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Prednisone is one of the most prescribed drugs in the country. The last time I checked, more than 10 million people filled at least one prescription for this corticosteroid. Some people take it every day. Sometimes prescribers may forget to warn patients that prednisone side effects can be challenging. This mother describes what happened to her son:
Prednisone Side Effects Can Cause Insomnia:
Q. My son was given prednisone for a sinus infection at a walk-in clinic. After only one dose, he had a horrible reaction—racing heartbeat, anxiety and sleeplessness.
After an entire week, he still struggles to get even 4 hours of sleep. The other symptoms are dissipating, but the insomnia is still a problem. The worst thing is that the doctor didn’t bother to tell him about such side effects.
A. Corticosteroids like prednisone are notorious for interfering with sleep. Doctors don’t always mention insomnia as a side effect of medications. Scores of other drugs, from albuterol for asthma to ziprasidone (Geodon) for psychiatric problems, can also disturb sleep.
Our eGuide to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep lists many problematic drugs, discusses sleeping pills and offers non-drug approaches. This online resource is available under the Health eGuides tab.
Another Prednisone Rx for Sinusitis:
Q. I am in very good health except for recurrent sinus infections. Recently, my internist put me on a 12-day tapered course of prednisone.
Within days I thought I was going crazy. I became extremely agitated and irritable and the least little thing set me off. Even with sleeping pills, I didn’t sleep for three days. I couldn’t concentrate. My blood pressure soared and I became very fearful.
My doctor never warned me about any of this. Are these normal side effects of prednisone and what will I do if I have to take this drug again?
A. Prednisone and other corticosteroids (Medrol and Deltasone Dosepaks) relieve symptoms from a variety of conditions. Arthritis, asthma and severe skin reactions to poison ivy or sunburn are just some of the disorders these drugs treat.
Psychological Reactions to Prednisone:
One reader describes “black depression” after long-term prednisone:
Q. I took low-dose prednisone for a few years following immunotherapy for melanoma. I slipped into brain fog, black depression and insomnia. It never occurred to me that prednisone might be a factor.
Then I was switched from prednisone to hydrocortisone. The depression and brain fog lifted, and the insomnia lessened.
If anyone had suggested that prednisone could cause those debilitating problems, I would have asked for hydrocortisone immediately instead of spending years of my life in a dark fog wondering why I was still alive.
A. Psychiatric side effects are relatively common consequences of corticosteroid treatment (Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, Oct. 2011). Symptoms may include depression, mania, anxiety, insomnia, depersonalization, paranoia and panic. Both prednisone and hydrocortisone are corticosteroids, but prednisone is about four times more potent and lasts longer in the body.
Prednisone Side Effects Can Be Worse When Doses Are High:
Many people experience severe psychological reactions to high doses of corticosteroids. Doctors even have a name for this reaction: steroid psychosis. It can manifest as anxiety, agitation, euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, confusion, delusions, hallucinations and even serious depression. Some people may experience memory problems. Prednisone side effects can be especially problematic if you are not warned about them in advance!
Let your doctor know you are susceptible to this kind of reaction. If you ever have to take more than 40 mg of prednisone at a time, you may need medication to counteract the psychiatric side effects.
If sinusitis is caused by an infection, an antibiotic may be appropriate. Researchers are discovering that an old-fashioned, inexpensive drug such as amoxicillin may be a good choice. Here is an article for more details (Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open, June 16, 2021).
Read more information and testimonials about how prednisone side effects can affect you at this link. And remember, to learn about medications that can cause insomnia, check out our eGuide to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep and our suggestions.
Jessica
After reading this article, I’m wondering if patients who are currently complaining of “brain fog” or “Long Covid” symptoms may have been given prednisone, or other corticosteroids, during their treatment for Covid infections? Maybe it’s not Long Covid at all, just “Long Corticosteroidal After Effects ?”
Jennifer
I was on Prednisone for 9 months due to hives. The result was a predisposition to glaucoma. I’m now taking medication for it and rueing the day I agreed to the prednisone. My doctor never mentioned side effects.
Lindsay
Boy oh boy, do I know what you are on about
While on prednisolone I had anxiety and depression and could sit and sob for hours. Then surprisingly just snap out of it. If anything, anti-depressants made it worse.
