Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that is used to treat a variety of conditions including: asthma, adrenal insufficiency, Cron’s disease, inflammatory diseases, some types of cancer, hives, nephrotic syndrome, lupus, Meniere’s disease, and hives. It is also used to help with organ transplants by preventing bodily rejection to the new organ. This is a drug that is also used to help with severe migraine headaches, leukemia, lymphoma, and various types of tumors. It works by replacing steroids that are naturally produced by the body.
Essentially this is a drug that mimics your body’s natural hormones produced from the adrenal glands. When prescribed in significant doses, Prednisone works to help suppress inflammation. In the event that a person’s immune system is attacking its own tissues (as is the case with autoimmune diseases), this drug can help reduce activity by suppressing immune system functioning. It affects the “HPA” or hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis when taken longer than 7 days.
Although Prednisone can be a life saving drug when used to treat certain conditions, others that are on it for a less-significant condition may be extremely unhappy with the drug’s side effects. If you can no longer cope with the side effects as a result of Prednisone use, it may be time to withdraw. Once you have spoken with your doctor about withdrawal and have made up your mind, you will want to educate yourself on the potential symptoms that you may experience upon discontinuation.
Factors that influence Prednisone withdrawal include:
When it comes to any medication, there are factors that influence the severity of withdrawal. Various factors that will play a role in determining how difficult the withdrawal process is include: time span, dosage, individual physiology, and whether you quit cold turkey or tapered. If you experience a very severe withdrawal, it is likely due to one or more of these factors.
1. Time Span
How long have you taken Prednisone? In general the longer you are on this particular steroid, the longer it’s going to take your body to readjust to functioning without it. If you are on it for longer than 2 weeks, it can affect your adrenal glands’ ability to produce cortisol. Therefore your body and brain become dependent on the Prednisone for everyday functioning when taken for an extended period. If you are only on this drug for a couple weeks, you should have a much easier time coping with the withdrawal compared to someone on it for months and/or years.
2. Dosage (2 mg to 80 mg)
Since this drug is used to treat a variety of conditions, the dose that you are taking will depend on the condition that you are treating. The maximum recommended dose per day is 80 mg. Most people are taking somewhere between 2 mg and 30 mg per day. In any event, the greater the dosage you take for an extended period of time, the more severe your withdrawal symptoms will likely be. Someone that is on a very low maintenance dose of Prednisone should have a much easier (and quicker) time withdrawing compared to someone who is on the maximum recommended daily dose.
3. Individual Factors
Since this is a powerful corticosteroid, it likely will result in withdrawal symptoms in nearly everyone that took it for an extended period of time. However, the severity of those symptoms can vary depending on the individual. People that were on very high doses for a long term may have a very severe physiological response upon discontinuation, while others may have less of a reaction.
Just know that what you experience may be more or less severe than someone else – as everyone’s situation is different. One person may recover from their withdrawal within a few weeks, while another may experience aches and pains for months following their last dose of Prednisone. The recovery time varies among different individuals.
4. Cold Turkey vs. Tapering
It is never recommended to quit taking Prednisone “cold turkey.” It is thought that if you quit taking this drug cold turkey from a relatively high dose, it could result in potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. If you were on Prednisone for an extended period of time, your body likely has become fully dependent on this drug for functioning and providing cortisol.
Since your body has stopped naturally producing cortisol, stopping Prednisone cold turkey can be a recipe for disaster. Why? Because your adrenal glands may not be able to kick back in and produce cortisol. Therefore it is important to gradually “wean” off of this drug to give your adrenal glands some time to pick back up with natural production.
In order to prevent doing damage and or experiencing a nasty cold turkey withdrawal, some have recommended reducing the dosage of your medication by 5 mg every 7 days. If you are unsure about how to taper, be sure to talk with your doctor and voice any concerns you have. If you were on Prednisone for a very short term (i.e. 7 days or less), it is alright to quit cold turkey.
Prednisone Withdrawal Symptoms: List of Possibilities
Below are some common withdrawal symptoms associated with taking Prednisone. Recognize that these are some symptoms that you may experience upon discontinuation from this particular drug. Also understand that you may not experience every symptom listed below and that the intensity of withdrawal will likely differ based on individual circumstances.
- Abdominal pain: Many people notice intense abdominal pain when they first stop taking Prednisone. This may be in the form of intense stomach aches and/or burning sensations throughout the stomach.
- Anxiety: Many people report depression, but a lesser reported symptom is that of anxiety. You may feel somewhat nervous and/or have relatively intense anxiety during withdrawal. It is thought that this is a result of hormonal changes and HPA functioning.
- Body aches: Many people report severe body aches when they stop taking this drug. These aches may last for weeks following your last dose of the drug. If they become too intense, you should consider tapering more gradually.
- Decreased appetite: Since Prednisone is associated with significant increases in appetite, when you stop taking it, you will likely notice a major decrease in appetite. You may have constantly felt hungry while on it, but when you quit taking it, your appetite will significantly drop off.
- Depression: Another common symptom to experience upon discontinuation is that of depression. You may feel very depressed in conjunction with significantly low levels of energy. This is in part due to lack of stimulation. Your adrenal stores need to build themselves back up for you to feel normal. Just know that your brain and body will eventually fully heal as time passes.
- Diarrhea: Some people report diarrhea when they first come off of this drug. If you are experiencing this, be sure to pick up some Imodium (available over the counter) – it should help ease this particular symptom.
- Dizziness: This is a common withdrawal symptom from any drug. If you feel dizzy, just know that it should go away within a few weeks. The most intense dizziness should subside after the drug has been out of your system for a week.
- Fatigue: Most people end up having to deal with extreme levels of fatigue and low energy when they quit this drug. If you feel fatigued, just know that it is a result of your body withdrawing from a drug that it has depended on for functioning for a long period of time. Additionally you no longer have adequate amounts of cortisol to provide the body with energy. It will take some time before these homeostatic levels are reestablished.
- Fever: Some individuals report having a fever when they stop this drug. This is your body’s way of trying to readapt to functioning without Prednisone. The fever should not last more than a week or so after your last dose. If it persists, be sure to consult your doctor and/or another medical professional and consider a more gradual taper.
- Headaches: Since this drug actually helps many people with severe headaches, coming off of it may result in even more extreme headaches than initially experienced. Some individuals report constant headaches, while others report full-blown migraines during withdrawal.
- HPA Changes: Anyone who has taken this drug for an extended period of time will exhibit changes in their HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis). In other words, the adrenals are no longer producing sufficient levels of cortisol because they have become accustomed to receiving the Prednisone. Therefore even if you gradually taper, it will take your body awhile to get its natural production of cortisol back up.
- Joint pain: It is extremely common to feel pretty intense joint pain when you stop this steroid. This joint pain is caused by lack of natural cortisol production. In some cases it could be due to inflammation during withdrawal. Avoid excess physical stress and activity until the pain subsides.
- Low blood pressure: Some individuals experience blood pressure drops when they discontinue this drug. Although it increases blood pressure while taking it, many people experience rapid reductions if they discontinue too quickly. In some cases if blood pressure gets too low, it can lead to dizziness and fainting. Be sure to monitor your blood pressure when you quit this drug.
- Low blood sugar: Many people experience low blood sugar when they come off of a corticosteroid like Prednisone. You may want to monitor your blood sugars when you discontinue and keep some sweets around in the event that it dips out of the ordinary.
