When is it Safe to Discontinue Medications on the Ornish Spectrum Program?
by Dean Ornish, MD.
Photo Credit: Gatis Gribusts, via Flickr Creative Commons
Dr. Ornish is here to provide guidance and support for anyone interested in leading a healthier lifestyle. Please share your question here.
The need for medication is often reduced and sometimes discontinued on the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine program. (Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation) For example, your blood pressure may decrease so much that you may get dizzy or lightheaded if your medications are not reduced. If you are taking medications for type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar may get too low if your medications are not reduced.
The need for medication is often reduced and sometimes discontinued on the Ornish Reversal program.
Talk to Your Doctor
However, it’s important that you don’t make changes in your medications without your doctor’s consent. For example, suddenly stopping beta-blockers may cause a rebound effect that could cause chest pain or even a heart attack.
If your doctor agrees to reduce or discontinue some or all of your medications, it feels very empowering to have tangible evidence of your improvement.
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14 comments
Martin Aschoff January 15, 2015
Dear Dr. Ornish,
Nine years ago (when I was 59 years old), I underwent open heart, quadruple bypass surgery, while recovering from two near death experiences, a motor vehicle accident, and subsequent staff infection while hospitalized. Needless to say, I was a physical, and mental wreck. I was on an incredible number of medications, and felt terrible, both physically and mentally all of the time. I wanted a more natural regimen for my healing process, one that I could carry on with long after I was well, if I ever got there. On a recommendation from my cardiologist, I decided to study and follow your program for reversing heart disease. At the time, I believed you were a true visionary, and leader in this field. I still try to follow the fundamentals that you proposed, but I also continue my study to learn more about how our bodies work, to both fight disease, and maintain optimal health. There is still so much that we just don’t know. However, thanks to you and other courageous doctors like yourself, I have made an incredible number of changes in my diet and lifestyle, both then and now. Today I am a fully functioning 68 year old! I am on very little medication, along with a few supplements.
Let me get to the point of my comments: When I look on your current website, I am sadly disappointed at how little has changed from nine years ago. I don’t mean the format, I mean the content. It’s like science has not discovered anything since you started this “self help revolution”, when in fact some of the most startling revelations in nutrition have been unearthed, particularly in this last few years. It makes me wonder, what has happened to our leader? For instance, what do you think about the new discoveries surrounding the K and D Vitamins, or the new thinking about cholesterol. I would feel so much more comfortable if you would weigh in on these new discoveries, adding your thoughts and commentary. I suspect that many of us may not be here at all, if it were not for your vision and guidance. Please don’t leave us! Thanks
Sincerely, Martin Aschoff
Marie Neder February 23, 2015
I am a 61 year old female, 5.5 years out from chemo (RCHOP) for NHL Stage 4 – yes I’m alive and chemical warfare on my body has had it’s effects as well. My heart cath showed mild heart failure (one tiny artery (off a branch is 80% blocked but the 3 main are clear) so now I’m on Metoprolol and Lisinopril (I refuse to take a statin or Indur), and Nitro when needed. I am 5’0″ and 138 wt. Given this information and I do eat healthy (beef 3 times/month, chicken 1or 2 times week, same with fish, some buffalo and pork – not much) and my treat? Red wine (2 per day). Exercise – walking and some hiking………argh……….given this info what can you suggest? I’m sure I’m not an anomaly . Thank you, Marie Neder
Rachel Lehmann-Haupt February 23, 2015
IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CALL 911 OR YOUR PHYSICIAN. If you believe you have any other health problem, or if you have any questions regarding your health or a medical condition, you should promptly consult your physician or other healthcare provider. This site/call center does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, or opinion to you or to any other individual. Although Dr. Ornish is not able to answer personal medical questions, please refer to these frequently asked questions.
Jerry March 18, 2015
I reduced my beta blocker on my own and I’m scared because some symptoms came back. How could I speak to Dr. Ornish about this. Concerned. Je
IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CALL 911 OR YOUR PHYSICIAN. If you believe you have any other health problem, or if you have any questions regarding your health or a medical condition, you should promptly consult your physician or other healthcare provider. This site/call center does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, or opinion to you or to any other individual. Although Dr. Ornish is not able to answer personal medical questions, please refer to these frequently asked questions.
Jomil March 18, 2015
Can you ever go off of beta blockers
Ben Brown, MD April 20, 2015
Depends on why you are on them? If it is for blood pressure control and your blood pressure has come down then yes. Be sure to work with your doctors though as they are generally tapered down and not stopped all at once.
Jim Pittman March 18, 2015
I have been following your site and healthy living for 16 years, I am not taking any prescription medicine , and rely on diet and vitamins and supplements. I appreciate ALL that you do for all of us. Thank You. Jim
Carla March 18, 2015
I have been on beta blockers, as mentioned in the article above, for many years for high blood pressure. I have heard that it is near impossible to get off of them, even if you get healthy, once you have been on them for a while. Any thoughts or comments on this?
IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CALL 911 OR YOUR PHYSICIAN. If you believe you have any other health problem, or if you have any questions regarding your health or a medical condition, you should promptly consult your physician or other healthcare provider. This site/call center does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, or opinion to you or to any other individual. Although Dr. Ornish is not able to answer personal medical questions, please refer to these frequently asked questions.
Charles Beard March 19, 2015
i have a very weak heart and would like to become a part of your program. How would i go about being a part of your program that i have heard about . Thank you for any support that you can suggest.
The Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease is the first integrative lifestyle program for reversing heart disease and other chronic conditions that Medicare is covering under the specially created category of ‘Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation’. The Ornish network is growing rapidly, including national partnerships with many private insurers such as Highmark Inc, WellPoint and HMSA. Some of these private insurers are also reimbursing for patients who have risk factors for coronary heart disease, and other conditions such as diabetes and early prostate cancer. Browse our locations directory to see Ornish Program sites we may have near you.
Phyllis Garnes March 22, 2015
I have been having terrible muscle pain in my thighs and legs that it is difficult climbing stars and getting up from a sitting position. My weight has skyrocket in the past 2years. But I worry about all this heart medication I take could cause these side effects.
IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CALL 911 OR YOUR PHYSICIAN. If you believe you have any other health problem, or if you have any questions regarding your health or a medical condition, you should promptly consult your physician or other healthcare provider. This site/call center does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, or opinion to you or to any other individual. Although Dr. Ornish is not able to answer personal medical questions, please refer to these frequently asked questions.
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