Now have been off the prednisolone for 21 months following a very gradual withdrawal. Wondered why GP kept telling me that many people don’t remain off the evil stuff. No one tells you how long it takes for the adrenal gland to recover. They mention a few weeks and up to three months. Only in one article on the net did I find mention of one to three years. However, talking to retired consultants from various medical fields, none seem surprised that I can almost instantly go down with fatigue then snap out of it or suddenly want to burst into tears for no apparent reason. Hallelujah! All of these incidents are lessening but how many folk just give up and go back on the evil stuff?
Carol
I have asthma and have been taking corticosteroids for about 25 years. A couple of years ago I had a bad case of bronchitis followed by a very bad case of pneumonia. Both times I was put on high doses of prednisone. About six months after the last case, I started having blurry vision in one eye. It became progressively worse to the point that I could hardly see. I went to my eye doctor who diagnosed me with a Posterior Polar cataract. The first question he asked me was if I was taking corticosteroids and/or high doses of prednisone. I had surgery, and now my vision is fine.
Michelle
When I was twelve, many years ago, I was diagnosed with ITP. The only treatment was massive doses of Prednisone. I didn’t find out until I was in my thirties, from a doctor in another country.
Let me preface this. I am grateful. I should have died, and I am now in my sixties. However, some kind of warning would have been nice. My weight ballooned by fifty pounds within six weeks. They put me on diet pills. Two years later, I was diagnosed with depression and am still fighting it. By the time I was in my early twenties, I had degenerative disc disease. By my thirties, I had osteoarthritis. I have had multiple cancers and surgeries. Is there solid proof that Prednisone caused it? No, the jury is still out. I would never indiscriminately use corticosteroids.
Luke
Even short-term steroids will strip bone density and predispose to low-impact fractures, and osteoporosis.
Magdalena
I have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis due to long battle with eating disorder and abusing laxatives. I was rushed to hospital last week for bad UC flare up and infection. While I was in the hospital I got prescription of 40 mg of prednisone. I’m not the same person. I’m going crazy, laughing, talking to strangers and driving everyone crazy around me. I can’t sleep. I have a funny taste in my mouth. I have moon face. I just can’t stop laughing and acting and talking silly. I can’t concentrate at all. God, why this is happening? I also gained some weight and have edema. Please, I need some support here and someone to tell me I’m not crazy, that this will pass once I’m off prednisone.
Hermine
What is the difference between Prednisone and Prednisolone?
JAS
My doctor prescribed predisone/small tapering dose for 1 week for severe throat swelling due to bad bout with mononucleosis when I was 19. No side effects. At age 40 I took methyl prednisolone & my heart started racing & I felt as if I could not get enough oxygen. So many many factors play into prescribed medications: especially your age & health issues. I recently declined a steroid cortisol test for an adrenal nodule because of my fear of steroids & how I am effected by them. Doctor prescribed an alternate oral salivary cortisol test instead.
One Sick MaMa
Alabama
I was prescribed prednisone 40 mg for three days. I have now been off of it for four days. Since then I have been really sick. Left arm pain, indigestion, diarrhea, upset stomach, dizziness, muscle spams, and extreme tiredness.
Went to urgent care and they told me that I shouldn’t have such withdrawal after such short tetm use. Went to ER and got my heart checked because of left arm pain and after many hours found out my heart was fine. I dont know what to do or how to get a Dr to help me but i cant keep going on like this.
I have never felt this bad and helpless in my entire life. I will never take prednisone again unless its a life or death situation but what can I do right now to be me again?
Joni
North Carolina (NC)
I have been on and off prednisone for years for exacerbations of emphysema. This time, for sudden hearing loss in right ear.
By far, the worst tapers, for me, seem to start at 60 mg. I know I do things I normally wouldn’t do….I hit my live in boyfriend, of 3 1/2 years, whom I love so much. More than once, on prednione, I have struck the most wonderful man in the world. I’ve tried to get him to read up on the side effects of the drug, particularly some of these blogs, because not all sources offer all the ugly side effects of this drug.
It’s so difficult to say, ” I am acting like this because of the medicine that is supposed to be HELPING me: I am shaking, pupils are wild, roaring in my ear, rattling in chest, wheezing, shortness of breath, NO SLEEP in days, itching on face, neck, chest, arms, irritability, moodiness, no appetite, just revved up, anxious, not comfortable driving, erratic, crying, emotional, difficulty concentrating, can’t think straight.”
