Deprescribing Helps Patients Regain Wellness

What is Deprescribing?

Deprescribing is the process of helping patients eliminate unnecessary or harmful medications from their lives. According to this month’s ‘Acupuncture Today’, licensed acupuncturists, as well as chiropractors and other alternative medical practitioners, help patients learn how to approach their medical doctors by asking them, “When was the last time you had a conversation with your medical doctor to review the medications you take?” While it is not within the scope of practice of most alternative medicine practitioners to advise a patient to discontinue taking medications, it nonetheless benefits patients to receive this crucial information.

Fortunately, many medical doctors are on board with the idea of reducing unnecessary drug usage in their patients, but sometimes things get overlooked. Many older people have been on the same drug regimens for years, sometimes without a pharmaceutical review of side effects or drug interactions. Complicating matters is kidney function, which, especially in older adults, wanes over time, causing a buildup of drugs in the system. When a patient continues taking the exact dosage of a drug when less is actually needed, problems arise.

What is Polypharma?

Polypharma is a word that describes people taking five or more medications regularly. Sometimes drugs are taken to fix problems that other drugs cause. The side effects of all these pharmaceuticals can result in falls, confusion, and increased hospitalizations. If you or a loved one experiences confusion, has fallen more recently, or feels less stable walking, or other worrisome symptoms, don’t just attribute it to getting older, but recognize the impact many medications have on the physical and mental body.

While there are myriad guidelines on how to start a medication, few guidelines exist on when or how to stop taking drugs. Hopefully, as more information becomes available on the benefits of reducing certain medications, prescribing doctors and their patients will pay heed.

For instance, recent studies show that a reduction in the use of antihypertensive medications can result in better mental clarity and less mental decline. Similarly, when a patient can reduce or stop using anticholinergic medications for gut issues, this can result in less mental confusion. Also, research into the benefits of deprescribing acid blockers, antianxiety drugs, and some diabetes medications can help providers discuss better options with their patients. Although this list is not exhaustive, it highlights how to improve healthcare outcomes by having a meaningful discussion with one’s prescribing doctor regarding the implications of polypharmacy on individuals taking medications.

At Acupractic Natural Healing, the chiropractic and acupuncture offices of Dr. Lisa Oskardmay in Chapel Hill, we promote best healthcare practices by helping patients feel better naturally and gain empowerment through patient education. Call today at (919) 929-1400 or visit our website at acudocnc.com to schedule an appointment.