- Mood swings: People feel fatigued, low energy, and have depression as a result of their withdrawal. It is no wonder that some individuals experience mood swings and/or changes when they quit taking this drug. Just know that these should stabilize when the body heals.
- Muscle soreness: Some people notice muscle soreness and/or pain that does not go away for an extended period of time. The best thing you can do for yourself is to take some sort of over-the-counter pain relief to help yourself cope with this symptom.
- Nausea: You may feel extremely nauseated when you originally stop taking this drug. The intense nausea should only last for a few days and then gradually improve. Assuming your doctor conducted a gradual taper off of Prednisone, the nausea should not be long-lasting.
- Shaking: Many people have reported uncomfortable “shaking” in the limbs including the hands and feet. This is not as common of a symptom, but one that has been reported that can make life uncomfortable for awhile.
- Skin rash: In some cases a person may develop a skin rash when they first quit taking Prednisone. Some hypothesize that burning and/or itching skin could be a result of nerve irritation beneath the skin. If you are experiencing a skin rash or irritation, just know that it’s likely from the withdrawal.
- Suicidal thoughts: When you first quit taking this drug, you may notice that your depression becomes overwhelming to the point of triggering suicidal thoughts. If you feel suicidal at all during withdrawal, make sure you talk to a professional about it. Just know that as your adrenal stores build back up, your depression will gradually subside and your thinking will return to normal.
- Vomiting: Some people report vomiting when they stop Prednisone. This vomiting is usually a result of tapering too quickly and not giving your body a chance to gradually adapt to functioning without the drug. If you are vomiting, it could just be that you are hypersensitive to withdrawal and/or are withdrawing too quickly.
- Weakness: It is common to feel muscle weakness and an overall sense of malaise when you first come off of this drug. It should take your body a few weeks and/or months to fully recover from feeling very week and achy. This is just your body’s way of reacting to functioning without a drug that it has received constantly over an extended term.
- Weight loss: Individuals that are on Prednisone for the long term tend to pack on a pretty good amount of weight. Obviously the amount of weight you gain will be based on your individual circumstances. Most people notice that they begin to lose weight a few weeks after they have fully discontinued this drug.
Note: It is thought that Prednisone stays in your system for less than 24 hours after your last dose – meaning it has a short half-life. Discontinuation symptoms are thought to be a result of the body attempting to recalibrate itself to functioning without the Prednisone.
How long do Prednisone withdrawal symptoms last?
The time it takes you to fully withdraw from Prednisone will depend on individual circumstances. In most cases, the withdrawal symptoms should clear up within 3 to 4 weeks after your last dose. The half life of Prednisone is only 1 hour, but most people report post-acute withdrawal symptoms lasting well after the drug is cleared from the body. A full recovery can take anywhere from a week or two (lower doses) to several months.
If you are experiencing pretty extreme pain as a result of the withdrawal, be sure to take some over-the-counter pain relief. In addition to OTC pain relief, most people recommend increasing the amount of salt and sugar that you eat. This is because when you stop taking Prednisone, your body usually has low blood sugar and low blood pressure. If your withdrawal symptoms persist for an extended period of time and/or are so severe that you cannot function, it is likely that you withdrew too quickly.
Anytime a person is on 5+ mg of Prednisone for 7 to 14 days, sudden discontinuation can result in an adrenal crisis. Work closely with your doctor, follow guidelines, get plenty of rest, and lay low as your body and mind recover. Eventually you will return to normal functioning once your body and brain readjust to functioning without steroids. It should be noted that some people report “Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency” as a result of taking corticosteroids like Prednisone.
In this event, it has taken people 12 to 24 months before they experience full “recovery” back to homeostasis. As was mentioned, the longer you are on the drug, the more gradual the tapering process should be and the longer you should expect withdrawal symptoms to persist following your last dose. As long as you work with your doctor and withdraw VERY gradually, you should be able to experience a full recovery. If you have experienced withdrawal from Prednisone or are currently going through withdrawal, feel free to share your experience in the comments section below.
I will never put another Prednisone in my body again. Took it for tinnitus and didn’t do a damn thing. Been off it for 5 days and I’m miserable. So tired, stomach pain/bloat. My taste buds are completely gone. Irritable, moody, way over emotional… You could tell me a bird got hit by a car and I’m ready to cry. I hate this and am ready to wring my Dr’s neck!!!!
I’m a whole month post ending prednisone. I’m having a lot of joint stiffness and even pain. Has anyone experienced this? If so how long did it last and what helped? Was on Prednisone 50mg for 5 months. Thanks for any information.
Took for 3 out of 7 days for allergies. By day 3 I started crying and became severely depressed. I have a history of PTSD so I knew it was serious since I’ve been stable on my meds for years. I immediately stopped the prednisone and spent the next 3 days in bed unable to wake up with crazy dreams.
When I did wake up I was in full blown depression and was about ready to check myself into a hospital. I was out of town visiting my spouse on a business trip when it all came to a head. Head severe diarrhea and bouts of crying along with severe depression and despair.
Finally after 3 days of pure evil hell I started to feel better. I texted my mom and told her what happened. She told me that is what my uncle took for 7 days for poison ivy and he fell into a great depression and killed himself.
I know this doesn’t happen to everyone but as for me, never again and I will warn all others too. If you feel so bad death seems a better option please call for help. Don’t wait Call 911 and get help – your life could depend on it.
I pray for all of you suffering with this. I’ll respond to any emails I get but please take the warnings serious. You’re worth it.
I was diagnosed with Temporal Arteritis. I was near death when prescribed 100mg/day of prednisone. It saved my life. It’s been just over 2 years now and I’m down to 8mg/day. The only symptoms I’ve had is blurred vision and weak legs.
I take daily double strength probiotics to protect my colon and digestive system. Adrenal gland ortho adapt + selenium to protect my adrenal glands. I am also on a total organic diet only veggies fruit and fish. I’m also on a pure food high nutritional program that includes joint, brain protection plus high enzyme input.
I also only eat and drink high alkaline products. I am starting to get mild shoulder and hip pain as I reduce prednisone. I have monthly blood tests to check my total blood count including CRP and ESR + Sediment rate. I expect to drop down to 6mg this week.
So glad I found this site!! I have been on Prednisone for over 8 years for ulcerative colitis. After 4 years was hospitalized with severe inflammation and tried for 2 weeks to get it under control. I finally agreed to have my colon removed and it was such a relief. I was on as much as 40 MG in the hospital and they took me down quickly to 10 MG and then 5.
I adjusted well to the ileostomy but after 4 more years can’t get off the Prednisone because my adrenals would not kick in. Currently am still on 5 MG and just started to taper off (tried a year ago and couldn’t do it). Went to 4 MG for 8 weeks and now have been on 3mg for one week. Will go 8 weeks, cut back to 2 MG, then 1 MG, then off!!
Cutting back SLOWLY is the secret that they won’t tell you! Just hope my adrenals can recover. It’s so comforting to read other people’s issues. I know now that I am not alone with the withdrawal symptoms. Thank you and God bless you all.
On P since mid August 2016 for UC flare up that wouldn’t resolve with steroid enemas. Was on 55mg. Tapering slowly and almost done with taking it. Tomorrow is my last day. I feel like I’m insane. I wake up EVERY morning with the thought,”I want to die”.
