The two major problems related to continuous steroid treatment are drug side effects and symptoms due to changes in the balance of normal hormone secretion. Thus, steroids are given for the shortest possible time. Once we begin to decrease or discontinue the dose, however, withdrawal symptoms may occur. Withdrawal Symptoms Withdrawal symptoms can mimic many other medical problems. In IBD, these may be hard to distinguish from a recurrence of intestinal inflammation.
Blood pressure can become too low, leading to dizziness or fainting.
Blood sugar levels may drop. Women also may note menstrual changes. Less often, joint pain, muscle aches, fever, mental changes, or elevations of calcium may be noted. Over the years, researchers began to learn why some patients develop symptoms of decreased adrenal function, while others never do. We now know that the amount of the drug needed to suppress the HPAA varies from person to person.