He said my eyes “looked like a vampire and it scared him “. OMG, I feel horrible. If this crazy behavior had happened only once, he might understand, but I’ve had to be on the steroids so many times. No matter how hard I try to stay in control, I fail.
I have reported it to my doctors who say, “continue the medication. This is what steroids do”. Now my boyfriend doesn’t know if he can deal with not knowing whether I’ll just go off without warning. He’s trying, but I can’t make him understand how much I hate what prednisone does to my body and brain. It feels like, and appears to look like, you’re just a crazy person. Suggestions on how to get the important people in your life to …I guess understand?
Mussarat
Bradford
Would like feedback on anyone who was prescribed predisolen for temporal arteritis. I have only recently been diagnosed my gp asked me start on 60mg but I’ve seen my mum with bad side effects while taking for rheumatoid arthritis so I have started with 30mg they haven’t helped my head much. I have insomnia excessive sweating and pain in my arms and legs so for and that’s only 3 days in
I’m dreading the weight gain and moon face.
Experienced
North Carolina
My thoughts are totally with you. I am now on a 60 mg. 12 day burst dose pack for acute inflammation in feet, legs, arms, and I get maybe 2 hours sleep a night. My brain is sooo tired yet I have all kinds of energy, just don’t get in my way!! When my loving doctor (she knows I try to do all natural now) told me I really need this, I also knew I was in such pain that I HAD to start this stuff again. I actually forgot how awful it is.
I asked my husband Saturday if he wanted to leave for a week or 2,or did he want me to? I have never been in the rages you have written about (that is serious!) You could end up in prison over medication!!! At the end of the dose pack then I was exhausted and still cranky for another week, I think for lack of sleep. Try adding some humor to your frustration and I go overboard trying to be nice to my hubby while inside I am raging! ADMISSION of impulsive BEHAVIOR while recovering and asking FORGIVENESS is always a PLUS because hubby knows I don’t really want to be like this either (it is ugly!).
I am in my mid 60’s of life and have had asthma since I was 2 years old. The prednisone plus other things like antibiotics too often in my life have weakened my bones. I have early onset arthritis which is inflammation in the body also and can be very painful. Ulcerative colitis, pneumonia, Poly Myalgia Rheumatica, Bronchitis, Asthma…are to name a few illness when had to take prednisone.
My dear readers: You have a right to have the right medicine in your body and ask your Doctor that if you have to take such a medication to avoid the high dosage. Request that you start at maybe 40 mg. for longer than 4 days to begin. They just need to LISTEN TO YOU and WE are the only ones who know our own body. I think sometimes Doctors who do not listen would learn much if they had to take these drugs themselves. EACH Of Us DO NOT REACT THE SAME TO ALL MEDS!!! Here’s praying you can find such a caring M.D.
Beaner
Canada
My Boyfriend has been on 60mg a day of Prednisone for the last 8 weeks. He will do the next 8 weeks at 50mg a day and then the following 8 weeks after that go down to 40 mg and onward and so forth until he is done. He was prescribed them for a lung disease to shrink the nodes at the entrance way to his lungs. He will not have a follow up for another almost two months. Up until two weekends ago, he seemed okay. Not fabulous with his moods but okay. A little bit snippy and impatient but we were expecting some moodiness and were not overly concerned.
Then we both decided to quit smoking (neither of us need to continue smoking when he’s been diagnosed with a lung disease) and that is when the real anger started. This is day 11 of being a non-smoker for me and he lasted two days and is back to smoking again. But the quitting smoking seemed to be the trigger and he lost his mind on me for no real reason and then the next day while he was apologizing he got mad again and the apology turned into another rage. Last night was a good night and I don’t know why but happy to have a little break from it. He doesn’t see a problem with his behavior and when I talk to him about his symptoms he brushes it off (or gets rude and snappy).
Also, he went back to work two weeks ago as well. He was off work for 4 months and now his DR. has okayed him to return to work. He is now getting a whole lot more exercise than what he was getting at when he was at home. I was hopeful that exercise might decrease his agitation but while he seems to stay somewhat reasonable at work he is definitely crabby when he get’s home (except last night for whatever reason).
