Stopping medicines as you get older

As you get older, the benefits and risks of medicines can change. A planned medication review may lead to reducing or stopping medicines, but some must be reduced slowly and others remain essential.

• Dizziness, falls or fainting.
• Drowsiness, memory problems or delirium.
• Bring all medicine packs and over-the-counter products to a review.
• Never abruptly stop corticosteroids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, anti-epileptic medicines, beta blockers or opioids without a plan.
• Arrange a medication review for falls, confusion, taking many medicines, changes in health or discharge from hospital.
• For urgent GP (family doctor) care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252 (out-of-hours GP service). Call Ambulance 912 only if there is an immediate threat to life.