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Real members of MGteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How long does it take for the withdrawal effects of stopping prednisone to take ,what are the effects of stopping prednisone quickly

A MGteam Member asked a question 💭
Sydney, AU
September 8
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Answer Summary

Members shared their personal experiences with tapering off prednisone, with the universal advice being that the process must be done very... Read more

Members shared their personal experiences with tapering off prednisone, with the universal advice being that the process must be done very slowly to avoid serious complications like an adrenal crisis. A recurring theme was that prednisone suppresses the adrenal glands and cortisol production, which can cause fatigue, joint pain, mood swings, and flare-ups during the weaning process, with one member sharing it took six months due to significant adrenal damage. Several members felt they were not given enough information about these risks, and encouraged others to advocate for themselves and take the taper at a careful, unhurried pace.

A MGteam Member

So far for me the only thing I noticed when off of Prednisone is all the aches and Pains of arthritis returned.

September 11
MGteam

Stopping prednisone suddenly — especially after long-term use — can be risky for anyone, but particularly for people with MG. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that your body can become dependent on over time, so it's really important not to stop it abruptly without guidance from your doctor.

Withdrawal effects can begin within Show Full Answer

Stopping prednisone suddenly — especially after long-term use — can be risky for anyone, but particularly for people with MG. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that your body can become dependent on over time, so it's really important not to stop it abruptly without guidance from your doctor.

Withdrawal effects can begin within 24 to 48 hours of stopping and may last days to weeks, depending on how long you've been taking it and your dosage.

Common withdrawal effects can include:

- Fatigue and weakness (which can overlap with and worsen MG symptoms)
- Joint and muscle pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Low blood pressure
- Mood changes

For people with MG specifically, restarting or stopping corticosteroids like prednisone can actually trigger increased muscle weakness, which can be dangerous. The safest approach is always to taper off prednisone gradually under your doctor's supervision rather than stopping suddenly. Your neurologist or MG care team can create a tapering schedule that reduces the risk of withdrawal and helps monitor any changes in your MG symptoms along the way.

If you're experiencing concerning symptoms after stopping or reducing prednisone, reach out to your doctor right away.

September 8
A MGteam Member

It took me a long time. I had more fatigue , due to the fact that the steroids messed my adrenal glands up. I felt horrible. Join myasthenia gravis unmasked. Rebecca is a great source .

October 24
A MGteam Member

I now have three weeks left of the eight week weaning off process from Prednisone. I am finally sleeping again. I have had fatigue, joint pain, mood swings, etc. During this weaning off process, I also broke out with Shingles, so I have had fatigue from that, also. No one ever mentioned about the adrenal glands and the cortisol having to begin to take over again as you wean off. I never want to go back on Prednisone again.

October 10
A MGteam Member

I am in the process of weaning off ten mg of Prednisone that I have been on for a year. It is going to take eight weeks.

September 10

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