When can I stop my medicines?

Unless your doctor has told you to stop taking your medicine, it is best to speak to your doctor, or pharmacist, before you stop taking any prescription medicines.

Prescription medicines

Sometimes, it is important to continue taking a medicine even though you may feel better. For example, medicines to control your blood pressure, antidepressants, or iron tablets for anemia, may all need to be taken even though you are feeling well.

You will often need to continue to take your medicine even if you start to feel better; as this may simply mean that it is starting to work. You should not suddenly stop taking the medicine because doing so may cause your condition to return, or get to worse. Always speak to your doctor before you stop taking any medication that has been prescribed for you.

If you have been prescribed antibiotics, it is important that you finish the whole course, even if you feel better. If you stop the course early, the infection may come back.

Some medicines need to be stopped gradually. Your doctor will advise you about how to reduce your dose safely.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines

If you are taking an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, you can stop taking it as soon as you feel better, unless you are told otherwise by the pharmacist, or your doctor.

You should always read the patient information leaflet that comes with any medication that you are taking. The leaflet contains information about the product manufacturers, the ingredients that are contained in the medication, plus what the medication is prescribed for.

If you experience any worrying side effects from either a prescription medicine, or over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, you should contact your doctor, or pharmacist immediately.