Deprescribing
A Thoughtful Step-Back from Prescriptions in the Philadelphia Area
Can carefully cutting back on certain medications help to improve your health? Psychiatric medications can be helpful during times of need, but they are not always meant to be lifelong treatments. Deprescribing at the Philadelphia area’s Buckingham Psychiatry is a planned, supervised, and intentional process of discontinuing certain medications. Dr. Jacob D. Buinewicz, who is double board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) in psychiatry and addiction psychiatry, works together with patients to help taper off or remove inappropriate medications that no longer serve their needs. Dr. Buinewicz believes in thoughtful medication management and patient-focused care.
Deprescribing Demystified: What It Is and Why It Might Be Right for You
Medication deprescribing is quickly gaining traction as an exciting and important part of modern health care and research. Patients often attempt to stop medications on their own, but this can be risky. Working together with doctors to reduce meds safely builds trust and avoids withdrawal or relapse.
At Buckingham Psychiatry, deprescribing involves collaborating with Dr. Buinewicz to pinpoint medications that may no longer be needed or could be causing unwanted effects, then reducing dosages or stopping a medication entirely. He creates a careful tapering plan, and monitors progress closely, adjusting the plan to ensure safety and support throughout the process.
Why Might a Patient Consider Deprescribing?
Deprescribing may be recommended if it is determined that a medication is no longer helpful to you, it is causing unwanted effects after years of use, its risks outweigh its benefits, it is not providing substantial benefit, or the way your body reacts to it has changed. Another common reason why patients consider deprescribing is that their health condition has been controlled without medication. Additionally, a patient’s overall health, life circumstances, and/or goals of care may have changed in the time since the medication was originally prescribed.
This process can be particularly beneficial for long-term psychiatric medication users. As mentioned above, deprescribing can be done safely under the supervision of Dr. Buinewicz, who may recommend stopping a medication right away or slowly decreasing the dosage to prevent withdrawal effects.
Meet Dr. Buinewicz
Trained in the combined use of psychotherapy and medication, he offers evidence based treatment for a variety of psychiatric disorders. He has specific expertise in mood and bipolar disorders, ADHD, anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD. He also offers care for common sources of stress including life transitions, decreased productivity at work, relationship issues, and grief.
Dr. Buinewicz believes all treatment should begin with a patient-centered comprehensive and holistic evaluation. Patients are involved in creating a treatment plan that may include medications, therapy, or a combination of both. He believes that therapy is often a critical component of care as evidence shows that it provides benefit over medication alone. His therapeutic approach is tailored to the individual patient and contains elements of psychodynamic psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Contact Dr. Jacob D. Buinewicz, MD for a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and personalized treatment plan at 484-466-5560.
Deprescribing for a Healthier You: How Cutting Back Can Help
Describing can improve a patient’s quality of life and maximize their wellness in a variety of ways.
• Fewer Side Effects, Better Quality of Life +
One of the biggest benefits of deprescribing? Fewer long-term side effects. Treatments are designed to minimize issues like weight gain, movement disorders (like tardive dyskinesia), sexual side effects, and feeling overly sedated.
You’re also less likely to deal with that foggy-headed feeling, emotional numbness, or constant fatigue that can come with some antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers.
• Clearer Thinking & Better Moods +
• Fewer Medications to Manage +
• Save Money Over Time +
• Get Your Body Back in Balance +
• Feel More in Control of Your Health +
• Better Sleep, Sex, and Weight Management +
Why Choose Buckingham Psychiatry for Deprescribing?
Buckingham Psychiatry in Philadelphia offers expert, personalized mental health care. Dr. Jacob Buinewicz provides tailored deprescribing plans and ongoing support, taking time to understand each patient’s unique needs. He welcomes patients from Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Philadelphia, Allentown, Cherry Hill, and surrounding areas.
Supporting Your Mental Health from All Angles
In addition to his support for deprescribing, Dr. Jacob Buinewicz offers care and support for a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, mood and bipolar disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But remember – psychiatry isn’t just for those with a diagnosed condition—it can also be incredibly helpful for anyone dealing with life’s everyday stresses, relationship challenges, or emotional struggles.