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Deprescribing That Reduces Pill Burden And Refines Care

For Women In Denver, Colorado

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Sometimes healing means letting go—not just of old stories or patterns, but of medications that contribute to pill burden and may no longer be serving you. At Mind Alchemy Mental Health, I approach deprescribing with the same care and precision as prescribing. My own journey through tapering off medication has given me a deep respect for this process and the courage it can take to even consider it.

 

Whether you’re experiencing side effects, feeling overmedicated, or simply wondering if you still need all the prescriptions you’re on, I create thoughtful, individualized plans that prioritize your safety, stability, and well-being. Together, we’ll explore whether reducing pill burden is right for you—guided by evidence, compassion, and whole-person healing.

 

What is Deprescribing?

Deprescribing is the systematic process of tapering, reducing, or stopping medications that may no longer be beneficial—or could be causing harm. While it began as a concept in geriatric (older adult) medicine, it has become increasingly important in psychiatry as awareness grows about polypharmacy risks (being on multiple medications at once) and the mental and physical weight of pill burden.

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What is Pill Burden?

Pill burden refers to the stress and health risks of taking multiple medications (polypharmacy). It’s not just the number of pills, but the side effects, drug interactions, and daily overwhelm that come with them. Deprescribing helps reduce pill burden so that every medication you take is truly necessary and beneficial.

 

Why is Addressing Pill Burden Important in Psychiatry?

Medications can play a crucial role in managing conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD. But when prescriptions are continued for years without reevaluation, they can create unnecessary pill burden, side effects, or a sense of being “stuck.”

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Deprescribing aims to optimize treatment—making sure every medication you take is helping, not hindering. For many women, reducing pill burden can mean fewer side effects, clearer thinking, and a stronger sense of control over their own health.

 

What Is Your Approach To Deprescribing And Pill Burden?

At Mind Alchemy Mental Health, deprescribing isn’t about “pulling the plug” on treatment. It’s about a safe, collaborative, and evidence-based process:

  • Comprehensive evaluation

    • ​Reviewing your full medical history, current prescriptions, labs, and treatment goals

  • Shared decision-making

    • Openly discussing risks, benefits, and alternatives so you feel empowered and informed

  • Individualized tapering plans

    • Reducing doses gradually to minimize withdrawal effects and avoid mistaking discontinuation symptoms for relapse

  • Ongoing monitoring and support

    • Frequent check-ins to track progress, catch challenges early, and celebrate wins

 

What Are the Benefits of Reducing Pill Burden Through Deprescribing?

For many women, deprescribing leads to:

  • Fewer side effects and less “fog” from medications

  • Better energy, focus, and physical health

  • Simplified routines and less overwhelm from complex schedules

  • Greater confidence knowing every prescription you take is truly necessary

 

What Are the Challenges of Deprescribing to Reduce Pill Burden?

Reducing medications isn’t always easy. Some people experience discontinuation syndrome (often called withdrawal), which can feel like their old symptoms are returning. Without the right guidance, this can lead people to restart medication unnecessarily.

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That’s why deprescribing must be done carefully—with close monitoring, education, and support. My role is to help you safely reduce pill burden while ensuring you feel steady, clear, and confident throughout the process.

 

My Commitment to Safe Deprescribing

  • Staying current

    • I follow the latest research and best practices in deprescribing.

  • Educating patients

    • I make sure you understand the “why” and “how” behind every step.

  • Collaborative care

    • When needed, I coordinate with your primary care physician, specialists, and pharmacists to ensure safety at every level.

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Learn More About Mental Health & Whole-Person Psychiatry

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Trusted Resources​

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Ready to Explore Deprescribing?

If you’ve been wondering whether you still need all your current medications—or if you’re feeling weighed down by pill burden—I can help you figure out your next steps with clarity and confidence.​

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Serving Denver and all of Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is deprescribing safe?

Yes—when done correctly. Deprescribing should always be gradual and carefully monitored. I design tapering plans that minimize discontinuation symptoms and provide ongoing support, so you feel steady throughout the process.

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How do I know if I’m ready to reduce medication?

If you’ve been stable for a significant period, are experiencing side effects, or feel uncertain about whether your medications are still necessary, it may be worth exploring. We’ll discuss your history, labs, and goals before making any changes.

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Can I stop medications on my own?

It’s not recommended. Stopping suddenly can cause uncomfortable or even dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Working with a provider who specializes in deprescribing ensures the process is done safely and compassionately.

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Why choose a Denver-based psychiatric nurse practitioner for deprescribing?

Because I don’t just look at the medications—I look at the whole picture. By combining labs, lifestyle strategies, therapy, and supplements, I help reduce unnecessary medications and manage pill burden while supporting your overall health.

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