Once you begin the tapering process how long do the mood swings last? Do you think this is something I will have to deal with until he is completely off of Prednisone or is is possible some improvement can happen with the commencement of the tapering process? I know he cannot help himself and I would want him to stick by my side if it was me on these meds so I’m going to try my absolute best to get through this but if anyone has words of advice I would so appreciate it. Any of you readers that have been on it, have you found things that seem to calm your anger down? Things your loved ones can do that help to keep things manageable? A non-addicting mood stabilizer that seemed to help? Natural remedies (herbs, spices, etc. that I could into cooking or juices or water)? My last resort will be to maybe call his specialist and see if they can sneak him in earlier for his follow up. Hopefully it doesn’t come to that but I don’t want him to say or do something that he will massively regret down the road. That will break his heart:(
Thanks in advance for the advice!
Trish
ILLINOIS
This is my 5th day on prednisone 20 mg. I am freezing and very cold to the touch. The left side of my face feels like ice and pins and needles. My gums feel strange, and I have a numbness in my tongue. I have had dry mouth the whole time as well. All of this for a never-ending sinus infections. It is not worth it.
Anna
UK
Trish, I have the same problem with my husband. we have been married for over 43 years and I am at breaking point with his angry moods. He had a AAA operation over two years ago. Unfortunately, it resulted in his left leg being amputated and problems with his lungs and kidneys. He had had a tough time and a lot to contend with. He now suffers with repeated lung infections for which he is prescribed prednisone. We seem to be between the devil and the deep blue sea because he goes from infection and infection and needs longer and longer courses of the drug. I have come to the conclusion he is addicted. He is completely, unaware of his angry outbursts and denies that the drug is causing him a problem. From my experience, I would encourage you to make that call to his specialist. He needs to have his prescription reviewed before the side-effects are affecting his life.
Julane
North Carolina
I have been on prednisone off and on for four years for asthma issues, however I have terrible side effects from them — the longest span on them has been 3 months of 20 mg… I currently a week into 60mg weaning down to 40 this week . This round of prednisone has been so much worse for side effects !!! Do you think that each round of dosing that you take increasing the intensity of the side effects ? I do not remember it being this bad last year — depression /anxiety / mood swings / mania/ insomnia / hyperglycemia /sweating / horrible stomach aches with diarrhea / dizziness/ hand tremors ….
Jan
Stamford
I am down to 3.50 mg a day, side effects were, breathlessness, rapid heart rate, sweating, extremely cold, sleepless, nasty to best friend, for no reason, shakes inside body, teeth /jaw ache, blurred eyesight. Blue purple bruising on hands. Now I get joint ache, feeling strange in myself is how I describe it, but not as bad as in the past. Still feel chills, sometimes hot, wish I could come off it but not yet! Jan
Lynne Henry
New Jersey
I had to take Prednisone years ago for acute asthma and went totally out of my mind!!! I was SO HYPER. My heart felt like it was racing out of my chest. The whole core of body felt like was going to explode. I was shaking all over and felt like my head would also explode. I felt like I was out of my mind (couldn’t think clearly, execute things properly, could not go to work,etc.). I wanted to scream endlessly and didn’t know what to do with myself. I truly thought I might die (and if this were the only alternative, then that sounded not so bad).
I felt so “crazy”, so out of control. I have often explained it as “felt like I could rip the heads off of little animals!” Never did, but this is how EXTREMELY Prednisone affects me!!
Degsy
Uk
Hi, what dose were you on?
I just finished 6 months on 10mg. Had all the problems you have mentioned. In deep trouble at work now too!
Mary
United States
I completely get this, too! I envisioned twisting my beloved kitties’ necks for a day or so..definitely not like me…Just had to take a 150 mg dose in prep for a medical procedure..I can predict what the next few days will be like. I am just thankful knowing that this won’t last forever.
Amber
Hello, I took prednisone for a severe asthma attack in a hospital and now I see my life completely different. I was really depressed and now I see life completley different. Like theree is sooo much I can accomplish as much as I focus. Like in a smart sense. I feel better in a smart sense. Everything makes sense and now I can pinpoint things, things as in concepts and speak to people properly. Before I was always concerned with how people think of me, but now I could care less because people are people They are like you and me. I am really excited because I am also more interested in my work and artwork and feel a drive to complete things. The level of photography I make has intensely increased in like 2 days. I’m afraid I will scare my friends off. Just don’t care about things except the 1 mind track of whats going on at the time. I mean I care about what they say, but I feel very present unlike before. Still a lil scared of things. Just glad I’m not as worried as I have been.
