Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi on the ills of stopping hypertension and other medication.
Many medications, especially antibiotics and antivirals, work by targetting specific bacteria or viruses in our bodies.
In our fast-paced world, it’s common to seek quick fixes for health issues. And the moment we start feeling better, we might be tempted to stop taking them midway. However, this can have serious consequences for our health. So let’s discuss a few scenarios of what discontinuing drugs at will does.
1. Resurgence of blood pressure: Stopping
medications midway can cause a resurgence of the symptoms that initially
prompted us to seek treatment. This happens because the underlying condition
may not have been fully addressed. For example, if you’re taking medication for
high blood pressure and stop abruptly, your blood pressure may spike again,
putting you at risk of complications like heart attacks or strokes.
If your blood pressure is because of modifiable risk factors like
obesity, lifestyle, smoking, drinking, diet and your BP is under control
because of managing them, your doctor will lower your dosage gradually and
watch your status over a period of a year or more. Going off medication may not
always work because patients are not always consistent with their routines in
keeping all modifiable risk factors down. For those with non-modifiable risk
factors, lifestyle changes may not be enough to lower blood pressure and they
will require medication. These triggers could include diabetes, family history
of high blood pressure, old age, sleep apnea or diseases like cancer and chronic kidney disease.
2. Incomplete Treatment Can Lead to Drug Resistance: Many medications, especially
antibiotics and antivirals, work by targetting specific bacteria or viruses in
our bodies. When we stop taking these medications before completing the
prescribed course, we risk not fully eradicating the harmful pathogens. This
incomplete treatment can lead to the survival of stronger, more resistant
strains of bacteria or viruses. As a result, the next time we get sick, the
same medication may not be as effective, requiring stronger or alternative
treatments.
3. Worsening of the Condition: In some cases,
stopping medications prematurely can lead to a worsening of the condition.
Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, or mental health disorders require
consistent management through medication. Discontinuing these medications
without proper guidance can result in deteriorating health and potential
medical emergencies.
4. Safety Concerns: Certain medications, especially those for
mental health conditions or chronic diseases, require a gradual tapering-off
process under medical supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms or adverse
reactions. Abruptly stopping these medications can be dangerous and may lead to
severe side effects.
5. Missed Opportunities for Improvement: Medications are
prescribed with the intention of improving our health and well-being. By
stopping them midway, we miss out on the potential benefits they offer.
Completing the prescribed course gives the medication sufficient time to work
optimally and provide the desired outcomes.
6. Increased Healthcare Costs: When we don’t complete
our medications and our health deteriorates, it often leads to more doctor
visits, additional tests, and sometimes hospitalisation. These can
significantly increase healthcare costs, not to mention the emotional and
physical toll it takes on us and our loved ones.
Healthcare professionals prescribe medications based on their
expertise and understanding of your medical needs. So, trust their advice and
complete the prescribed course of treatment.
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