{"id":62206,"date":"2023-12-20T09:30:08","date_gmt":"2023-12-20T14:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62206"},"modified":"2025-04-30T09:38:42","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T13:38:42","slug":"prednisone-withdrawal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/prednisone-withdrawal\/","title":{"rendered":"How to avoid prednisone withdrawal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Millions of people are prescribed <\/span>prednisone<\/span><\/a> each year for <\/span>conditions that range<\/span><\/a> from psoriasis and eczema to multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Prednisone belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids (also sometimes called glucocorticoids)\u2014steroids that reduce inflammation in the body by replacing cortisol, a hormone produced in the adrenal glands, and slowing down an overactive immune system.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n

For individuals living with an inflammatory illness or condition, corticosteroids such as prednisone can feel like a godsend. Prednisone can reduce the hot, achy sensations that accompany inflammation, which often makes people feel better quickly. The benefits of prednisone also come with risks. Because corticosteroids suppress the immune system, your body may be less able to fight off infections when you\u2019re taking them. Not only that, but the body can become reliant on prednisone for the production of cortisol. That means that there could be withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That doesn\u2019t mean you should be scared of prednisone, though. You can work with your healthcare provider to make sure that you don\u2019t experience adverse effects, like steroid withdrawal, when you stop taking the medication. Here\u2019s what providers had to say about reducing negative <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a> when you stop taking this Rx.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Why do you need to taper off prednisone?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The first thing you need to know is that if you\u2019ve been taking prednisone for more than five days and\/or in high doses, you <\/span>must taper off of it<\/span><\/a>. It may seem counterintuitive, but even if you feel better, you can\u2019t just stop taking prednisone. This is so important that the prescribing information recommends a taper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen someone takes prednisone for a long time, their body adjusts to this added source and starts making less of its own cortisol,\u201d explains <\/span>Katura Bullock<\/span><\/a>, Pharm.D., a clinical pharmacologist with St. Luke\u2019s University Health Network in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWithdrawal symptoms occur as the body tries to rebalance its cortisol production once prednisone is stopped.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In other words, tapering gives your adrenal glands time to adjust to the reduced levels of cortisol. But because everyone is different, you shouldn\u2019t try to taper off without medical advice. Yes, some tapering regimens are relatively standardized, but only your healthcare provider can ensure that you are tapering off corticosteroids in a way that works best for your body and your situation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEstablishing a tapering schedule for prednisone is a meticulous process,\u201d says <\/span>Steven Fiore<\/span><\/a>, MD, an orthopedist in Virginia.<\/span> \u201cIt involves assessing the patient’s specific condition, disease progression, and response to treatment, with the goal of gradually reducing prednisone dosage to prevent flare-ups and minimize potential complications.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t taper off prednisone, you\u2019re more likely to experience symptoms of withdrawal or have adverse effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Prednisone withdrawal symptoms<\/span><\/h2>\n

Prednisone withdrawal can create symptoms that range from physically uncomfortable to medically risky. Prednisone withdrawal symptoms can include:<\/span><\/p>\n