Source comparison
Comparison Table: Discontinuation Approaches
Abrupt Cessation Immediate High. 70% regain half VAT within 6 months Very easy Patients with severe adverse effects requiring immediate stop Not recommended unless medically necessary. Rebound symptoms and VAT reaccumulation are both accelerated Standard Taper
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- Abrupt Cessation
- Immediate
- High. 70% regain half VAT within 6 months
- Very easy
- Patients with severe adverse effects requiring immediate stop
- Not recommended unless medically necessary. Rebound symptoms and VAT reaccumulation are both accelerated
- Standard Taper (0.5mg reduction every 2 weeks)
- 4–6 weeks
- Moderate. 50–60% regain half VAT within 6 months
- Moderate. Requires dose adjustment and compliance
- Most patients discontinuing electively
- Gold standard approach when time permits. Balances axis recovery with practical feasibility
- Alternate-Day Dosing Transition
- 3–4 weeks
- Moderate. Similar to standard taper
- Moderate. Requires schedule adherence
- Patients who prefer dosing flexibility over dose reduction
- Viable alternative to dose reduction. Particularly useful for patients who tolerate full dose better than partial doses
- Rapid Taper (1mg reduction per week)
- 1–2 weeks
- Moderate-High
- Easy
- Patients with hyperglycemia, severe arthralgias, or urgent discontinuation needs
- Acceptable compromise when adverse effects require rapid withdrawal. Faster than abrupt but still protective