Staying On or Safely Coming Off Medication

Taking your medication the same way every day — the right dose, at the right time — is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy.

Why consistency matters: missed doses and withdrawal

Your body adjusts to medication when taken regularly. If the medicine suddenly disappears, the body will need time to readjust. During that gap, it is likely you will feel unwell, even if you have only missed a dose or two. This can happen with intermittent skipping of doses, not only when you stop a medication completely.

Symptoms you might notice

The exact symptoms depend on the medication, but common ones include:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or a "spinning" feeling
• Nausea, stomach upset, or loss of appetite
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping or vivid dreams
• Anxiety, irritability, restlessness, or mood changes
• Flu-like feelings, sweating, or fatigue
• "Electric shock" or "brain zap" sensations (especially with certain antidepressants)

Why some medications are higher risk

• Medications that leave the body quickly (short-acting) tend to cause symptoms faster and more strongly when a dose is missed.
• Certain antidepressants, anti-anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and anti-psychotics can cause more noticeable symptoms.
• Stopping some medications suddenly can be serious — for example, causing seizures or other severe reactions — which is why these should never be stopped on your own.

Withdrawal can be mistaken for your illness coming back

Withdrawal symptoms can look a lot like the original condition returning. The difference is that withdrawal usually starts quickly after a missed or stopped dose and often improves soon after the medication is restarted. Because these can be confused, it is important to tell your care team what happened rather than assuming your condition is worsening.

Thinking about stopping your medication? How to come off safely

Never stop a medication on your own. If you wish to stop a medication — because you feel better, because of side effects, or for any other reason — talk to your care provider first. Many medications need to be reduced slowly (tapered) to avoid withdrawal symptoms.