When Is It Time to Stop a Medication?

Every medication may have been prescribed for a legitimate reason, but that does not mean every medication should continue forever. Board-certified geriatric pharmacist Dr. DeLon Canterbury joins Peter Demos to explain deprescribing and the importance of regularly reviewing prescriptions as patients age. Dr. Canterbury is the founder of GeriatRx, where he works with older adults and caregivers navigating complex medication regimens. He explains how changing health needs, drug interactions and prescribing cascades can cause fatigue, confusion or other symptoms that families may mistake for normal aging. The conversation also addresses aspirin recommendations, thyroid medication, antidepressant withdrawal and Peter's experience of abruptly losing access to a corticosteroid. Some medications can cause serious problems when stopped suddenly, which is why deprescribing must involve qualified professionals and careful monitoring. Peter concludes by encouraging listeners to know their pharmacists. A trusted pharmacist may identify an allergy, interaction or unnecessary prescription that has been missed elsewhere. 📘 Get my latest book "Bold Not Belligerent" on Amazon: 👉 https://a.co/d/eGTPSYS 🔗 Follow Peter Demos: 🌐 Website: https://www.peterdemos.org/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterdemosofficial 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peterdemosofficial 𝕏 Twitter/X: https://x.com/peter_demos 🔗 Connect with Dr. DeLon Canterbury: 🌐 GeriatRx: https://www.geriatrx.org/📘 About Dr. Canterbury: https://www.geriatrx.org/copy-of-about-dr-delon-canterbury 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geriatrx 𝕏 Twitter/X: https://x.com/GeriatRx📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeriatRxInc 🎤 TEDx talk: https://zurl.co/zAXdj📰 Substack: No known Substack at time of publishing In this conversation: What deprescribing is Medication safety for older adults Symptoms that may be caused by prescriptions The importance of a complete medication list Why certain drugs must be tapered How caregivers can begin a medication review The pharmacist's role in coordinated care Asking whether a medication still supports quality of life Do you know why you take every medication on your list, and when each one was last reviewed? Follow or subscribe to Uncommon Sense in Current Times for conversations about biblical truth, faith and Christian responsibility. This episode is for general educational purposes and is not personal medical advice. Do not stop, reduce or change a medication without consulting the prescribing clinician or another qualified health care professional.