HomeAnswersCardiologyaspirinI want to stop taking Aspirin. Should I bring it down slowly or can I stop taking it?

Is it safe to suddenly stop taking Aspirin or do I need to gradually bring it down?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Isaac Gana

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Infanteena Marily F.

Published At March 10, 2022
Reviewed AtJuly 19, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been taking tablet Aspirin 325 mg twice daily for years because I have a phobia about blood clots. Is it safe to just suddenly stop this or do I need to wean off to be safe?

Answered by Dr. Isaac Gana

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I would like to know as to why did you take Aspirin for so long and was the medication prescribed by a doctor? It is risky to stop at once. Do you have a history of high blood pressure?

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply. I have had a relative drop dead in front of me from a blood clot, that incident has affected me a lot. Later, when I gave birth, I had a suspected blood clot and was put on blood thinners for a while. Whenever I used to stop them, I would start having anxiety. So, I used to take tablet Aspirin 325 mg in the morning and at night. Recently, I have not been feeling great and have really bad anxiety about taking Aspirin as I feel dizzy and get rashes and want to stop it safely without putting myself at a risk of clot. I am not able to get an appointment with my general practitioner right now because of the pandemic situation. I think I have circulation problems because my feet are purple while standing. I am worried that I am damaging my kidneys and liver and want to know what should I do. Please help me out.

Answered by Dr. Isaac Gana

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

So sorry to hear about your loss. We generally do not suggest patients to withdraw suddenly from a prescription medication. This can be very dangerous especially in the case of Aspirin. This can put you at a risk for stroke, it has happened to some patients based on my experience. I suggest you to step down the medication gradually but not abruptly. I suggest you to reduce the dosage to 75 mg daily for the next one week, then subsequently take alternate days for another week before finally quitting. I would like to know details on the following. Have you got your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked recently? Have you ever been treated with medication for anxiety? Hope this was helpful. Kindly revert for further queries. Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply. Can I go from 650 mg daily to 75 mg daily safely?

Answered by Dr. Isaac Gana

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Since you take 650 mg, I suggest you can step down to 150 mg daily then subsequently drop to 75 mg before you can totally stop. But please make sure to take note of any changes in your body. Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply. I will keep an eye on any changes. What changes should I keep a look out on?

Answered by Dr. Isaac Gana

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You should watch out of for petechiae (small purple-brown spots on the skin), discoloration, redness in any part of the body, sudden breathlessness, etc.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Isaac Gana
Dr. Isaac Gana

Cardiology

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