Prednisone is part of a group of medications known as glucocorticoids (or "steroids" for short). As with most steroids, stopping prednisone is not recommended without your healthcare provider's approval. Although prednisone is not addicting and is not likely to be abused, the body may need time to adjust when you stop taking it.
When the medication is taken for more than a few weeks, the body becomes accustomed to it and begins to make less of its natural steroids. This can cause prednisone withdrawal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, dehydration, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing.
By gradually stopping prednisone, withdrawal symptoms can be limited. Talk to your healthcare provider before you stop treatment, so he or she can help you safely taper off the medication.
(Click Prednisone Withdrawal to learn more about possible withdrawal symptoms and for more information on how you can help avoid developing any of these symptoms.)