I am so anxious I don’t know how I’m getting on with my life. I was prescribed lorazepam for my anxiety. Can someone tell me how long it took to feel “normal” again?!! I’m scared BC I have children to take care of and I literally want to die. (Don’t worry I’m seeing a psychologist).
Hi Ilana, I made comments about my high blood pressure in my two only submissions recently and said I would give an update. Thankfully, it is officially normal now two weeks after finishing on steroids. Like you Ilana I have UC, but have had depression also for about two years. I get feelings and thoughts like you which come and go most days which are exacerbated by both steroids and now anxiety over cramps/bleeding.
I too am on lorazepam. Your anxiety should improve at least slowly but unfortunately for me my cramps/bleeding are still with me. Hopefully, will be going on a different immunosuppressant later. Best wishes.
Thank you Peter for your reply – so kind of you. I’m feeling better. I am seeing an acupuncturist – not sure if it’s helping or if it’s just about time and the Prednisone leaving my body and my own hormones taking over. I hope you feel better soon! I am on Humira and total remission. I hope the same for you with whatever your medication you change to.
I have been on prednisone off and on since 1991. I have taken doses as high as 100 mg daily. I was off for several years and in 2010 had a retinal inflammation episode. I had to take 3 IV doses of solumedrol then 60 mg of prednisone daily. I was tapered down to 5 mg a day and stayed their for 5 years.
Now I am tapering down by 1 mg per day for 2 weeks at a time until I am off. Then I will just have it injected in my eyes when I have inflammation. I hope I never have another retinal episode. That was awful. I could not see colors. No driving. Tapering is not easy but I am glad it worked when I needed it.
As a physician, it is extremely disappointing to hear that MDs describe steroid as not having side effects… as the truth is we love and hate steriods at the same time. They can be very helpful, but the side effects, especially with long term use are significant and a problem. I recently had 6 months of very high dose steroids to treat multiple myeloma.
One part is that the MM levels went down, so I will live a bit longer. The other part is that I have new respect for how quickly chemo can wipe you out, even if you are (or were) a strong athletic 50 year old. The key part for weaning off of steroids is a huge issue, but if you can hang in there, your body will eventually recover.
I would do the taper, but understand that does not make it easy. It seems like it will never end, and it can take month when you have been on it for a long time, but the way I am handling it is to not add anything more in the way of drugs to the picture, and just counting on the fact that it will rebound at some point. I am in the second week off of steroids, and figure I have another week or two before things improve.
It is brutal, but I remind myself it is temporary. It helps me to know that none of this is a surprise to God, and His power surpasses that of steroids.
I am so glad I found this blog! Was on 60mg per day for a couple of months and have been weaned down to 10mg per day, but my anxiety levels and the fatigue are getting worse. At least I can see I am not alone! Am struggling to concentrate at the office, I am sure my colleagues have noticed the changes in my demeanour!
I guess I will just have to push through and wait (!) for things to improve. If anyone has some tips, they would be gratefully received! One question: I am not a big drinker, but do enjoy the odd tipple: I am finding that having a couple of drinks does impact me significantly. Is this something others find?
I have Ulcerative Colitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was on prednisone 40 mgs a day for almost two years. I did wean down, but still I am having some withdrawal. My emotions are all over the place. I am horribly depressed, and cry a lot.
When I start to cry, it is uncontrollable and lasts about 20 minutes. It is actually painful when I cry. It hurts in my stomach and sides. I hate this withdrawal and being so depressed. I feel like the only escape is sleep. I know this is not permanent, but I think about dying all the time and wish I was dead.
The only reason I keep going is for my wife and the love I have for my dog. Each day is dark and lonely. It is like a cloud of doom hanging over me. I needed the prednisone to help me through the flare, but I am paying a steep price now. I have been down to zero for only one week. I wonder how long I am going to feel like this? The Doctor never warned me about this withdrawal.
Hello. I am 46 and had a heart transplant 11 months ago and was on prednisone up until 5 weeks ago. My body is killing me to be honest. The pain in my feet, hands shoulders, pretty much every joint is unbearable at times. I was told it’s due to the withdrawal after prolonged use. I have no idea how long this will last and am only allowed to take Tylenol which simply doesn’t even touch the pain. I am severely frustrated and have no idea what to do. Any other transplants out there with advice?
My Gf was on these for like 2 weeks. Tapered off. Day 3 she is a mess. Can’t breath, irritable as all get out, not herself at all. I am currently trying to get her to go to the ER. She shouldn’t be struggling to breath like this.
I was diagnosed with PMR 1-1/2 years ago and prescribed 15 mg. Prednisone daily, slowly reducing the dose until I reached the 5 mg. mark, then reducing the dose by 1/2 mg. since that time. Other than a now improving minor face rash at 8 mg. I am feeling just fine at 2 mg. daily, reducing 1/2 mg. every three weeks.
Glucose test this AM was 106. Blood Pressure 138/71. In addition to the Prednisone, I am taking the following daily: 10 mg. Lipitor, 0.4 Flomax, 12.5 HCTZ, Vitamin D3 and Calcium, and will go to 1.5 mg Prednisone next week. I expect to be off Prednisone altogether in about two months.
Since going slowly I have had no complications or withdrawal issues, but if so, I will report on this forum. For me everything has worked out well, and I attribute this to a very slow reduction plan, regardless of what your doctor recommends.
Hi again. I am nearly down to 10mg steroids now but (BP) blood pressure is still the same. I did over 14 kilometers on treadmill this morning and after a couple of hours my BP is back up again. Hardly moved from the time I started on 8 tablets or 40mg. Anyone else had similar problems? Just hope it goes away when finally off these steroids. Will post good news if BP gets normal again… this site could do with some!
Hi was on 10mg prednisolone per day for over three months whilst undergoing Chemotherapy. On 13 Dec after finishing Chemo 28/11 I was instructed to wean myself off prednisolone by taking 5mg per day for a fortnight, that was 27/12. To date have headaches, a bit of nausea, dizziness, fatigue and some confusion. I have no idea how long these symptoms last, but am exercising daily and keeping up a good diet. Hope this goes away soon.
I am tapering off prednisone 4/7 days at a time from going up to 40mg a month ago for bleeding ulcerative colitis… I have been given the go ahead to do this as my blood pressure is going so high. It scares me as I felt so fit a few months ago.
Any reassurance from anyone that this might be caused by the above steroids and what else I might expect when withdrawing? Might have to go on some blood pressure tablets when I see my doctor today. Also, is this ROID rage the same as or gives high blood pressure?
Afraid to check it (BP) when in this state. Any advice appreciated. Down to 20 mg now and okay otherwise.
I was on 80 mg per day for 16 weeks and then 6 weeks step-down to 0 mg per day. That was August 25, 2016 and the one side effect that still hangs on is weakness and going down stairs or getting out of a chair. That was 4 months ago. Thanks for this website.
I had been taking 60mg of prednisolone for a year and have just been weaned off. The side effect while taking them were horrendous. I became insulin dependent diabetic, my blood pressure through the roof and am on ramipril, the cholesterol so high I was placed on statins and gained 3 st in weight in 4 weeks just to mention a few. Now I have found out because my consultant hadn’t given me anything for the first 8 months of being on these I now have osteoporosis.
I have been weaned off these now for about 7 weeks and have felt like the life has been sucked out of me. I am sleeping day and night and only awake at a push for a few hours in a 24 hour period and while awake I have no energy to do anything. My bones and muscles are agony and I literally feel like I have no ability to function or do a few daily chores.
