If the side effects of a medication outweigh its benefits, what action is the prescriber likely to take?

When the side effects of a medication outweigh its benefits, the prescriber is generally likely to discontinue the medication. This decision is based on the principle of minimizing harm to the patient. Medications are prescribed to improve health outcomes, but if the negative effects are significant or diminishing the patient's quality of life, it is prudent for the prescriber to consider an alternative approach. Continuing the medication could exacerbate the patient's condition or lead to further complications.

In scenarios where a medication's side effects are troubling or dangerous, it would be counterproductive to increase the dosage, as this would likely intensify the adverse reactions. Similarly, changing the medication may be a consideration, but the first course of action usually involves stopping the current medication before exploring alternatives. Therefore, discontinuation is typically the most appropriate response when the risks of the medication clearly exceed its therapeutic benefits.