If you take medication for any reason, you know how much effort and money it takes to never miss a dose. Medicines are not cheap for the beginning. And it can also have undesirable side effects and very specific uses.
It is therefore so important to use prescription medicine under the supervision of a health service provider (HCP).
But taking medication does not always mean staying with it forever. There are many reasons why someone might want to stop taking a certain drug. You may remember to continue from your medicine because it does not work as you had hoped for, and side effects that you do not like or become too expensive.
But before you leave your medication cold turkey, you know that this can be dangerous. It is always a good idea to consult an HCP if you have concerns about your medication. You can adapt your dose or advise you on how you can rejuvenate.
Here are 7 medication that you shouldn’t stop and why.
1. Antidepressants
Antidepressants relate to a class of medication that is used to treat mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. They work by increasing certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitter to regulate their mood. Although often – more than 1 out of 10 Americans use them – antidepressants can be serious risks if they simply stop taking them.
“The stopping of antidepressants can suddenly cause dizziness, flu -like symptoms, insomnia and in some cases suicide thoughts,” said Alisha Reed, Pharmd, the board of certified geriatric pharmacists and member of the Health Advisory Council of HealthingWomen. This has to do with fluctuating levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. “Your brain takes time to adapt to the change in serotonin levels,” said Reed.
The risks are greater for those who have been taking antidepressants for more than four to six weeks. Stopping them for a certain period of time and abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as headache attacks, fatigue, nausea and other symptoms in several weeks.
This also applies to other drugs that influence the central nervous system, such as: B. Depression, which includes medication such as benzodiazepines and sleeping pills.
2. Blood pressure medication
Medicines for the treatment of high blood pressure (you may know this more easily than high blood pressure) should generally not be stopped abruptly. This can include medication such as diuretics, angiotensin concerting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and others. Beta blockers also belong in this list. They are blood pressure-lowering medication that works by slowing down your heart rate and blocking the effects of the hormone epinephine.
“Holding beta blockers too quickly can cause high blood pressure, increased heart rate and even heart attacks,” said Reed.
3. Steroids
Steroids are not only used for bodybuilding. Another type of steroid, corticosteroids, is usually used to treat a wide range of diseases. They are particularly helpful in reducing inflammation, for example in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and other inflammatory diseases.
However, an abrupt decrease in corticosteroids such as Prednison can lead to withdrawal symptoms. “The steroids to rapidly die can cause a adrenal crisis-a potentially life-threatening state in which your body cannot produce enough cortisol,” said Reed.
4. Opiate
Opiates are of course derived medication such as morphine and codeine that come from the opium poppy. They are mainly used for moderate to severe pain treatment. However, there is a stigma that surrounds it because it is possible to become dependent on them.
Since these are strong pain relievers, opiates are usually intended for short -term use. If people use them for a long time, e.g. B. weeks or months, you can withdraw what makes it dangerous to suddenly stop you. “The abrupt stopping of opiates can cause withdrawal symptoms, blood pressure and heart rate heights and psychological health problems,” said Reed.
It is worth noting that opiates and opioids are often used synonymously, but not the same. The main difference is how they are produced. The opioids include medications that are naturally, semi -synthetic and synthetic, while opiates are only natural. Despite this difference, it should also not be stopped abruptly, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
5. Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics are medication that are used to treat some brain and mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder with mania and depression. They should mainly reduce the symptoms of psychosis and influence the chemicals in the brain.
Reed warned that stopping antipsychotics can have an abrupt undesirable effects. “This can cause a psychosis relapse, severe fear and movement disorders that could be permanently,” she said. The gradual rejuvenation of antipsychotics with the help of an HCP reduces the likelihood of relapses and withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating and motor symptoms such as involuntary movements.
6. Proton pump inhibitors
Gastric acid plays an important role in digestion of your food, but too much of it can cause problems. Therefore, a class of medication that is known as proton pump inhibitors or PPIs for short can be used to reduce gastric acid. They are usually used to treat gastroesophageal reflux diseases (Gerd), peptic ulcers and other diseases.
PPIs are another example of medication that you should gradually stop. To tear down too quickly, can cause rebound symptoms – a sudden increase in gastric acid production. These resemble the acidic reflux symptoms, which include nausea, burking, pain when swallowing and a burning feeling in your neck or chest. PPIs work best if necessary or for short -term use. However, some people may need them over longer periods of time, which can increase the risk of back -bum symptoms.
Play it safe
If you want to get out of a medication that you take, make sure that you are sure by talking to your HCP about the safest way to do this. You don’t want to go out of the pan.
From their site articles
Related articles related to the web