I am still on lots of medications, many because of the damage steroids have done to my body and also on a drug called ciclosporin which is an immune suppressant. I was given steroids after a cornea transplant cause an eye disease to flare up immediately after my op. I wish I had been given the full side effects to prednisolone and ciclosporin before ever being placed on it. These drugs have completely ruined my life.
It was a life saver for me. My red blood cell count was only 90 and the norm is approx. 120. After taking Prednisone-50mg for a few weeks – blood count went over 128. After tapering prednisone to 12.5 mg.- red blood count went up to 135. I feel more energetic! I’m very active – walk and bike everywhere.
After weaning off Prednisone to 5 mg. then to 2.5mg for a few weeks each I was good, except for a little soreness in joints and getting tired. I can’t do the workouts as before, but I’m getting better every day because I stay away from sugar, gluten, booze, and caffeine. Some days better than others. I’m lucky. I hope some of you will be as lucky as I was.
I recently developed pneumonia in both lungs and bronchitis, and was prescribed 40 mg of prednisone for only 5 days, but no taper down. After being off the medication for 2 days, I ended up at the hospital, thinking my pneumonia had gotten worse. My chest felt tighter, with worse shortening of breath, more aches and pains, and I thought my heart was going to explode, which I figured was due to trying to keep up with the lack of oxygen I thought I wasn’t getting.
But no, my x-rays show the pneumonia is gone, and my doctor tells me it’s from the prednisone. It’s now been 6 days from my last dose, but the racing heart is still a problem. I really wish I had done my research first. If I ever have pneumonia again, I’ll stick with just the antibiotics and deal with a little extra inflammation and pain for those days instead of taking a med that made me feel like my pneumonia was getting worse and it was gone!
I wish everyone else out there that has to take this medication the best. I can’t imagine if I had to stay on this any longer.
Pamela our situation is nearly identical. I’m a normally healthy person who got bronchitis in early December. I was given Doxycycline and Prednisone at 40 mg a day, for 5 days. Was not tapered off of it, just stopped it. My cough has now morphed to situational asthma, and I had 3 other scrips: Z-pak twice and levaquin, with the prednisone.
I was better for 4 days, then worse again. She put me on ANOTHER 40 mg a day for 5 days – no tapering down, again. I’m now told having prednisone twice in two weeks is very dangerous. As is not stepping it down, either time. And that the level I was on, as a small person of low body weight, was extremely dangerous.
I’m a fit person, and I normally work out 5 days a week. I have always had a healthy immune system. But I’m now a shell of myself, going through “Prednisone withdrawal”, which I just read about above. New doc just told me she’s amazed I have not passed out, given the amount of steroids pumped into my system.
Also first doc put me on Levaquin. Which I now know the FDA only recommends for “Anthrax poisoning, or similarly life-threatening scenarios.” And that was at a high dose too! As a person who embraces homeopathic medicine whenever possible I’m absolutely stunned at how sick all this medicine has made me.
On top of all else, I’m a contractor. And now that the withdrawal is making me feverish, achy and worse then when I was sick in the first place, work just informed me I’m “no longer needed” on my long-term project, which was supposed to continue for several more months. I’m never taking this poison again and I cannot believe it was prescribed to me at such a high dose for my body size, and twice in two weeks, without being tapered down, as every other doctor has told me is the ONLY safe way to administer prednisone.
I hope you’re feeling better. I honestly am so nauseous and feverish I feel like I could die… HOW can something so dangerous be so easily prescribed? And without being stepped down, as is obviously important and necessary? Thank you all for your posts, though. I’m so sorry many of you have gone through the same. But at least we’re not alone, in it. Take care.
I don’t know if my first comment was approved, but I posted it two days ago. And it still says it’s “awaiting moderation”. But I am writing again as I’ve now found out Levaquin and Prednisone are NEVER to be prescribed together, and that there is a black box warning that’s been issued by the FDA, for these drugs in combination!
Which is terrifying, as my first doctor put me on both, at the highest dose, at the same time, two weeks ago. This was the same day my fever shot up to 103, and I experienced horrific nausea and aches and pains. I nearly went to an ER I was in such bad shape. And I cannot believe that two drugs with a clear black box indication, that they are never be administered together, were prescribed to me at the same time.
I have been sick from these two meds for two weeks, and still experiencing high morning fevers, that moderate in the evening, and reappears the next morning. And just found this on a reputable medical site: “… given the possible severity of symptoms and reports of LIFELONG disability from the use of these two drugs, you are taking a huge risk by taking these drugs together. Taking Levaquin by itself is dangerous enough, adding Prednisone at the same time is sheer folly when you understand how horrible and damaging Levaquin Toxicity is.”
How can a doctor prescribe such a dangerous combination?? I’m a healthy, fit person with no other ailments or conditions and I’ve been unable to function for two weeks. And have now lost my job due to being so feverish and out of it I can’t move from the couch. I hope you all get some relief too.
I am absolutely amazed at the carelessness of my doctor, prescribing two drugs that should apparently never be ingested together… Also just read I may be permanent DNA damage, as well as other lifelong autoimmune issues from this lethal combination. Totally irresponsible to prescribe such a combo with NO warning to a patient. And I live alone, and nearly passed out from all of this! Terrifying. Truly.
I’ve been on prednisone for two half years (PMR). Slowly tapering from 60mg down to zero just over a week ago. I feel dreadful. Constant head aches, stiff painful muscles, suicidal all day, anxiety, noise intolerance. It’s hell. I was reducing 1mg per month.
Thank you everyone for their comments, it has been a huge comfort reading through them and knowing that the symptoms I am experiencing are definitely not ‘me’ but the drug. I was put on 60mg a day to treat sudden hearing loss but unfortunately it hasn’t worked, so I have been coming off it quite rapidly and am now not taking anything. I will add in my own experience in the hope it will help someone else.
These are the main symptoms I experienced on the drug:
– Anxiety and Paranoia: getting panic attacks, feeling like I can’t breathe because my throat is dry, feeling like people don’t like me, feeling I’m going to lose my job, general sense of foreboding like something bad is going to happen.
-Flatness: feeling completely flat the rest of the time, although normally I am a hopeful person I quickly became depressed and no longer saw the point in anything and stopped feeling emotions other than anxiety.
-Sleep problems: at first I couldn’t sleep at all, now I can get to sleep but wake up very early in the morning and can’t get back to sleep.
-Bizarre energy levels: I felt like my mind and body was ‘buzzing’ and I couldn’t rest
-Heart palpitations: these were at random times and felt like my heart was pumping too hard and fast.
All of the above didn’t help with the increased anxiety! Withdrawal symptoms have been:
– Aches and pains: similar to when you have the flu, my whole body hurts and feels tender, I also have a constant headache.
– Itchy rash: across the top of my chest
-Difficulty healing: little cuts, spots and knocks don’t seem to be healing at a normal rate.
– General mental health problems: I feel like I’m not myself, and I struggle to focus when having a conversation.
Having written this, I think it’s fair to reflect that this has been one if the most difficult periods of my life. It would be great to hear from someone who is completely back to ‘normal’ and no longer experiencing side effects. It would be great just to know that this doesn’t last for too long. Wishing the best to everyone who has been on this drug, I hope you all make a full recovery.
