The amount of time it takes to taper off prednisone depends on the disease being treated, the dose and duration of use, and other medical considerations. A full recovery can take a week to several months. Read on to learn how to taper steroids safely, and what the side effects and risks associated with it are. Tapering is essential to avoid prednisone withdrawal symptoms such as weakness, severe fatigue, and irritability. Here’s how to manage prednisone withdrawal. When providers anticipate stopping systemic glucocorticoid therapy, the approach to discontinuation should be guided by the patient's risk of developing glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency (AI) as well as a flare of the underlying disease. If you’ve only taken prednisone for 3 weeks or less, you might not have to taper. The doctor will let you know. If you’ve been on steroids for more than a year, it may take 2 months to taper. Prednisone withdrawal can cause fatigue and low blood pressure. Find out how to taper safely and prevent adrenal complications. Prednisone tapering follows specific reduction patterns based on your current dose level. The process typically involves three phases, each with different reduction rates to match your body's ability to adapt. For doses above 20mg, a fast taper reduces by 2.5-5mg every 3-7 days. In this article, I explain how to taper prednisone to prevent side effects and withdrawal, who needs to taper prednisone and why tapering prednisone is necessary. Prednisone should be tapered slowly over a period of days, weeks, or months to help prevent prednisone withdrawal symptoms due to a lack of the natural steroid cortisol. Create safe steroid tapering schedules to gradually reduce corticosteroid doses and prevent adrenal insufficiency. Essential prescribing tool.