Stopping Blood Pressure Medication

Lifestyle changes can help you control high blood pressure (hypertension).

Some people who make positive changes no longer need hypertension medication. But you shouldn't just stop taking your medication.

This article looks at what to consider before stopping hypertension drugs, when you shouldn't go off of them, and how to make the best decision for your health.

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Can I Stop My Hypertension Medication?

Whether its safe to stop your blood pressure medication depends on what's causing your hypertension.

The factors that contribute to high blood pressure generally fall into two categories: modifiable and unmodifiable.

Modifiable Factors

Modifiable factors are things you can change. Those include:

• Dietary issues, including too much salt
• Low activity level
• Being overweight or obese
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Smoking
• Stress

Addressing one or more of these factors may help you control your blood pressure.

Unmodifiable Factors

Causes of high blood pressure that you can't change include:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Family history of high blood pressure (genetics)
• Older age
• Sleep apnea
• Thyroid disorders and cancers
  

However, treating conditions that contribute to high blood pressure may help lower it.

What to Consider

The decision to stop blood pressure drugs needs to be based on:

• Blood pressure readings
• Your overall health
• Possible contributing factors and whether they're modifiable

It may be time to discuss a trial period without medication if:

• Your healthcare provider thinks your high blood pressure is due to modifiable factors
• You make positive changes in those areas
• Your blood pressure readings have improved

Research has yet to establish exactly how long you should have normal blood pressure before stopping meds. But studies suggest waiting anywhere from six months to two years.

If you stop the meds and your blood pressure goes up, you can always go back on them. Even so, you should continue with positive lifestyle changes.

When Not to Stop Medication

If your high blood pressure is due to non-modifiable factors, you may not be able to stop taking your medication.

This is especially true as you get older. Age is a risk factor for hypertension. It also makes it harder to manage chronic illness.

Making Informed Decisions

Making healthier lifestyle choices is about more than avoiding medications. It's also about improving the quality and length of your life.

Despite lifestyle changes, your healthcare provider may not want you to stop taking blood pressure medication. Listen to their reasons and try not to get discouraged.

You aren't being punished. And your provider's recommendation doesn't necessarily mean you're in poor health. Your provider may just believe the benefits of treatment outweigh the potential risks of stopping.

You might not like taking pharmaceutical drugs. But know there's nothing inherently "bad" about taking hypertension medications.

Antihypertensive medications aren't addictive. The side effects are generally manageable.

You have several kinds of blood pressure medication to choose from. Research suggests different types work for different people. Your healthcare provider can help you decide which medication is best for you.

Summary

You can change some factors that contribute to high blood pressure, such as eating too much salt or smoking. You can't change others. These include age and chronic conditions.

With modifiable factors, lifestyle changes may help you get off meds. Talk about this with your healthcare provider

With non-modifiable factors, you may not be able to stop taking medication. Listen to your provider even if you disagree.

Blood pressure drugs are generally safe and are non-addictive. If one doesn't work well for you, a different type might.

A Word From Verywell

Even if lifestyle changes have improved your blood pressure, never stop taking your medication without talking to your healthcare provider.

If you don't agree with your healthcare provider's advice, you can get a second opinion. You have the right to make decisions about your health. Just make sure you're well informed before making changes.