I have PMR and GCA and have been on Prednisone 64 months. I have flare ups when I try to cut down on Prednisone. I have been on asHigh as 60mg. I am currently on 4mg. I had slowly cut down to 1 1/2 mg the pain was so much that I was not functioning. My doctor put me on 10 mg for 2 weeks and then on 5mg for two weeks.
A week ago I went on 4mg. I have bouts of low b.p. nausea and weakness and no energy. I’ve been through this so many times. I just want off prednisone and want to know how to accomplish that. What I’ve tried isn’t working. I hope someone has some ideas that might help. I tried an adrenal supplement with ashwagandha and ended up with temporary amnesia and in intensive care and a 3 day hospital stay.
I know someone has experienced a hard time getting of long tern prednisone use and might have some helpful ideas. I don’t want to be on Prednisone the rest of my life. Thank You.
After two full years of being on prednisone (2nd year was at 10mg) I took 2 months to slowly wean off. That was 7 months ago and I am still suffering from joint paint in my feet, knees, hips, wrists and fingers. I have been taking OTC pain killers, plus glucosamine chondroitin (sp?) and doing yoga to try to keep mobile. I am at my wits end. I am waiting to see my GP for his input. Does anyone else have withdrawal side effects that last this long?
Hi Lori, I was on high dosages of prednisone for 2 months to treat a rare form of pneumonia and I am five months off and I am still experiencing the same type of joint pain that you are having – feet, knees, hips, wrists and fingers. There are times, especially after sitting for an extended period of time, I can barely move once I stand up. I have read that others experienced these symptoms for several months after their last dosage. I keep hoping for relief soon so I can move on and become active again. I wish you the best.
I stumbled on this site yesterday when looking for information on tapering off Prednisolone. I have systemic lupus, so avoiding Prednisolone isn’t really possible. I started almost 2 years ago to the day, with 60mg a day and that was gradually reduced. I should have come off it sooner, but I was inconsistent after a while and that triggered a flare.
So back up my dosage went. I’m doing it smarter now on down to 2.5mg/day. The process is painful as the simplest activity hurts. I’m irritable, emotional, indecisive and I have frequent pity parties by myself. I also experience annoying fevers, muscle and joint pains, fatigue, night sweats, loss of appetite and of course, low blood sugar.
I just tell myself to focus on the goal of being completely off Pred, and ask God to give me strength daily. It’s usually difficult explaining it to someone who doesn’t get it, but I know you guys will. Thank you for sharing.
My 9y/o daughter was prescribed Prednisone 20mg BID x5days for asthma/bronchi flare up. We have taken this before but at a lower dosage and with no problems. After only one dose, she woke up with severe leg muscle and joint pain.
This was not growing pains! I began to think about all of the meds she had just started the day before, in addition to the flu shot, and wondered if there was some adverse reaction or interaction going on. After IBF, it seemed to settle down but that was intense! She kept running her hands over her legs in a frenzy, as if she were trying to put out a fire.
It was HORRIBLE!! I felt so bad because I gave her the dose too early in the evening. The 12 hour cycle was up and her body was already withdrawing from one dose. I will not let that happen again and I will definitely consider a lower dose… And then I read that it can alter mood and bring on depression. I’m very disturbed.
I should have checked this website before taking prednisone. I would never have taken it. Prescribed for swelling after chemical peel. Not a serious medical issue that would really require taking it. My doctor prescribed it so I took it. 60 mg for three days, then 40 mg for two days, and then 20 mg for 2 days. Worst anxiety I have ever felt. That started on last dose day which was a Wednesday. Gastric issues on Thursday. Went to ER on Friday. Now taking anti-anxiety/panic attack med to get through this. Never again.
I have had PMR for about 2 years, diagnosed 1-1/2 years ago. Taking an initial dose of 15 mg. Prednisone offered immediate relief. I have very slowly reduced to 2.5 mgs. daily, and at present and I have no more shoulder pain, but occasional minor hip pain at times. I have been reducing by 1/2 mg every 3 weeks, so expect to be off altogether by late March 2017. I do this as follows:
1st week: 3 mg every day,
2nd week: 2 days 2.5 mg, 5 days 3 mg,
3rd week: 2.5 mg/3 mg every other day.
4th week: 2.5 mg every day. Etc.
So far, so good, but if I start to experience pain, I will stretch out the above schedule accordingly. Others report more difficulty at the lower doses, so I am planning ahead if necessary. At the onset of PMR, I split the dosage – 5 mg. at night and 10 mg. in morning. I continued to split the dosage until I got to below 5 mg. daily, now taking the entire dose in the morning with a light breakfast of either yogurt or cereal with milk, along with Vitamin D3 and Calcium. (I keep a chart).
I am an active age 85 and still working (I am an antique car collector and can crawl under and work on any part of my cars). Overall I am in excellent physical condition, except since having PMR, I am climbing steps a little slower – I now take one step at a time, instead of 2 steps at a time.
I was on a very high dosage after being diagnosed with acute interstitial pneumonia. After a two week hospital stay I came home on 85 mg of prednisone. Over the course of 5 months I was weaned off the drug. About a week after I stopped I started having extreme joint pain and muscle aches and weakness all over. I am now 4 months off and am still having joint pain, muscle aches and weakness.
I am also having swelling in my ankles and have fatigue. I wake up with stiff joints and I can barely move some mornings. If I’ve been sitting for an extended period of time I have a hard time getting moving once I get up. I sit at a desk all day for work and I’ve requested a standing desk so I can stand for short periods of the day to see if it will improve my stiffness.
I’ve read it could take a few weeks up to a few months to recover from the withdrawal symptoms. I’m looking forward to some relief and for these symptoms to be gone.
I have had severe facial flushing now for 2 months. Has anyone had that problem? How long did it last? I started on 60 mg prednisone thru an insurance sponsored Tel-a doc program (MISTAKE!!). By the time I saw my GP it was too late to test for the disease that was suspected: GCA-Giant Cell Arteritis. It took over 6 months a head surgery to remove an artery for testing (negative) to get off the drug.
I am now over two months since taking prednisone and still am suffering severe facial flushing which started when reduction was @ 5 mg. Over time symptoms included severe tendon pain @ 10 mg. in the Achilles tendon area of feet requiring walking boot. Earlier symptoms included anxiety, depression, headaches, inability to climb stairs or walk any distance.
I used to walk 8 miles a day to and from work, soon 800 feet was too much and stairs were maybe two floors at a time and I lived on the 5th floor. FINALLY: Be aware of what Drs. say and check out options first! I refused to go on prednisone again life-threatening or not. Worst experience of my life. I was a professional ski racer and have felt lots of pain… nothing was ever this miserable.
I tapering down from 15 mg a day for a year. I have RA, osteo and fibro. Holy mother of GOD! I think I have hit every stinking withdrawal symptom and then some. I can’t close my hands and they are numb; nausea; every joint and muscle in my body is at a pain level 10+; I wobble like I’m in an earthquake and can make a better milkshake than Hamilton Beach. Lovely diarrhea headaches. Frankly, I hurt so bad I nearly vomit several times a day. If they have an euthanasia clinic, I’d like to volunteer. Please pray for me as I will for all of you.
I’ve been on prednisone for 7 years for treatment of my RA. I take between 5 to 10 Mg daily. I gained 45 lbs in 3 years. On my 58th birthday my sister found me unconscious in my home after not making a golf date. 4 days in a coma. The hospital doc’s said viral meningitis. I had zero symptoms the previous day or the day it happened.
