Unexpected Twists Your Body Takes on the Prednisone Adventure

8. Prednisone Dosage: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Prednisone dosing varies widely depending on the condition, patient’s weight, and response to treatment. Most patients start with 5 to 60 mg per day, with arthritis patients typically prescribed 5 to 10 mg daily. The key to safe prednisone use is starting at the lowest effective dose and adjusting as needed. When stopping the medication, a slow, controlled taper is crucial to avoid withdrawal symptoms and adrenal insufficiency, which can cause fatigue, nausea, and dizziness.

9. Alternatives to Prednisone: When You Need Another Option

Not everyone can tolerate prednisone, and in some cases, other treatments may be a better fit. Alternatives include other corticosteroids like dexamethasone, prednisolone, or methylprednisolone, especially for asthma or arthritis. Some conditions may be managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for autoimmune conditions. For patients with chronic inflammation, lifestyle changes, biologic drugs, or dietary adjustments may help reduce dependency on prednisone.