I was prescribed prednisone for bulging disks. 10mgs 4x's a day for 3 days then 3x's and so on. I'm on day three and need to stop taking them due to side effects. Mainly anxiety attacks. Do I need to taper? I really don't think I can handle another dose. I won't be able to contact my doctor for another two days. Help.
Can I stop taking prednisone after taking it for 3 days?
Question posted by wilow420 on 19 Jan 2015
Last updated on 29 December 2018
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
4 Answers
Inactive
5 Aug 2018
If you are having a bulging disk, I honestly do not think that "prednisone" is a good choice even though it's not a controlled substance. This steroid actually exacerbate my breathing problem and a lot of side effects. It depends on how serious is your bulging disk. I had a bulging disk before, and had been fixed by doing physical therapy. However, if it gets to a serious stage, seek help from a spine specialist rather than taking this steroid. This is just my personal experience. Medications work differently on different people.
Clany05
4 Aug 2018
I was prescribed prednisone for an ear infection. After the third day of taking the tablets, I went to ER because my blood pressure shot up to 191/112, and my heart rate was 123. I told the hospital physician that the prednisone had to be the culprit. He agreed and advised me to discontinue it immediately, which I would’ve done anyway. It’s day one after stopping the drug. I feel weak and am experiencing heart palpitations and headache but it’s much better than dealing with all the horrible side effects while taking it. Btw, it didn’t help the ear infection at all.
Ccl68
15 Oct 2018
The same thing happened to me! I was on day 2 of a Medrol pack for increased pain following an epidural steroid injection in my neck. I stood up, and had to plop back down because I had intense head and chest pressure, and was on the verge of fainting. My pulse was 110 and no was 175/110. Off to ER... They said it was the steroid and to stop immediately. Next day my heart and blood pressure are back to normal, but feel weak and slightly dizzy. Hate this drug!!
Inactive
19 Jan 2015
Usually not. Prednisone needs to be titrated down. Before you start any actions contact your doctor and/or pharmacist to get their approval.
SHEsevEN4
19 Jan 2015
Pamee, is right Prednisone has to be titrated down call your Doctor let him get you off it don't just stop taking it.
wilow420
20 Jan 2015
Well, I just got off the phone with the pharmacist and she said it was okay to stop taking it since I was only on it for three days. Thank God, I felt like I was on meth. Never again! Thanks for everyones input.
chexation
14 March 2015
Wilow420... I'm in the same situation. 3 days and want to stop. Thanks for the pharmacist answer. However, after you stopped did you have any ill effects and how quickly did the side effects subside
wilow420
16 March 2015
I felt so much better almost right away. It took about two days to get my anxiety under control. But no lasting effects. If it has only been 3 days you can stop without tapering. You'll be fine. The pharmacist told me only long term users need to taper. peace
basherw81
14 April 2015
Any side effects? I took 2 doses of 60 mg each and never again. Third day and I haven't taken it, it's still early, slight headache. Still feeling the effects of it from yesterday. Mostly racing heart and panicky feeling.
Gemzie
29 Dec 2018
Up to 5 days you can stop without taper. Beyond that check with the Dr.
balbanese
19 Jan 2015
See if there's a Dr on call at his office. Stopping may cause more harm than good.
Related topics
anxiety, prednisone, side effect, prescription
Further information
- Prednisone uses and safety info
- Prednisone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Prednisone (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.