My GP said it was encephalitis or something like it. The symptoms after the brain swelling, whatever caused it, we’re crippling. I was mentally retarded basically. Lost long term memories. No memories of my boys births and much more. Short term memories are non-existent. Depression, headaches, nausea, fatigue issues, blackouts, suicidal thoughts and on and on.
Now fatty liver disease and skin issues and lower GI problems like IBS and more joint pain. I am 63 and have never thought the prednisone had anything to do with all my health problems. Thank you all for your personal experiences with this drug. I will start my own taper down at 1 Mg every 2 weeks and will post my situation. God Bless all that suffer from chemical compounds that make the drug companies super-rich. Damn them… M.G.
I was on prednisone for 6-7 years for PMR. I had a very hard time tapering down to get off of it when my dose got low… taking 1 mg for many months, 1/2 mg for many months, 1/4 mg, etc. I was quite sensitive to very slight changes at the low dose. I stopped altogether in late February, so I’ve been off of it for 8 months.
After stopping, I started getting some relatively minor aches — stiffness after sitting, that sort of thing. And then it got worse. Pain around the tops of my legs (hip joints?), sometimes achy calves, aching shoulders/arms. Very stiff and hobbling in the morning when I get up and after sitting for a while. Sometimes the pain in my legs wakes me up at night. I generally feel a little fatigued.
I’ve seen my rheumatologist, and so far she doesn’t know what to think. My last ESR was 32 (I’m 60 yrs old). So not at PMR level. I’ve been wondering if this could still be prednisone withdrawal? (Any comments?) My rheum. hasn’t ruled this out, but is somewhat skeptical since it’s 8 months since I stopped. Thanks! I just don’t know what else this could be. Arthritis all over my body doesn’t make sense. She ruled out fibromyalgia.
I have been on 5mgs a day of prednisone for 5 years. It is part of the blend of meds I take since developing Rheumatoid Arthritis. Recently my doctor suggested I start the tapering off regime. The process is slow as I think it should be. Each month I drop 1 mg one day a week, so into my 3rd month I am down to 3 days of 4mgs. After 6 months I will be down to mgs a day instead of 5 and so on. As you can see this will take some time but that is ok with me as I realize the danger of coming off any faster.
I do have some pains in my head like a neuralgia pain but deal with this by taking panadol. Before the RA I had an attack of polymyalgia and was on 60mgs of pred. a day. The Dr. had me come off 1 mg a week and by the time I was completely off the drug I was better and had no side effects. From what I have read here a large proportion of people have come off too fast, patience is best with this drug.
Has anyone had trouble with aching arms and wrists? I’ve been on prednisolone for about 5 years PMR, finally cutting down over a 10 month period. Not taken any for the last 10 days and feel quite rough. Bad moods, aching arms and wrists also no strength in my arms and hands. Is this normal and how long can I expect it to last?
Hi, I’m back to give you an update on my tapering progress. To save you scrolling up, a summary: I was on up to 30 mg Prednisolone for 6 months for vasculitis. The cause was diagnosed as a heart tumour, which was removed in February. I tapered down to 2.5mg with no symptoms then stopped at the end of April. The moon face went after a couple of months, but my muscles became so stiff and painful I could hardly move – even getting out of bed was a challenge.
My feet and legs swelled right up too. Late August after reading peoples’ comments here, I went back on the preds at 2.5mg and within 2 weeks my symptoms had gone. I then set about reducing more slowly, first to alternating 2.5mg and 1mg, then after a couple of weeks to 1mg daily, which is where I am now. I’ve found a routine which really helps, so I’d like to share it with you.
First thing when the alarm goes off, even turning over to switch it off is a struggle. I call this time of day Nightmare 1. As quickly as I can, I sit up in bed and make myself a coffee from the coffee pod machine alongside my bed. I don’t know if it’s the caffeine but I feel much better and, while still stiff, I can then carefully get out of bed and dress.
I’m now into the part of the day I call Nightmare 2. Nowhere near as bad as Nightmare 1 but not yet ready to face the day. Now I go to the gym for half an hour of gentle exercise (a mixture of treadmill, bike and cross-trainer, all done slowly) and lots of stretching. It’s probably the last thing you want to consider right now but, believe me, it works! At some point during this time, the fatigue dissipates and the aches go away, and that’s me sorted for the rest of the day.
It’s this moment that I think about when I wake up in the morning feeling like I don’t want to get out of bed today, and that’s why I’ve labelled the phases of my day, so I can remind myself that I’m in Nightmare 1 and all I need are a coffee to get to the lesser Nightmare 2, and then exercise to achieve normality. I’m lucky that I work flexible hours, and I’ve been able to rearrange my day to accommodate my new morning routine.
When I first started my morning gym sessions I was in tears at how little I could do and how painful it all was, but I persevered and it soon paid off. If you aren’t a gym user and don’t want to be, maybe you could swim or go to a Tai Chi class instead. The important thing is that you are doing gentle exercise that uses your whole body.
I wrote the above a week ago, but didn’t get round to posting, and I’m pleased to report that for the last few days Nightmare 1 has not been so bad, and I can now get out of bed and move around before having my first caffeine fix. My body is adjusting, so I’m now going to start the next phase of tapering. I’ll let you know how it goes…
Hi Julie, I was very interested to read your comments, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one suffering. I definitely suffer with nightmare 1. I’ve been frightened to do much for fear of making the pains worse but after reading about your experience maybe I’ve got it wrong. I can’t go to the gym but I shall put my heart and soul into the housework and see how I get on.
I find paracetamol helps with the pain but I don’t want to take them continuously. The other thing I’ve noticed is being very cold. I can have the heating on and a fire but I just can’t get warm. Have you come across this problem? Let me know how you get on, after 5 years on steroids any help will be gratefully received. Lyn
Hi Lyn, glad to be of help – I hope your increased exercise is helping you to get mobile. Yes I did have problems with my body temperature for a while, although I was mostly suffering hot flushes, like many other people here. Are you any warmer after exercise? Maybe not exercising makes your circulation sluggish.
BTW I decided it isn’t the caffeine that gets me out of nightmare 1, as decaf coffee works too. It must be just sitting up and having a hot drink and a gentle start to the day to get me in a positive frame of mind. I’m now on 1mg every third day and feeling great. The pains have gone, and any slight stiffness goes away when I move around.
I’m nervous about stopping the preds completely, after my previous experience, so I’m going to gradually increase the interval between doses and aim to be off them completely by Christmas. Good luck with your recovery. Julie :-)
Yay!! I’ve done it! 2.5mg to zero in 4 months. I stopped altogether just before Christmas and am not suffering any side effects. Based on that, my advice above still applies: taper as slowly as you need to, and get lots of gentle exercise to keep your body moving and counteract the stiffness and pain.
Don’t rush it – wait until your body has adapted to each dose before reducing further. And keep positive. There is an end to the process and you will return to a normal life :-) Good luck everyone.
I’ve had Temporal Arteritis and have been taking Prednisolone for about 4 years at varying doses, the maximum being 100 mgms for a week. I’m tapering off but have been experiencing many of the symptoms described above. My GP has told me I’m tired because I’m now 80.
I don’t have much confidence in his diagnosis. Who should I ask him to refer me to? A physician? A neurologist? A pharmacologist? I’d like to hear from any other TA sufferers. The cure has as many negative side effects as the illness so it’s a case of “damned if I take it, damned if I don’t”.
