Tag: Deprescribing

Omeprazole (Prilosec), one of the most widely used proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), is often prescribed for chronic acid-related conditions, but should not be taken permanently without careful medical supervision. While highly effective, long-term use is associated with potential risks that must be weighed against therapeutic benefits.

According to some data, an estimated 25% of patients prescribed a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) like omeprazole use it continuously for more than a year, often without a clear, definitive medical need. This trend raises a crucial question for both patients and healthcare providers: are people on omeprazole for life, or is chronic use often unnecessary?

According to a 2024 analysis, polypharmacy—defined as using 5 or more medications—has nearly doubled in 20 years among older U.S. adults. For many people, especially those with multiple chronic conditions, using multiple medications is necessary for health, but it also carries significant risks that require careful management to ensure patient safety.

According to some reports, mirtazapine generates more withdrawal-related calls to medication helplines than many other antidepressants, highlighting the potential for difficulty. For some individuals, it **is it hard to get off mirtazapine**, a process that can lead to physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.

According to the CDC, about a third of American adults in their 60s and 70s use five or more prescription drugs regularly [1.5.7]. This common practice is known as polypharmacy, a term that may be the intended query behind 'What is Polly pharmacy?'.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), poor medication adherence is a major public health concern, contributing to poor health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. If you're considering stopping a prescribed drug, the first step is understanding **how do you tell your doctor you want to stop medication** safely and effectively.

Despite common misconceptions, there is no single age cutoff at which statins are no longer recommended. For older adults, the decision to start or stop statin therapy involves a nuanced and personalized risk-benefit analysis, considering factors beyond just chronological age.

According to a 2021 meta-analysis of 17 studies, up to a third of patients can safely discontinue thyroid hormone replacement therapy, though a higher proportion was among those with subclinical, rather than overt, hypothyroidism. For most, however, the question, “Can you ever get off of levothyroxine?” is complex and depends heavily on the underlying cause of their thyroid condition.

According to the AARP, the percentage of adults age 65 and older taking five or more prescriptions has tripled over the past two decades. This growing trend, known as polypharmacy, raises a critical question: *How many pills are too many?* The answer is not a simple number but a complex assessment of necessity, risk, and overall health.

According to the CDC, over 60% of people aged 12 and up prescribed antidepressants have taken them for two or more years, with many continuing for decades. Whether you can take antidepressants for 30 years or longer is a complex decision, weighing the benefits of managing a chronic condition against potential long-term risks.