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Prednisone is a corticosteroid that’s commonly prescribed for a variety of reasons and, in general, thought to be harmless. There are some side effects associated with taking it, but these are usually tolerable in comparison to the benefits of using the drug. But if that’s true, what is “prednisone withdrawal”? Why does a seemingly safe medication have a condition tied to it that’s usually reserved for harder, more addictive substances?
In this piece, we’ll discuss what prednisone is and how it works to produce the effects it’s commonly prescribed for. We’ll explore the potential for prednisone abuse and withdrawal. We’ll also discuss ways to stop taking prednisone to decrease the potential for adverse side effects.
How Common Is Prednisone Withdrawal?
If you’re currently taking prednisone or have in the past, you may be familiar with the feeling of prednisone withdrawal. This can occur when you stop taking your medication all at once after using it for an extended period of time.
You may start experiencing prednisone withdrawal symptoms such as weakness, mood swings, fatigue and lightheadedness, among others. You may start to feel like you don’t have the energy to get through the day or unusually high-strung and anxious. It may seem as though your body has fallen out of balance. There’s a good reason for this — one that we’ll explore further on.
No matter how the symptoms manifest themselves, however, prednisone withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable. This can be concerning, especially when you’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping prednisone, a drug advertised as “low risk.” Prednisone withdrawal is rare, but it happens, so what causes it? To answer this question, we have to look at how the drug works to produce its desired effects.
What Is Prednisone?
Prednisone is a corticosteroid (commonly called a “steroid”) that closely resembles the natural steroid hormone cortisol. It suppresses the body’s natural immune response to reduce inflammation, arthritis pain and the effects of a range of conditions. It’s prescribed to treat or lessen the discomfort associated with allergies, autoimmune disorders, cancer and more.
By increasing cortisol levels in the body, prednisone effectively dampens the immune response that causes many of the conditions it’s prescribed to address. However, while a person is taking prednisone, their body gets accustomed to higher cortisol levels. This is where dependence can begin.
Is There Such a Thing as Prednisone Addiction?
Unlike many substances, “addiction” to prednisone isn’t a concern. However, when your body becomes dependent on a certain level of cortisol, it can feel as though you need the drug to function. If you’re using it for the right reasons, it also provides a benefit that can make it difficult to stop using.
Even if drugs like cortisol are less acutely dangerous than more addictive substances, there’s still the potential for dependence issues. Experts call addiction/dependence to corticosteroids “an unusual, but potentially serious complication of corticosteroid use.”
How Does Prednisone Dependence Work?
Under normal circumstances, cortisol regulates itself without the influence of medication. It assists in the body’s natural processes, like controlling stress and keeping the heart rate steady.
With the influence of prednisone, the increase in cortisol works to suppress the body’s immune response. When the drug works as intended, this lowers inflammation and other side effects of the body being attacked by its own immune system.