Deprescribing is defined as which of the following?

• A. Initiating new medications
• B. Stopping all medications abruptly
• C. Planned reduction or stopping medications
• D. Switching to brand-name medications

Answer: (C)

Deprescribing is a planned, patient‑centered process to reduce or stop medications that may no longer be beneficial or could cause harm, with a careful plan and monitoring. This approach aims to lower risks from taking many drugs—like adverse effects, interactions, and decreased function—especially in older adults. The best choice describes this planned reduction or stopping of meds, which is the essence of deprescribing. It is not about initiating new medications, not about stopping all medications abruptly, and not about switching to brand-name formulations. In practice, it involves a comprehensive med review, deciding which drugs may be inappropriate, creating a taper or stop plan, and closely watching for withdrawal or symptom return with follow-up.