Tag

Deprescribing

All articles tagged with #deprescribing

health13 days ago•6 min saved

Stopping Statins at 75: French Trial Suggests Possible Safety for Healthy Seniors

A French randomized trial in healthy adults around age 80 found that stopping statins at age 75 did not worsen three-year outcomes compared with continuing them; LDL rose after stopping, but death rates and major cardiovascular events were similar and quality of life remained unchanged. The findings may apply only to low-risk, healthy elderly populations and should not change practice broadly; decisions should be individualized and confirmed with longer follow-up and diverse populations.

via STAT|

#cardiovascular-disease #deprescribing #elderly

health-policy1 month ago•2 min saved

US presses deprescribing drive to curb antidepressant use

Health Secretary RFK Jr. is advancing a deprescribing initiative to reduce antidepressant use. Federal officials and mental health professionals gathered to draft forthcoming clinical guidance on tapering SSRIs and expanding nonmedication options like therapy, while highlighting gaps in research on withdrawal symptoms and relapse versus recurrence of depressive symptoms.

via STAT|

#antidepressants #deprescribing #health-policy

health3 months ago•6 min saved

Aging reshapes medical routines: when less is more for seniors

With age, the risk-benefit calculus of routine care shifts, prompting reconsideration of three practices: treating actinic keratoses on the skin may be overkill for many seniors; many older adults with subclinical hypothyroidism can taper off levothyroxine safely; and colonoscopy screening after age 75 (especially with limited life expectancy) offers tiny cancer-mortality benefit, suggesting some patients may skip or defer the procedure.

via Daily Kos|

#actinic-keratosis #aging #colonoscopy

health3 months ago•11 min saved

Kennedy pushes deprescribing study as SSRIs withdrawal stories surge

Health Secretary Kennedy’s push to study and draft guidelines for deprescribing SSRIs follows widespread withdrawal stories, with experts advocating hyperbolic tapering to account for drug half-lives; clinicians warn against undermining necessary treatment, while patient experiences highlight the long, challenging process of stopping antidepressants.

via The Washington Post|

#deprescribing #guidelines #health

health3 months ago•6 min saved

RFK Jr. targets antidepressants with debunked heroin comparison, prompting deprescribing push

At a MAHA event, RFK Jr. announced steps to curb SSRI prescribing, repeating debunked claims that antidepressants are as addictive as heroin. Experts say the comparison is unfounded and emphasize careful, evidence-based deprescribing. The plan includes clinician training, a Dear Colleague letter, and CMS guidance with a new billing code to help taper patients off meds, but medical groups warn against framing mental-health care as overmedicalization and cite access issues.

via Ars Technica|

#antidepressants #deprescribing #health

health3 months ago•182 min saved

US rolls out plan to curb overuse of psychiatric medications

The Biden administration’s HHS, led by RFK Jr., announced a plan to reduce overprescribing of psychiatric medications, promote deprescribing and nonmedication treatments, and emphasize informed consent and shared decision-making, while coordinating across agencies to evaluate prescribing patterns and expand research and access—though experts warn against oversimplifying overmedicalization and note ongoing mental-health care access gaps.

via CNN|

#deprescribing #health #hhs-plan

health3 months ago•182 min saved

HHS aims to curb overprescribing of psychiatric meds and boost non-drug care

The US Department of Health and Human Services announced a multi-agency plan to reduce overprescribing of psychiatric medications, promote deprescribing when appropriate, and expand nonpharmacologic treatments with emphasis on informed consent and shared decision‑making. The effort includes evaluating prescription patterns, funding research and training, and improving access to care, though experts warn against oversimplifying mental health and note ongoing gaps in care.

via CNN|

#access-to-care #deprescribing #health

health3 months ago•3 min saved

RFK Jr backs plan to curb antidepressants and expand nondrug care

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled a federal plan to curb antidepressant prescribing, with the Department of Health and Human Services promoting deprescribing and the use of nonpharmacological treatments (psychotherapy, diet, exercise, social connection) when appropriate. The plan includes provider guidance and reimbursements for deprescribing, while the APA welcomed the focus but warned that deprescribing alone won't fix access and workforce gaps in mental health care. A 2025 survey found ~17% of Americans use antidepressants, and Kennedy has claimed—without evidence—that SSRIs contribute to school shootings.

