Tapering Prednisone anxiety

[crohner000]

I've been on prednisone for almost 6 months (40-60mg, mostly 60) and just started tapering last week. I really hate prednisone and was really excited to finally start the process of getting off of it, but I'm starting to get really anxious about it now that I'm actually in the process. The past week my bowels have not been that great compared to the last month or so. I've also been feeling depressed, anxious, irritable, and really tired. I'm not sure if I should attribute this to withdrawal symptoms, because I've been on the prednisone so long I know that can happen if your body becomes dependent on it.

I'm also really worried that with going off of the prednisone my flare will come back/get worse. I just started Stelara and that's supposed to be helping but how can I be sure if it's that or the prednisone? I'm worried that going off the prednisone now I will get sick again.

I feel kind of damned if I do, damned if I don't with the prednisone because I hate being on it (especially for so long) but now I am scared to go off!

 

[ronroush7]

I wonder if you need to see a doctor about the depressions, anxiety and the irritability? I don't know but since you just started stelara I would guess maybe the prednisone is helping.

 

[woops!]

I agree with Ron, perhaps your doctor can help with the anxiety, or they can suggest ways to cope with it. For me yoga helps and my little dog. I can understand being nervous to come off a med you know was helping. No one wants to go back to feeling sick. The prednisone should be a slow taper, you could always ask your doc if he/she would let you taper it more slowly? How long have you been on your new med? Stay in contact with your GI and tell them your worries.