Prednisone addiction(?)

Posted by elisyahmaritz @elisyahmaritz, 1 day ago

I am concerned that I might have become addicted to prednisone. I have ACOS Asthma & COPD overlap, allergies, Rheumatoid atritis and Fibromyalgia. Was given 7.5mg per day now 16 months ago but have flare ups almost every month and end up having to take 25mg for 5 days. Everytime I tapper down to 5mg per day from the 7.5mg I have a health relaps within 7 days. Is it possible that my relapse symptoms are metal and because of Prednisone addiction? I really am trying my very best to come off Prednisone without ending up admitted in hospital.

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Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | 22 hours ago

@elisyahmaritz
Welcome to Mayo Connect. I personally do not take prednisone, but did a little research. You are correct it is important to taper off slowly. Here is a Mayo Clinic answer to "Prednisone withdrawal: Why taper down slowly?"
https://www.mayoclinic.org/prednisone-withdrawal/expert-answers/faq-20057923
Also on Mayo Connect, there has been a few discussion on topic in the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) group.

Tapering prednisone
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tapering-prednisone-1/
Prednisone Taper
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prednisone-taper-1/
Have you discussed stopping or tapering off prednisone with your provider?

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