Do not stop taking pradaxa without talking to the doctor who prescribes it for you. Stopping pradaxa increases your risk of having a stroke. Pradaxa may need to be stopped prior to surgery or a medical or dental procedure. Your doctor will tell you when you should stop taking pradaxa and when you may start taking it again. If you have to stop taking pradaxa, your doctor may prescribe another medicine to help prevent a blood clot from forming.