via The Guardian|

#antidepressants #deprescribing #health

health5 months ago•38 min saved

Long-term antidepressants: how to decide if you should stay, taper, or stop

Vox’s Future Perfect explainer argues that long-term SSRI use raises questions about ongoing need, with withdrawal and dependence being real but distinct from addiction. It emphasizes careful, individualized tapering when stopping, notes that best tapering protocols are not yet established, and urges empathetic clinician guidance and more deprescribing research to help people decide whether to stay on meds or discontinue.

via Vox|

#antidepressants #deprescribing #health

health3 years ago•2 min saved

"Dementia risks: Deprescribing, hormone therapy, and acid reflux drugs under scrutiny"

A study led by researchers at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reveals that efforts to deprescribe medications for dementia patients are failing, as there is an increase in overall medication use following a dementia diagnosis. Despite the importance of simplifying medication regimens and reducing adverse drug events, deprescribing guidelines and efforts are not effectively implemented. The study highlights a potential gap in clinical practice and raises concerns about the increased use of central nervous system-active medications, which can adversely affect cognitive function. The findings suggest missed opportunities to reduce burdensome polypharmacy and deprescribe medications with high safety risks or limited likelihood of benefit.

via Medical Xpress|

#clinical-practice #dementia #deprescribing

health3 years ago•3 min saved

Exploring the Safety of Stopping MS Treatment in Elderly Patients

A new study led by the P-HOPER Center at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy aims to determine whether older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) can safely stop taking disease-modifying therapies. The study, funded by a $1.6 million grant, will analyze deprescribing outcomes in elderly MS patients and evaluate the safety and effectiveness of discontinuing disease-modifying agents (DMAs) in this population. The researchers will compare outcomes for patients who continue on DMAs versus those who are deprescribed these medications, with the goal of optimizing prescribing practices and improving health outcomes and quality of life for older MS patients.

via Multiple Sclerosis News Today|

#deprescribing #disease-modifying-therapies #elderly-patients

health3 years ago•6 min saved

"Essential Medications to Discuss with Your Health Care Team"

It is important to regularly evaluate the need for medications, as some may no longer be necessary or carry risks of side effects. Common medications like antihistamines, heartburn medications, antibiotics before dental procedures, aspirin, statins after age 74, sleep aids, hormone replacement therapy, and testosterone supplementation may not be needed indefinitely and should be discussed with healthcare professionals. Each individual's situation is unique, and regular evaluation of medication benefits and risks is crucial for maintaining optimal health.

via Kitsap Sun|

#deprescribing #health #medications

healthcare3 years ago•6 min saved

Rapid Detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Primary Care

Primary care is an ideal setting for screening and detecting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using brief cognitive assessment tools. Alberto Freire, MD, presented a stepwise algorithm for diagnosing and treating MCI, emphasizing the importance of functional assessment and deprescribing medications that contribute to cognitive disorders. Freire recommended picture-based tests and caregiver-oriented tests for cognitive assessment, as well as the use of the Mongil test for assessing activities of daily living. He also highlighted the need for comprehensive laboratory testing and neuroimaging. Nondrug therapies, such as cognitive training and rehabilitation, were emphasized, as there is currently no drug that is an improvement over nondrug therapies for MCI.

via Medscape|

#cognitive-assessment #deprescribing #healthcare

health3 years ago•5 min saved

"Deprescribing": Reconsidering Medication Use in Older Adults.

Many older adults may be on too many medications and could benefit from a medication review with their primary care doctor. About 57% of people age 65 years or older take five or more medications regularly – a concept known as polypharmacy. Patients and caregivers can ask for an honest conversation with their doctor. By reevaluating their medications, older adults can actually lower their chances of potentially harmful side effects, and avoid the spiral of being prescribed even more medications.

via WebMD|

#deprescribing #doctor-patient-communication #health

health3 years ago•9 min saved

Navigating the Challenges of Antidepressant Withdrawal

Antidepressants are a critical intervention for millions of people experiencing depression, but once the drugs have done their job, how well do we manage what comes next? A 2019 major review of studies found that about half of those coming off the drugs will experience withdrawal symptoms, with half of those describing them as severe. The UK health regulator, Nice, amended its guidance on how to support people coming off antidepressants, acknowledging the severity and length of withdrawal symptoms can vary. In Australia, support is available at Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, and at MensLine on 1300 789 978.

via The Guardian|

#antidepressants #australia #deprescribing