Doctor, Can I Stop The Medicines Now?
Patient: “Doctor, now that my BP is under control, can I stop the medicines now?”
Doctor: “It’s great that your BP is under good control. However, hypertension is usually a lifelong condition. Stopping meds might cause your BP to rise again.”
Patient: “But I feel perfectly fine now, why should I continue with them?”
Doctor: “That’s a common thought. But hypertension is a silent condition. You might feel fine even when your BP is high, which can silently damage your organs over time.”
Patient: “Is there no permanent cure?”
Doctor: “As of now, there’s no cure for most types of hypertension. It’s about managing the condition to prevent complications. Your medication helps in doing that.”
Patient: “If I start walking, will that help in stopping medicines?”
Doctor: “Lifestyle changes are important and can improve your condition. But they are not a replacement for medicines, especially in already established hypertension.”
Patient: “I’m worried about side effects in the long run.”
Doctor: “That’s a valid concern. Let’s monitor your health closely. If any side effects arise, we can adjust the treatment. Remember, the benefits of controlling your blood pressure are significantly higher than the possibility of side effects.”
Patient: “Will I have to take these medications for the rest of my life?”
Doctor: “It depends on how your condition evolves. For most, hypertension requires long-term management. Let us regularly reassess your treatment and make adjustments as needed.”
Patient: “What if I stop the medicines for a while?”
Doctor: “Stopping medication without medical advice can be dangerous. If you are keen to reduce medication, let’s discuss that. But you must be aware of the risk you are taking.”
Patient: My neighbour told me that BP medicines will cause kidney failure. Is that so?
Doctor: “No, that statement is not correct. In fact, medications for hypertension are often prescribed not only to control high blood pressure but also to protect the kidneys, especially in people who also have conditions like diabetes or chronic kidney disease.” “High BP can be a major risk factor for kidney damage. Medicines reduce this risk by keeping the BP within a target range, thereby reducing the strain on the kidneys.” “Some BP medications, like ACE inhibitors and ARBs, are particularly known for their kidney-protective properties.”
Patient: “Are there any natural and herbal medicines that I can take instead?”
Doctor: “While some herbal and natural remedies are available, they are not replacements for hypertension medication. So, it is important to understand that these alternatives are not regulated or tested with the same rigour as modern medicine. If you’re considering any, let’s discuss them first to ensure they don’t interfere with your current treatment.”
Patient: “These medicines are expensive. What can I do?”
Doctor: “There are generic versions of medications that are more affordable and just as effective. You can get them from your nearest Jan Aushadhi Kendra.”
Patient: “Can I drink alcohol after taking medicines for hypertension? Should I skip the tablets that day?”
Doctor: “You should not skip your medicine to drink alcohol. Let’s talk later about how you can safely incorporate alcohol, if at all, into your lifestyle with your current treatment.”
Patient: “Thank you, doctor. Now I understand why continuing the medication is important. I will not stop the medicines by myself.”
Doctor: “Of course. It’s crucial to stay informed about your health. We’re in this together, for your well-being”
This conversation highlights the importance of continuing medicines for hypertension and other chronic illnesses, while addressing common misconceptions and concerns.
This article is part of the Honest Conversations series: Explore the articles from this series:
- Doctor, Tell Me About High Blood Pressure
- Doctor, I Searched My Symptoms on Google!
- Doctor, I Can’t Sleep Well
- Doctor, Can I Sweets During Functions?
- Doctor, Are Vaccines Really Safe?
- Doctor, I Have Abdominal Bloating
- Doctor, Are Generic Medicines Really Safe?
- Doctor, Can I Do Blood Tests in Any Lab?
- Doctor, Can I Stop The Medicines Now?
- Doctor, Are There Any Side Effects?
- Doctor, Can You Guarantee A Cure?
- Honest Conversations in Healthcare – A Series
Dr Shashikiran Umakanth (MBBS, MD, FRCP Edin.) is Professor & Head of Internal Medicine at Dr TMA Pai Hospital, Udupi, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India. He shares his insights on Medicine, Health and Life here.