Earlier this year I had a work injury that lead me to depend on prednisone for recovery. I was on a high dose but took it as directed- slowly increasing the dose then tapering off of it slowly. It did do its job, my injury did heal quite well but-I was a monster on this thing! I could only sleep 3 hours and had to sleep in the living room because hearing my husband breathing in his sleep drove me mad.
Every little thing just ticked me off which was nothing like the regular me. My experience while on this horrible drug lead me to promise myself-NEVER AGAIN!!! But… last week I was diagnosed with bronchitis and doctor said prednisone was the only way to go. Desperately wanting to breath again I accepted to take a five day supply of this evil drug. Now since it was a low dose of 20 mg it wasn’t as bad this time.
I slept somewhat normally, I wasn’t as evil and horrible as the time before and I thought- ok maybe I’ll be alright this time. I was WRONG! Dr said it was a low dose so that it wasn’t completely necessary to tamper off gradually this time. Well today is my third day off prednisone and I feel like I fell off a 500 story building. I’m tender and feel as if bruised all over.
I’m retaining water awfully- my face is twice its size and feels asleep when I touch it. I’ve started to take ibuprofen for my pain and last night soaked in a hot bath to help. Dr says it will take my body a few days to readjust itself- hopefully a few days… withdrawing from prednisone is so horrible. I’ve told my doctor once more- NEVER AGAIN! ??
Thank you everyone for the follow-up comments and answers to my questions. My Dr has me down to 7.5mg/day of Prednisone and he wants me to stay on this dose a total of 4-6 weeks before attempting to drop it by another 1mg. The closer I get down to 5mg the sloooower he is taking the wean process…which is fine with me because Prednisone withdrawals SUCK lol! However…
I do have tons of respect for this complex drug…it saves SO many lives by reducing inflammation so the Dr’s can do what they need to do to help people feel better. It’s sooo weird how it squashes internal inflammation but blows us all up like the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man in Ghostbusters!! Ugh!! ;o))
Oh also… I meant to ask has anyone had EXTREME sweating (like a faucet-type sweating an MAJOR heat intolerance) either while on Prednisone and/or during the weaning process? I’ve been in surgical menopause for 7 years so already had a few hot flashes a day. But since Prednisone… Holy Hotflash Batman!! Especially since I started weaning my hair will get soaking wet along with my clothes. It’s pretty miserable.
Dr is starting me on a low dose of Progesterone to see if that helps bring my hormones in check. Whatta mess. :)
Hi Everyone, Just an update: I’m still down to 7mg Prednisone, my Dr is keeping me at this dose for 4-8 weeks. So the lower the dose tapers, the slooooower my Dr is going with the dosage drop. I appreciate this because as we know withdrawals are rough! My Dr recently added 100mg Progesterone to my hormone therapy (I had a total hysterectomy 8 years ago and was only taking topical Estrogen).
Within a week, I lost 5 pounds and my belly is not near as swollen. It’s also helped my heat intolerance ALOT. On tests my Progesterone was very low, so this was clearly contributing to my extreme heat intolerance on top of being on steroids. I’m still getting warm/hot spells but not dripping like a faucet lately…that was awful! ;o)
Also, my chipmunk cheeks have reduced on this dose of 7mg. I’m hoping we will try 6.5mg Prednisone soon. But, I’m still living with my chronic illness symptoms and on Disability. :( Stay tuned!
Thank you so much for your sharing. I have been going through many of the same things you have mentioned, the anxiousness, depression, dizziness, pain, headaches and I came off a 12 day tapered dose a little over a month ago. I’ve been feeling bad for now for about 3 weeks. I went to ER last weekend because I thought I was having a heart attack. I never equated it to the prednisone so I never mentioned it.
I went to my primary care with the above symptoms and I did mention that drug but she still didn’t seem to lean toward side effects of the prednisone withdrawal. However things started to come together for me thinking about a long 3 months on another steroid last year while in the hospital then home with pneumonia. I was put on all other kinds of drugs to combat the effects of the steroid like one for gastrointestinal problems, a drug to prevent bone loss to take for 6 months after completion of the steroid, calcium, stool softer which I ended up not needing.
Visits to Ophthalmologist because of severe increased eye pressure from the drug which took 6 months to become normal again. But after this long story, I still didn’t have any of the symptoms I’m having right now from the short time on prednisone. But I recognized them all in your stories. Good luck to each of you again and thanks for helping me to realize that it is withdrawal from prednisone.
I was prescribed prednisolone in April. I have vasculitis. I was started on 60mg and I have tapered off to 5mg which I have to take for the next 4 years. It’s been a nightmare coming down to my maintenance dose. Joint pains, nausea, headaches, moon face, shaky hands, anxiety attacks, hair loss and extreme hunger with 20lbs of extra weight. I am also having chemotherapy too. This drug saved my life and freed me from extreme pain to which I am extremely grateful but the withdrawal symptoms are dreadful and I am determined that my dosage isn’t increased so I am just taking each day as it comes.
Hi Everyone! I’ve been on 10mg up to 40mg Prednisone for 1 year (dosage depended on flares and symptoms throughout the years). My Doctor started to try tapering me down in Sept and I just started on 7 mg today. My questions are: Have any of you been on long-term “low-ish” doses of Prednisone and successfully weaned COMPLETELY off Prednisone? If so, how long did it take you to taper down (in weeks or months…) and how long was it before your withdrawal symptoms were gone?
I know everyone is different but I want a general idea of how this goes. The first taper we tried awhile back he dropped me from 10mg to 7.5 mg. One week into that and I felt like my body was being destroyed on a molecular level. It was what Heroin withdrawal must feel like… HIDEOUS! The stomach pains were like nothing I’ve ever felt. Anyway, this time we’re decreasing by 1mg every 2-3 weeks and so far it’s been MUCH easier.
I’ve had some chills then extreme sweats at night especially the first week each time a mg is reduced, and moodiness but still it’s going better. Any feedback on tapering after long-term use is appreciated. My Dr assured me my adrenal glands WILL kick back in and work on their own. It sucks because some of my illness symptoms are totally gone on Prednisone. The trade off are the crazy side effects and my belly looks like I’m about 5 months pregnant.
I only gained 16 pounds BUT was very slim to begin with. I did not gain any weight until month #10 and it came on all within a 2 week span. I was horrified. :) Thanks everyone! Sending healing light and love. Lastly – has anyone had gastric issues and/or gas during their Prednisone taper? This has been going on with me since we started my taper and I didn’t expect to have that. :((
Gigi, unfortunately I’ve found that most of the people who’ve posted here tend to not come back once they’ve recovered. I am ten weeks off of a too fast taper and am no better than week one. Yes to the question regarding stomach pain and in fact I had an endoscopy yesterday. I can tell you that the slower you taper, the better. My doctor doesn’t believe he made me taper too fast. I hope your taper is going well.
Hi all from Brisbane Australia. My prednisone relationship started with my menopause. I was put on steroids due to inflammation in 2011. Its been a up and down rollercoaster ride ever since. Thank you all for sharing your stories.
The problem I have now is the exhaustion of tapering of these damn things. I am tired from the moment I get out of bed. BUT after reading your posts I understand, again, that this “to the core tiredness” is part and parcel of coming down of prednisone. So, I will get there.
