“Can I just stop my medication?” This is one question healthcare providers (HCPs) hear often. And it has a complicated answer.

Some medications can be dangerous to stop abruptly. Not only could your medical condition get worse, but you could also have dangerous side effects. And with some medications like antidepressants, stopping cold turkey is riskier the longer you’ve been taking them.

Some medications need to be gradually lowered (tapered). Your HCP can help you make a taper plan. In other words, they’ll help you slowly lower your dose over a period of time.