Rethinking Medication: The Science of Safe Deprescribing with Dr. DeLon Canterbury

Aug 14

Could the medications that once helped you eventually be doing more harm than good? In this episode, Dr. DeLon Canterbury, PharmD, BCGP, explains why safely reducing or stopping medications is becoming an increasingly important conversation, particularly for people taking antidepressants or managing multiple prescriptions. You'll learn what deprescribing actually involves, why tapering should never be rushed, and how patients can work collaboratively with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions.

Listen in as we explore the science behind antidepressant tapering, why withdrawal symptoms often appear later than expected, how long-term medication use changes the body, and why personalized care is essential. Dr. Canterbury also shares the inspiring story that led him into this field, the risks of polypharmacy, and how asking the right questions can help you become a better advocate for your own health.

Listen to the Full Episode:

What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

What deprescribing actually means.
How to safely taper antidepressants.
Why slower tapering often leads to better outcomes.
Why every medication should be regularly reviewed.
How aging changes medication needs.
The pharmacist's role in medication safety.
Questions to ask before stopping a medication.
How to become an advocate for your own healthcare.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

"Deprescribing isn't a bad word. It's literally just advocating for yourself and getting critical questions answered on the timeline and necessity." - Dr. DeLon Canterbury
"Every medication, to me, has an expiration. Is this a medicine that you need to have forever? Most of the time, no." - Dr. DeLon Canterbury
"We don't want to tarnish anyone's autonomy. We want to give people the right to choose." - Dr. DeLon Canterbury