Can You Stop Medications When Feeling Better? Experts Weigh In

 

Most people may be tempted to stop taking their medications when they begin to feel better. The purpose of medication is to make us feel better when we are sick so what actually is the point in forcing yourself to pass those bitter substances down your beloved throat even when you begin to feel better?

The Risk of Stopping Medications Early

Does feeling better amount to being cured of a disease?  In the medical world, the answer is no. Disease-causing pathogens such as bacteria can be present in your body and you will still feel better. These organisms might need to reach a certain threshold before they can cause infection or notable symptoms. So it is better to continue your medications.

How Medications Are Developed and Prescribed

Medications go through a series of stages before being approved for use by humans. Standard drug development requires years of animal testing before beginning clinical trials in humans.  As medications pass through these stages, the dosage regimen is determined. More on drug development here Havard Medical School

 In simple terms, the amount of medications you are supposed to take and the times you are supposed to take them to effectively treat a particular condition are determined. This is, however, subject to patient factors like age, weight, and underlying medical conditions. 

 This is the reason why we are required to check our vitals every time we visit the hospital.  The vitals can also help the doctor in his diagnosis. This means that one is less likely to receive more than necessary medications for a particular condition. Most diseases particularly, bacterial diseases have standard treatment protocols that must be followed to ensure proper treatment.

The Importance of Adhering to Prescribed Medications

When we begin taking medications for a particular disease condition, the pathogens responsible for the condition are eliminated gradually.  With time, the body eliminates the offending pathogens to the extent that the patient begins to feel better. 

However, there might still be some pathogens within the body but their numbers might not be significant enough to cause any symptoms. When the patient stops taking the medications, the existing pathogens begin to develop themselves to resist the medication in case the patient takes it again at a later date. They begin to multiply and pass on their resistance to their offspring. 

This increases the risk of reinfection. This time, the pathogens will not respond to treatment with the same medication.  The patient will have to be given a different medication.

The Consequences of Medication Resistance

The bad news is that it typically takes more than ten years to develop a new drug. If existing medications cannot help the patient, the situation is almost fatal.

When to Consult Your Doctor

On the other hand, it is advisable to speak with your doctor when you really have good reasons to stop a certain medication. Medications that cause massive side effects or adverse reactions might have to be discontinued.  

Conclusion: Complete Your Medication Course

It is, therefore, not advisable to discontinue taking your medications once you begin to feel better. The pain that comes with swallowing the pill is sweeter than the pain that comes with the sad realization that existing medications cannot help your condition.  AIDS is not the only incurable disease. Failure to finish the course of your medications can turn simple diseases into incurable diseases for you. 

With this in mind, the pain pill becomes a chill pill.  Let us finish the course.