Medication Information
Changing or stopping medications

When taking medications, you may need to adjust your medication regimen, including changing or stopping medications. It is important to consider why you may want to make medication adjustments (e.g., experiencing unwanted side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. , concerns about safety, no longer needed).
Similarly, if your healthcare provider is recommending the change or stoppage, ask questions to understand why they are making specific adjustments to your medication regimen.
Note: There may be safety concerns with suddenly stopping certain medications (e.g., opioids Class of pain-relieving medication that work by blocking pain signals in the brain. Examples include drugs like morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl. , baclofen), so it is important to discuss the adjustment process with your healthcare providers to minimize any potential harm.
- For example:
- If an opioid is stopped abruptly, you may experience opioid withdrawal A set of symptoms that occurs when someone stops using a drug or medication that they’ve become dependent on. Physical symptoms include sweating, nausea and shaking. Emotional symptoms include anxiety and irritability. (see Module 6 for more information). It is important to slowly taper the dose of an opioid if a decision has been made with your healthcare provider to stop a prescribed opioid.
- If baclofen is stopped abruptly, you may experience severe withdrawal A set of symptoms that occurs when someone stops using a drug or medication that they’ve become dependent on. Physical symptoms include sweating, nausea and shaking. Emotional symptoms include anxiety and irritability. effects such as hallucinations, high fever, and seizures. These may be life threatening. If a decision is made with your healthcare provider to stop baclofen, a plan will be set up to wean off of the medication.
Refer to fillable sheet to help guide the conversation with your healthcare provider. This resource can be downloaded and completed on your computer or mobile device, or it can be printed.
References
Bourgeois, J. A., Fenn, H. H., & Hategan, A. (2019). Inpatient geriatric psychiatry: Optimum care, emerging limitations, and realistic goals. Springer.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. (2019, February 1). Any tips on how to make the transition from one medication to another? https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/ask-the-doc/any-tips-on-how-to-make-the-transition-from-one-medication-to-another/