Dylan
Hollywood, FL
It’s been a while so I don’t know how you’ve changed in that time, but I would be careful if I were you. I’m not a doctor but it sounds like you’re going through something called hypomania (I understand it based on wikipedia only) and while hypomania isn’t necessarily a bad thing it can end up turning into depression and it’s also common to have bouts of irritability. Just try to stay “present” as you say. Maybe take up meditation. I’m starting prednisone now and I’m worried about going through a sort of bipolar reaction. Good luck to you.
Mary
Wowser-I felt like this during my February burst..I love the ‘I don’t care” and c’est la vie feeling, but I was afraid to scare my friends off, too. So I stayed home with my needles and spinning wheel. The bonus was that all of my body aches disappeared. It was heavenly, though I knew the feeling wouldn’t last, I was determined to enjoy my burst of energy and focus for those weeks. And I did..my March burst did not feel positive at all. Grumpy, irritable, judgmental. I couldn’t stand my own company. I’m hoping that my 1X 150 mg dose I just took is kind to me..short and sweet.
Michael
San Francisco, CA
My partner too has been diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, he was put on a very high dose of prednisone 3 pills twice per day and he is euphoric, grandiose, expanding his house, demolishing things, resistant to helping me help him, says he does not have the time to see his doctor because of the renovations, shows no concern of love for me, will not call back or read texts, sleeps odd times, I can never talk to him face to face without him doing other things and there is no reasoning with him. He says am snooping on him but if I dont check on him something bad could happen as we dont live together but have been together 12 yrs and domestic partners in CA. He needs this medication or he will lose his liver but he will not agree to see his doc with me nor add a sedative to his daily regime in order too balance out the side effects. Jane Pauly went through this and felt like she was on top of the world until she figured it out because the worst thing about this Prednisone is that no one realizes they are changed people. I have called a Hills Case worker to open the communications between the doctors and hopefully him.
Shauna
Middlesbrough
I have been on predisolone for about 3 months now for a serious flare up of psoriasis it cleared them up within a few days but my god am I struggling to come off them I got myself off them 4 weeks ago but a week in I felt like I was going to die.
I usually go to the gym most days, I got to the gym one morning and had a full on panic attack. I just couldn’t bring myself to go …..I then found myself in bed for at least 15 hours a day and then still feeling exhausted ….I couldn’t think straight I was moody to the point I was gagging for more pills to make me feel better I felt like a complete and total smack head ….I went back to my doctors and he done a few tests on me and said I was having withdrawals my blood pressure was dangerously low so he gave me more steroids ??? TBH I was over the moon I couldn’t take them quick enough but I’m back to being of them 2 days in and I’m petrified I will become I’ll again I just hope this time I’ve tapered for long enough and my body has started producing on its own.
Joan
Trenton, New Jersey
I was recently diagnose with a rare form auto-immune kidney disease. Was prescribed 80mg. prednisone the end of January. Over the last few months. I am now down to 25mg. I have always been an upbeat, positive healthy person. I am 56 yrs old and no diabetes, up to now (prednisone induced), no cholesterol or blood pressure problems. Since taking the prednisone I am a mental and physical mess. Can’t think straight or even keep a positive thought. Feeling like I am just here taking up space with no feelings. I’m finding it impossible to feel love of myself or others, and that is not like me at all. I AM SO SCARED I WILL NEVER FEEL THE SAME OR BE LIKE I WAS. Can someone please help as I am scared I will die.
jj
n.c.
My wife has been on prednisone for many years because of kidney a transplant. She experiences insomnia, agitation, and ungodly, unbelieveable mood swings. Her mood swings are to the point where she will say things like I wish you were dead, move out, I will call the police and have you arrested. I have been taking care of her for over 20 years, and I am at the point where I just wish I would die because she has totally worn me out physically, mentally, and emotionally. I feel sorry for anyone that has to deal with their loved ones that are on this medication. I know they can’t help it, but doctors must know something that could help! I am at he point where I want to move out, but I know I would feel so guilty knowing she would have to fend for herself. At what point does someone with a huge heart that enough is a enough!!!
