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What would happen if I stopped

(23 Posts)
keepingquiet Thu 16-May-24 08:57:02

Floradora9

My GP, who had a sense of humour , and I were discussing the many pills I take . He said he wondered what would happen if I stopped taking them then add .....well you might die of course.

We're all going there, even the GP!

Floradora9 Wed 15-May-24 21:52:53

My GP, who had a sense of humour , and I were discussing the many pills I take . He said he wondered what would happen if I stopped taking them then add .....well you might die of course.

Sallywally1 Wed 15-May-24 18:08:15

I was thinking this just today! I have done everything the medics advised, stopped alcohol, lost six stone, swim four times a week and ear healthily, don’t smoke. However my BP remains stubbornly high! I now have to double the dose of one. However I would not just stop. I witnessed my dad die of a stroke, having had his leg amputated so I know the risks. Definitely speak to your GP. All the best.

MissAdventure Wed 15-May-24 18:03:33

All GPS should do that, but a pharmacist could do it just as well, if not better.

Sarnia Wed 15-May-24 17:59:31

My GP surgery carries out a medication check every 6 months. If you don't have that opportunity to discuss your tablets then I would ring and ask for an appointment. I wouldn't be messing around with them just in case you make matters worse.

BlueBelle Wed 15-May-24 17:48:03

When my mum was in her 70 my then adult nursing daughter asked me why her nan was on heart tablets saying she never knew Nan had a heart problem nor did I know
I persuaded her to see a Gp all relevant tests were done and there was absolutely nothing wrong with her heart at all she had been taking them for about 20 years with no need at all

Freya5 Wed 15-May-24 17:40:42

Suddenly stopping medication can have adverse effects on your system. If this is the road you want to go down, please see your GP to discuss.

keepingquiet Wed 15-May-24 15:26:28

Forty years ago I was advised to start medication for an incurable disease. I was given the drugs to alleviate the symptoms and I took them for almost thirty-five years.

These drugs had serious side effects which have impacted on my health in many ways, including my having to see an endocrinologist six years or so ago. He told me to stop taking them as there was no indication I would come to any harm to do so.

I haven't taken that drug now for over six years and remain well, though the long term side-effects will never be reversed.

MissAdventure Wed 15-May-24 14:46:51

I dread to think how many times I have stopped and started Medstead.
There are too many to manage, not enough hours in the day to take them, and just this morning I've had to phone my gp because the whole lot disappeared from the NHS app.

They're often out of stock for weeks on end, and it's a full time job trying to manage them.

The care company I have refuse to support with them, as there are so many, and I often think I'll stop the damn lot.

seadragon Wed 15-May-24 14:37:23

The surgeon who installed the 3 stents in my heart came out of his office 4 times to stress to me - as I lay in the recovery room - that I MUST NEVER forget to take my BP, aspirin or station tablets. I wouldn't make any reduction without consulting my GP.

Delia22 Wed 15-May-24 11:33:43

Definitely discuss this with your GP. Most on here are accurate.I have asked DD who works in healthcare and she emphasised this.It may well be dangerous to reduce or stop meds without professional advice. Best wishes.

pascal30 Wed 15-May-24 11:25:13

I stopped taking my BP tablets (with consent of GP) due to tiredness, and my high BP went down.. discuss with GP ..

keepingquiet Wed 15-May-24 10:09:05

No one can force you to take any medication you don't want to take, even your GP.

Over the years I have come off medication I was told I should not stop taking with no ill-effects. In fact I am probably healthier than I ever been.

However, there are some meidications you should not stop quickly and need to reduce under supervision. So the wise advice would be to see your GP and state very clearly why you no longer want to take them.

Ask for a longer appointment so you have time to listen and a wise GP will also listen to you. I would also discuss this with family and friends.

Unlike others on here I have some sympathy with what you say. It is also one of my wishes that I might die drug free and naturally of old age. That choice, however, is not mine to make.

I wish you well.

luluaugust Wed 15-May-24 09:59:51

Certainly see the GP, you may be able to lower the dose of statins but the blood pressure tablets shouldn’t be dropped.

DamaskRose Wed 15-May-24 09:54:47

Please see your GP. I’ve thought of this many times and have tried to reduce (mine is pain relief) a couple of times but it hasn’t worked.

Cossy Wed 15-May-24 09:49:15

I echo those who say go and see your GP immediately!

There are many many types of BP tablets, if yours are not readily available then your GP can issue a different one.

Call your surgery and ask for a medication review and a BP checkup and maybe blood tests to check cholesterol etc,. Whatever your GP thinks is necessary.

Grannynannywanny Wed 15-May-24 09:38:29

gransruleok your blood pressure and statin meds are to hopefully reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. So logically, your risk will increase without the tablets. It’s not an option I would choose and I’ll continue to take my prescribed medication.

As others have said, you need to speak to your GP. Also a discussion with your pharmacist about supply problems. Is your GP aware you aren’t receiving sufficient quantities?

zakouma66 Wed 15-May-24 09:34:30

Why do you want to do this? Is it a shortage of meds or a desire to make changes?

Obviously this is one for the GP.

Germanshepherdsmum Wed 15-May-24 09:26:12

This is a question for your GP, not people here without medical qualifications. Does your GP know you are cutting your tablets in half? You should be having at least annual reviews if you are taking medication.

Charleygirl5 Wed 15-May-24 09:20:34

See your GP

henetha Wed 15-May-24 08:49:29

I've wondered that too. But not brave enough to actually do it.

Shelflife Wed 15-May-24 08:01:42

Doesn't seem a sound idea to me , please speak to your GP .

gransruleok Wed 15-May-24 07:57:47

What would happen if i gradually reduced my tablets to nothing? I have taken medication for blood pressure and high cholesterol for many years. In recent years, some tablets aren’t readily available, and I end up having to cut tablets in half to eak them out. So, my question is, what if I gradually reduced all my tablets to nothing? I’m fast approaching 80yrs.