I have hypothyroidism and have been on Prednisolone since Oct 2015, but I slowly reduced my dose bit by bit in Aug 2016 due to picking up a lot of weight. I have always been a skinny person, I don’t eat much and I love eating fruits and healthy things like that. I went to a new doctor just the other day and when I told her that I have been taking prednisolone (prescribed by previous doctor) she was stunned and said that there’s no reason for me to be taking it as I have hypothyroidism.
I am now off of it, but I’m still having some major withdrawal symptoms like headaches, nausea, fatigue, weak muscles etc. I just feel drained and very emotional at this point. I don’t understand why doctors just prescribe medication without informing their patients of the effects it may have on their health. When I started gaining weight I began blaming myself for not exercising, eating too much, etc.
I did not want to look at myself in the mirror, because I felt and looked horrible. I just really wish that doctors would think before they prescribe…
I had a severe asthma attack in January 2016 and none of the puffers helped so the hospital put me on 50mg plus steroid puffers and then my Doctor extended that to over three weeks. Next I was put down to 15mg and weened of over a couple of weeks. I am screaming pain and have swollen knees that feel light they have a tight bandage around them.
I’m mid 50’s and feel mid 70’s, I cant get on and off the toilet, a chair or walk up and downstairs without one step at a time or a handle to support me. Doctors all say not related to the steroids but can’t find anything wrong with me. I’m so distressed and scared it will never go. I’m now living on Arthrotec and Tylenol to take the edge off the pain but my knees feel unstable like they are going to snap or twist.
Now I’m told to take 15mg a day for two week and then taper off to see if it stops it but I’m scared what if I am just prolonging things by starting the rotten drug again. Weight gain is also an issue and I’m battling to get it down again but know I need to exercise to help but I can’t walk more than 20mins and can’t stand for longer then 10 minutes. Any advice really welcome as I am getting desperate.
Was on Prednisone three months. This site has helped me a lot, having been in a living nightmare for about seven weeks from the taper to now 5-1/2 weeks off. It would really be so great if more would log on to update regarding recovery. Looking for anything to bring hope. Endo and ER do not believe me, say I should be over it by now and I should go to The Mayo Clinic.
Hello, I just wanted to give my feedback on my recovery. I was on steroids for about 30 days going 70Mgs daily to 20mgs. After stopping the steroids I went through horrible withdrawal symptoms. Every bone in my body seemed to be sore, I sat and shook for no reason. I had anxiety that I never had in the past. I finally couldn’t handle the anxiety so my doctor gave me Zoloft 25mgs to start with and worked my way up to 50mgs.
Because the Zoloft causes insomnia they also had to give me Trazodone @ bed. I’m feeling a lot better now that I started the anxiety meds but it was a rough bumpy road. I still struggle a little bit here and there but things will get better!! Hang in there. Feel free to email me if you have any other questions Blue7922[@]yahoo.com.
Thank you so much for responding Ashley. Things seem to not be improving for me. I am six weeks and four days off now. Have lost 17 pounds or so, which I did not have to lose. I am certain I am severely malnourished. Called an ambulance yesterday. Fifth trip to the ER. They diagnosed a likely ulcer. I am so dizzy and shaky all the time.
I already had post-infectious IBS from food poisoning with chronic diarrhea, but had come along way with that, but now am fighting it every day since the Prednisone. Have problems with my standing pulse rate and having lots of mania type feelings. Endo put a note on my chart that my adrenals are fine and my GP and gastro doc refused to see me. ER diagnosed Adrenal Insufficiency on the first trip, because at that point I was on a 31 day course with no taper.
They put me back on it, but Endo says I am fine now and ER has been condescending since, except for yesterday thankfully. I am trying to be strong, but have been mostly bed-bound for seven to eight weeks, since I got to about 3 mg on a pretty fast taper. Endo and ER docs don’t believe a couple weeks taper was too fast. Endo, GP and Gastro office told me to go to Mayo. You can’t just show up at Mayo. Don’t know what to do. What an evil drug. Wish I had never been put on it.
You’re welcome! Everyone reacts to the medication differently. I think I react to it the way I do because I’m a female and it completely throws my hormones for a loop. I’m probably 90% better now but I still have some off days. My bones still ache and I tend to have random anxiety that I never had in the past, I still get episodes of being VERY tired. Hang in there the best you can. There is light at the end of the tunnel!
I tapered down to 2.5mg per day and then stopped, not having suffered any withdrawal symptoms up until then. My rheumatologist thought that would be fine. He was wrong. I put up with the weakness, muscle pain and swollen ankles (and feet and legs) for 4 months, but could feel myself going downhill.
I seriously considered retiring (I’m 56), although I can’t afford to and I love my job, simply because I didn’t have the energy to continue. Then I gave in and went back on the preds at 2.5mg – the same dose I’d stopped from. After about a week the symptoms disappeared and I felt normal.
Now continuing to taper more slowly. At the moment I’m alternating days 2.5mg and 1mg. I’m finding the 1mg days tough but not as bad as I was so I’m going to try and stick it out until my body adjusts. I’ll let you know how I get on.
I have been off and on the drug for a couple of years. It’s been a couple of months now and I still have upper arm and shoulder ache and pain. Some days I just sit and cry, it hurts so bad. Non-asprin is not helping, gone thru two bottles now. I felt great when I was taking predisone and would love to go back on it but I have bone loss and know I shouldn’t.
To those of you who have had horrible withdrawal symptoms, I sincerely sympathize; I’m experiencing flu-like symptoms and serious going pain myself four days after finishing a prednisone pack. However, I feel the need to defend this drug in some cases and to add some perspective: My son, who is now 33, nearly died when he was 3; the doctors had almost given up on him.
In one week, he went from a healthy normal child to one who couldn’t speak, stand, hold on to anything, among other horrible symptoms. One specialist finally decided to try prednisone, even though other doctors disagreed. He gave my baby adult doses to try to fight whatever had taken control of this child. Hours later, we began to see tiny signs of improvement. Eventually, he was moved from pediatric ICU, and a week later was able to come home (after four weeks and nearly dying).
My son continued to take it for 6 months, and then we began to wean him off. He blew up like a balloon, he slept all the time, he lost his appetite, and he often cried out from pain in his joints. But PEOPLE, he was alive–all because of prednisone… I do hope you all can appreciate how grateful I am to this drug! I hope that your symptoms disappear soon so that you can get back to your lives!
I was taking up to 80mg of prednisone to treat an autoimmune condition known as Pyoderma gangrenosum for almost a year. But I was advice to gradually reduce the dose to 20mg. I stayed on that much for a while then back up again because my condition returned. Then finally weaned off starting at 1mg a month then to 1mg a fortnight and then weekly until zero.
My side effects were muscle cramp, low back pain and excessive dry facial skin and thirst. Lost a lot of weight just after two weeks of the last 1mg dose. My face is still so dry and I have tried all intensive moisturizer but nothing helps. My face is itchy all the time.
I was on .5 mg prednisone for 6 years following a transplant. I “gradually” quit by going from .5 per day every day to 3xs per week for a week to 2xs a week for a week. Then stopped. Every joint in my body hurts and I can barely stand and walk. How long does this go on?
I was on a very high dosage after being diagnosed with acute interstitial pneumonia. It was the only drug that would heal my lungs. Over the course of 5 months I was weaned off the drug.
About a week after I stopped I started having extreme joint pain and muscle aches and weakness all over. I am now 6 weeks off and am still having pain. I’ve read it could take a few weeks up to a few months to recover from the withdrawal symptoms.