Last updated April 2023.
Tapering is the term used for reducing the intake of steroids after a period of increased intake for any reason. Tapering is different for all of us because some bodies can withstand a fairly significant reduction whilst others cannot. The rule is go very slowly until you get to know your own body.
If the increased dose has only been for a few days then a more rapid reduction may be tolerated than if the increase has been longer term. Either way it is a matter of seeing what suits you. For most people a reduction of 20% should be fine. Then stay on that for a day or two. If there are no adverse reactions (lethargy, tiredness, muscle aches, vomiting.) then a further 20% should be tried. This can be repeated until you have reached your target dose. If you suffer any adverse reactions then revert to the previous dose for a few days and then taper with a smaller percentage reduction.
Keeping a diary of your reductions and any reaction can be useful for future reference and guidance.
When I have doubled my dose for a short period due to illness I have been able to return to my normal dose fairly quickly. However I struggled reducing from 2.5mg Prednisolone daily to 2mg Prednisolone daily an it was only when I took 7 weeks that I was able to successfully reduce to the lower dose. (See 'About').