Deprescribing

Deprescribing is the planned and supervised process of dose reduction or stopping of medication that might be causing harm, or no longer providing benefit. The goal of deprescribing is to reduce medication burden and harm, while maintaining or improving quality of life.

Overview

Deprescribing is often necessary when patients are found to be using too many medications, a condition known as polypharmacy. This can lead to adverse drug reactions and interactions, and can often be more harmful than beneficial. Deprescribing is a complex process that requires careful consideration of the patient's medical history, current health status, and potential risks and benefits of discontinuing a medication.

Process

The process of deprescribing involves several steps. First, a comprehensive review of all the patient's medications is conducted to identify any that may be unnecessary or potentially harmful. This is followed by a discussion with the patient about the potential risks and benefits of stopping the medication. If the decision is made to proceed with deprescribing, the medication is either stopped altogether or the dose is gradually reduced. The patient is then closely monitored for any adverse effects or withdrawal symptoms.

Benefits

Deprescribing can have several benefits. It can reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions and interactions, improve patient adherence to other necessary medications, and improve overall quality of life. It can also reduce healthcare costs by eliminating unnecessary medications.

Challenges

Despite its benefits, deprescribing can also present several challenges. These include patient resistance to stopping a medication, potential withdrawal symptoms, and the risk of disease relapse or worsening of symptoms. It requires careful monitoring and follow-up to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks.

See also

• Polypharmacy
• Adverse drug reaction
• Medication adherence