may still be taking drugs they don’t need.
If you’re thinking about stopping a medication, here are some important steps to follow:
Talk to your healthcare provider. Never stop a medication on your own. Your doctor can help decide if it’s safe and the best way to stop.
Follow your doctor’s instructions. You may need to lower the dose slowly to avoid side effects.
Be aware of possible withdrawal symptoms or a return of the condition the medication was treating. Make a plan with your doctor to handle any problems.
Watch your health closely while making changes. Let your doctor know if you feel worse or notice new symptoms.
Don’t stop suddenly without advice. This can be dangerous, especially with medications for blood pressure, depression, or heart problems.
Working with your healthcare team can help you manage your medications in a safe and smart way. Deprescribing is not about stopping all medications, but about finding the right balance for your health.
This new interest in deprescribing shows that more older adults want to take control of their health and focus on what’s truly necessary. It’s a step toward better, more personalized care.
If you care about heart health, please read studies that Changing blood pressure readings is a hidden sign of heart disease and common type 2 diabetes drugs may raise heart risk.
For more about heart health, please read studies about root cause of heart rhythm disorders and Warning signal from the kidneys can predict future heart failure risk.
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