Long-term cortisone use can lead a patient to become dependent on the substance. The body develops a tolerance to the drug and quickly needs it to function. A physical or psychological dependence on cortisone can be observed.
When treatment is discontinued, feelings of anxiety and/or symptoms that suggest depression may occur. When these symptoms disappear when treatment is reintroduced, this may be diagnosed as corticosteroid dependance. A gradual decrease in dosage could help prevent this phenomenon.
Good to know
- If you have gone through long-term cortisone treatment and you feel anxious/nervous or depressed after stopping treatment, please contact your doctor.
- Your doctor will examine the possibility of withdrawal syndrome and appropriate steps will be taken.