A growing number of older adults are starting to question whether they really need to take all the prescription drugs they’ve been on for years. Many are showing interest in “deprescribing,” which means reducing or stopping medications that may no longer be necessary.
A recent national poll by the University of Michigan found that 80% of people aged 50 to 80 would consider stopping at least one long-term medication—if their doctor agreed it was safe.
This interest isn’t just a passing thought. About one in four people in the survey had already stopped taking a medication in the past two years. Deprescribing can bring real benefits, like fewer side effects, less risk of drug interactions, and lower medical costs. However, experts warn that it should always be done with guidance from a healthcare professional.
The study also revealed a problem: 35% of people who stopped a medication said they did so without talking to their doctor first. This can be dangerous. Some medications, if stopped suddenly, can cause withdrawal symptoms or a return of the illness they were treating. That’s why having a clear plan with a doctor is so important.
One helpful way to begin deprescribing is through a medication review. This is when a doctor, pharmacist, or nurse goes over all the medications a person is taking to see if any are no longer needed, or if any are causing harm. It’s a chance to look at the big picture—especially for people who are taking many different drugs at once.
Surprisingly, even though 82% of older adults take at least one prescription drug, and 28% feel they’re taking too many, not everyone gets regular medication reviews. Most people in the study believed their medications should be reviewed every year.
But in real life, these reviews don’t always happen, even though they’re covered by Medicare and other health insurance plans.
This shows that there’s a gap between what older adults expect and what actually happens in medical visits. Busy doctors may not always have time to go through a long list of medications unless patients bring it up. That’s why it’s important for older adults and their families to speak up and ask for a review.
If you’re thinking about stopping a medication, here’s what experts recommend: First, talk to your healthcare provider. Don’t make changes on your own. Your doctor can explain whether the medication is still needed and help you stop safely.
In many cases, they’ll suggest reducing the dose slowly instead of stopping all at once. This helps prevent side effects or a return of symptoms.
Also, watch for any changes in your body or mood as you reduce a medication. Let your doctor know right away if anything feels off. And never stop a medicine suddenly just because you feel better. Some medications need to be taken continuously to keep working properly.
This growing interest in deprescribing shows that people want more control over their health and their treatments. It’s part of a bigger shift toward more personalized care, where the goal is not just to treat illness, but to improve overall well-being.
By working together with doctors, older adults can make smart choices about their medications and possibly enjoy a better quality of life.
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