Prednisone Withdrawal: Why Are Prednisone Withdrawal Symptoms Minimized By Tapering?

"How should I taper?" is just one of myriad questions patients have about going off of prednisone or other corticosteroids.

• Why must prednisone or other oral corticosteroids be tapered gradually and not stopped suddenly?
• What are prednisone withdrawal symptoms?
• What is a good rule of thumb for a tapering schedule?
• Should a patient only attempt tapering under the direction of their doctor so prednisone withdrawal symptoms can be managed?
• When the patient experiences pain while tapering, should they try to work through the pain and continue tapering or go back on a higher dose temporarily?

Read Dr. Zashin's answer about tapering to minimize prednisone withdrawal symptoms.

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