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Why do you feel so terrible after stopping Plaquenil and prednisone?

Stopping these medications can cause your body to react in different ways, which may explain why you're feeling so rough right now.

When you stop Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), your lupus symptoms often return because the medication was helping control Show Full Answer

Why do you feel so terrible after stopping Plaquenil and prednisone?

Stopping these medications can cause your body to react in different ways, which may explain why you're feeling so rough right now.

When you stop Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), your lupus symptoms often return because the medication was helping control inflammation. Without it in your system, you're more likely to experience a disease flare. Studies show that people who stop taking hydroxychloroquine are significantly more likely to have their symptoms come back sooner and more intensely than those who continue the medication.

Stopping prednisone can be even more challenging. When you take prednisone for a while, your body stops making its own natural steroids (cortisol). If you stop too quickly, you might feel:

- Very tired
- Dizzy
- Generally unwell
- Experience lupus symptoms returning quickly or worsening

This is why prednisone should always be tapered down gradually rather than stopped suddenly, so your body has time to start producing cortisol again.

It's really important to talk with your doctor about how you're feeling. They can help determine whether you're experiencing withdrawal effects, a lupus flare, or both, and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. Don't try to manage this alone - your rheumatologist needs to know what you're going through.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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