Because we are a wellness center, our patients frequently ask us, “How can I get off medication?” Here are the four steps we have found work for many of our patients.
- Talk with your physician.
Whether the medications you wish to eliminate were prescribed a while ago or more recently, we suggest you talk with your general practice physician. Tell him or her you are interested in reducing your medication(s) with the goal of eventually eliminating them.
- Know the WHATs and WHYs for taking each medication.
If your physician recommends that you stay on your medications, ask him or her WHY you need to continue. Be sure that your physician explains the answer in a way you clearly understand. For example, if you are taking a medication to control your blood pressure:
- Know the medication’s name and how to pronounce it;
- Know how the medicine works to control blood pressure;
- Know the signs and symptoms of when you are taking too much or too little; and
- Know the possible side effects of the medication.
Also, ask what the ramifications of going off the medication might be. Typically, a blood pressure medication is mediating a problem in your body that can cause high blood pressure.
The reason for asking your physician these questions is to give you a very clear picture of your physical condition and how the medication works to address this condition so that you can work with your physician to monitor your health.
If you are on multiple medications, it is important to ask your physician how each of these medications might interact with the others in ways that could interfere with their effectiveness. The better you understand how each medication you are taking works in your body on its own and together with other medications, the more you will be able to look for the right lifestyle changes that can support normalizing your body functions in a natural way.
- Work in partnership with your physician.
Do not stop any medication cold turkey. Work in partnership with your physician. This way your physician will be able to modify your prescriptions as your body changes with your new lifestyle habits.
- Get support to make the right lifestyle changes.
In our practice, many of our patients are participating in our 8 Weeks to Wellness© program. They are getting the support they need to make the lifestyle changes they need to reduce if not eliminate the need for many medications. Our program includes a healthy diet, customized nutrient supplementation and exercise, stress management techniques, and chiropractic care. As our patients move through our program and share with us how their bodies are changing, we are able to identify the signs of too much medication in their systems and encourage them to call or schedule an appointment with their general practice physician.
We encourage you to call your physician and set the wheels in motion to take charge of your health today!
Dr. Steven Trauben is the founder of King Street Chiropractic Wellness Center, a pain relief and wellness center located in Alexandria, Virginia. He has been practicing just outside Washington DC for over twenty years now. The nationally known and well sought-out 8 Weeks to Wellness® program allows you to experience optimal wellness through chiropractic care, exercise, massage, nutrition & meditation. If you’re interested in speaking with Dr. Trauben, you can call (703) 578-1900 to schedule an appointment or you can go online www.kingstreetwellness.com.
