HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Does Withdrawing Prednisone Cause Fatigue,joint And Muscle Pain?

I have two herniated cervical discs causing left upper extremity radiculopathy. I was given 2 medrol dose paks back to back. I finished the last dose 3 days ago. for the past 48 hours I have significant fatigue, joint and muscle pain and febrile. is this all normal withdrawal symptoms from the prednisone? and how long will it last? is there anything that can be done to alleviate the symptoms?
Wed, 29 Apr 2015
Report Abuse
Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
Dear patient
You have got withdrawal symptoms from suddenly stopping prednisone. Since you were taking medrol for 2 weeks continuously your body becomes dependent on it. So sudden stopping leads to withdrawal symptoms. Any steroid medication should be stopped gradually over 10 days after tapering the dose. Now you should start taking tab medrol again for a week. If you are taking 8 mg twice a day take the same dose for 5 days. After that half the evening dose and full tab in morning for onother five days. Then half the both morning and evening dosage for five days. Then stop evening dose and take only morning dose for five days and then stop. You will not experience withdrawal symptoms. All the best.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
Does Withdrawing Prednisone Cause Fatigue,joint And Muscle Pain?

Dear patient You have got withdrawal symptoms from suddenly stopping prednisone. Since you were taking medrol for 2 weeks continuously your body becomes dependent on it. So sudden stopping leads to withdrawal symptoms. Any steroid medication should be stopped gradually over 10 days after tapering the dose. Now you should start taking tab medrol again for a week. If you are taking 8 mg twice a day take the same dose for 5 days. After that half the evening dose and full tab in morning for onother five days. Then half the both morning and evening dosage for five days. Then stop evening dose and take only morning dose for five days and then stop. You will not experience withdrawal symptoms. All the best.