How do I ask my doctor about stopping a medicine?

Bring your full medicine list and ask, 'Is there anything here I may no longer need?' Mention side effects, costs, or hard-to-take medicines. Some medicines must be tapered, so never stop on your own.

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What is deprescribing?

Q: What is deprescribing?

Deprescribing is the planned, supervised reducing or stopping of medicines you may no longer need or that cause more harm than benefit. It's done with your prescriber and pharmacist, with monitoring — not abruptly.

By the RxSafeCheck team · Educational, reviewed for plain-language clarity · Morning Mind LLC

More medicine isn't always better. Deprescribing is the planned, supervised process of reducing or stopping medicines that may no longer help — or may be causing more harm than good.

Why it's done

To reduce interactions and side effects.
To stop medicines whose original reason has passed.
To simplify complex routines (fewer missed or doubled doses).
To match treatment to your current goals and health.

It's a careful process — not "just stopping"

Some medicines must be tapered slowly (certain heart, seizure, antidepressant, and steroid medicines). Deprescribing is done with your prescriber and pharmacist, with a plan and monitoring — never abruptly on your own.

How to start the conversation

Ask: "Is there anything on my list I may no longer need?"
Bring your full, current medicine list.
Mention side effects, costs, or medicines you find hard to take.

Especially valuable for older adults taking many medicines, where reducing the load can lower fall and confusion risk. A pharmacist-led medication review is a great place to start.

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See how your prescriptions, supplements, and food may interact — organized by the part of the body they affect.

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Important: This article is educational and not medical advice. It does not replace your pharmacist or prescriber. Always confirm decisions about your medicines with a qualified professional, and call your local emergency number for emergencies. In the U.S., Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.