Even if you can't eliminate a blood pressure- or cholesterol-lowering drug, you can often get by with a lower dose. Consider low doses especially if you're older, female, thin, or small; have had prior drug reactions; or respond strongly to caffeine or alcohol, which may indicate greater drug sensitivity. If you try a low dose, be sure your doctor checks whether the drug is working and possibly increases the dose if it's not.

Read more talking to your doctor about medications, and on talking to your doctor to save on your medications.