Finally Tapering Off Prednisone!!!

[suschex]

I am so excited! I am finally coming off the 40 mg. Starting tomorrow I will take 20mg for a week
10mg for a week
5mg for a week
DONE!!!

Does this sound like a typical taper?
What should I expect while tapering?

So happy to finally be coming off this stupid drug that didn't help anyway!!!!

:dance::dance::dance:

 

[michellew]

Congrats!
I have no clue what a typical taper would be like, since I am on the drug for the first time ever. I know that I am taking 30mg, tapering after a week to 25mg, then down 5 every week after that. I, personally, am looking forward to being off this damn drug and looking forward to tapering as well.

I just wanted to give you congrats for getting this stuff!!

Michelle

 

[Angrybird]

Yay! It is always wonderful news when you are at the stage that you can come of the pred. I don't think there is a typical tapering off schedule, it depends from person to person as we may react differently to the lower doses. The first time I was on the pred it took about 6 weeks to get off it. At the other end of the spectrum the last time I was on the pred I was on it for 18 months+ due to getting symptoms at a certain level and it having to be put back up. I eventually got off it by going down 1mg a week, not sure why this was maybe my body had got too used to it. It is definitely a med to get off of so good luck!!

 

[Grumbletum]

Yea, it's a good feeling This does sound like a typical taper. If you've been on Pred for a while, or if you find you get strong withdrawal symptoms, it an help to taper a bit slower i.e 5mg every couple of weeks. Tiredness and joint pain were what I felt and I kinda missed the energy buzz, but not the constantly fuzzy head.
Good luck!

 

[suschex]

Well, I moved down to 10mg this past Thurs and so far this tapering has been without any issues. The only thing is that I really miss the extra energy the pred. gave me. Even though I was sick it masked some of the fatigue and allowed me to still get a good bit done as a stay-home-mom...now I really "feel" that I am sick and tired.

Over all I can't complain b/c the other side effects of the pred. were just terrible!!!

Now if the Humira would just do something...anything...

 

[SdN]

Congrats For me that was a typical taper however I today was my last day of prednisone and this time I tapered very slowly, I dropped by 10 mg each time and spent 2 weeks at the new dose. When I got to 10mg I dropped to 5mg for 2 weeks then 2.5mg for 1 week. I recommend you taper as slow as you can stand it otherwise your immune system might rebound and symptoms might return. Just my 2 cents from my experiences.

 

[tiloah]

Off topic: Your new avatar is sooooo cute!

 

[suschex]

Off topic: Your new avatar is sooooo cute!

Thanks! That's our dog Lucy....she is the best....she let's the kids dress her up and she never minds!