You’ve probably heard the advice: “Don’t quit cold turkey!” This isn’t just about kicking a bad habit like smoking. It’s also important when it comes to stopping certain medications. Stopping some medications cold turkey can be far more dangerous than you think.
If you’ve been prescribed a medication for any reason, read on to understand why it’s never a good idea to stop it suddenly and how to make sure you’re doing it the right way.
Why can’t I just quit cold turkey?
Any medications being used to treat a current problem are dangerous to stop taking without discussing first with your health care provider.
“That’s because when you stop taking medication suddenly, you are no longer protected from what the medication was addressing or treating,” said Kelly Erdos, PharmD, a clinical pharmacist with Banner Health. “Stopping these medications suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms or other health risks.”
Here are a few examples of the danger of suddenly changing or stopping your medications:
Medications for mental health
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can have serious withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. “Medications like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications work by altering brain chemicals,” Dr. Erdos said. “When you stop them suddenly, your brain doesn’t have time to adjust, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms.”
Stopping abruptly can lead to mood swings, irritability, insomnia or even seizures.
Seizure medications
Seizure medications are designed to protect you from seizures and stopping them suddenly can leave you unprotected. Not only will you no longer be protected from seizures but you may also increase the risk of having one.
Blood pressure and blood thinners
Medications that control blood pressure or prevent blood clots are important for heart health and stroke prevention. Stopping these medications can cause serious issues, like a sudden increase in blood pressure which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
“If you are on blood thinners to prevent a blood clot or stroke, you may not feel any different, but you will no longer be protected,” Dr. Erdos said.
Diabetes medications
“Diabetes medications help control your blood sugar,” Dr. Erdos said. “But if you suddenly stop taking them, you may not notice an increase in your blood glucose if you aren’t monitoring it.”
The problem is that even though you may feel fine, your blood sugar could rise to dangerous levels without the medication.
Painkillers and opioids
Pain medications, especially opioids, can cause dependence. Quitting too quickly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and intense cravings.
What if my medication is causing side effects? Is it okay to stop?
If your medication is causing side effects, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist before stopping it. Some side effects are mild and go away over time, but others may be more serious.
“If you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, like shortness of breath, chest pain or swelling, get help right away,” Dr. Erdos said. “These could be signs of a severe allergic reaction.”
For less serious side effects, don’t stop your medication without talking to your provider. They may adjust your dose or switch your medicine. Stopping on your own could make things worse.
How do I safely taper off medications?
Tapering is a process of gradually reducing your medication dose over time. This slow reduction allows your body time to adjust to the lower dose, prevent relapse or health complications and minimize withdrawal symptoms. It can also help your provider catch any problems early and ensure you are managing your health well.
Here’s what the tapering process might look like:
- Talk to your health care specialist: They will give you instructions on how to reduce your dose safely. They know your health history and can ensure that the tapering process is safe for you. “Doctors and pharmacists are trained in medicine and understand which medications can be safely stopped quickly and which ones need to be tapered off,” Dr. Erdos said. “Several factors, including how long you’ve been on the medication, the dose and how the medication works, will determine if and how you should stop a particular medication.”
- Follow the plan: Your provider may give you a schedule for when and how much to reduce your dose. Depending on the medication, this could take days, weeks or months. Stick to the plan carefully.
- Watch for side effects: During the tapering process, pay attention to how you’re feeling. If you notice new symptoms or feel worse, let your provider know immediately. They may need to adjust the plan or take another approach.
- Be patient: Tapering off medication can take time – and that’s okay. It’s important to be patient with your body and trust the process. Remember, the goal is to make the changes as smooth and safe as possible.
Takeaway
When it comes to stopping medication, the safest option is always to avoid quitting cold turkey. Whether you’re on medication for mental health, chronic conditions or other health issues, abruptly stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms and serious health risks.
Always talk to your health care provider before making any changes to your medication. By tapering off gradually and following your doctor’s advice, you can protect your health and ensure a smooth transition.
“Shared decision-making with patients and their providers is a great way to ensure everyone is on the same page and that no medications are abruptly stopped,” Dr. Erdos said.