Suzanne M
warren, MI
I was given Prednisone (dose pack) for a sinus infection. I am so agitated and shaky. I feel a wreck like I am having a nervous breakdown. I can’t sleep and I feel like I am speeding, yet exhausted. I hate these pills but the antibiotics did not work. now I feel like I have to quit the prednisone and I’m afraid that I will get sick all over again. I do have some anti-anxiety medication which helps a little with the anxiety but I can’t take the nervousness I feel. I also feel like I see things that aren’t there.
sandy
FL
That makes two of us. I moved home to care for my parents. Mom passed 2 years ago and dad has pemphigus vulgaris and has been on 10mg of predisone for 18 months. Recently the Dr put him on cellcept and for the last week he has been so nasty he told me to get out and that he is feeling better now so he is standing up for himself. He almost died a year ago and I am the only one who will care for him. I am so spiritually broken by him . I feel worse about how he makes me feel than other things. HELP
Valerie
fort myers
Hi Sandy,
Maybe you should find a source of support in the community for care gives, a small group of folks you can meet and talk with, what you and your father are going thru is what many others face , its challenging to say the least.
Sometimes with our parents they do not want to lose their independence and what they relay to us is not directly associated with their true feelings. I do believe a support system for you would be helpful. I will pray for you. Valerie
Eve
New York
I was prescribed cortisone for poison ivy. I had a severe reaction to it. I had a full on panic attack with hyperventilation, shaking, heart racing, and crazy thoughts. I almost went to emergency room cause I thought I was having a heart attack. I did not realize it was caused by the cortisone until now. I’ve been worried that another would happen for a year since it happened. Thank you for posting this!
Nancy C
I emailed my doctor and she had me increase my prednisone from 10 mg to 25, and the headaches are gone!
Nancy C
I’d been on 60 mg of Prednisone and am now down to 10 mg. Sadly, my headaches, jaw pain, on and on, have returned. I have temporal arteritis. Maybe when I next see my rheumatologist, she’ll up my dose. The Prednisone has caused hair loss, thin bleeding skin, leg cramps, insomnia – but I didn’t go blind. So you puts your money down and you takes your choice.
Shirley
United States
I have temporal arteritis and am on 80 mg of prednisone. I’m miserable the side effects sweats so heavy that I need to change my clothes 2 to 3 times a day I rarely urinate I guess because of the sweats. I don’t sleep and my eyes are always grainy,dry and blurry. Will any of the side effects go away I’m on month 4 and the doctor says it can take up to 3 years to get rid of this disease.
Mussarat
Bradford
Hi Nancy would love to talk to u about your condition
I have recently been diagnosed with gca without the blindness mostly the headaches. My gp started me on 60mg but I didn’t take it until after the biopsy which I am still waiting for results. When I did start taking them I reduced to 30. At the most so far I have insomnia excessive sweating and pain and weaknesses in my arms and legs. I’m dreading the weight gain. Would love to hear your experience with this. Mabs xx
RC
I had a tumor on my pituitary gland removed and my endocrinologist prescribed me prednisone 10 mg. I’ve been taking it for about 2 weeks now. My blood pressure has been high; I don’t know if it is because of prednisone or because I have been eating more than usual. My pulse is 90 or higher every time I check my blood pressure. I feel like it is affecting my heart. I wake up every night around 3-4 am to go urinate and can’t go back to sleep at all. My head hurts, but not like after surgery pain. This is like a pounding headache more like a migraine. I also got acne all over my back, shoulders and some on my chest. I just hope to get back to be myself soon. I feel like I am going a little crazy.
Judy A.
I was on Prednisone the first time for back/leg pain, swore I would never take it again as it made me extremely nervous and cried a lot. 10 months later the pain is back so I am taking Prednisone again as I was in tears with the pain. When I told the Dr. the last time I took it I felt like I was climbing the walls and crying for no reason.
He prescribed 5 mg. Valium and it is working. The pain was gone after taking two pills, thank God. I am on a tapering schedule so hopefully it won’t linger in my body too long. The first time I took it, it seemed to be out of my body in about 4 or 5 days. I cannot take hydrocodine or Tremador so the steroid was my only hope. The pain was so bad I would have taken morphine.
Nancy C.
I have a rare disease called temporal arteritis and have been on 60 mg of Prednisone for six weeks at this point. Some symptoms of TA have lessened considerably. It used to be that I never met a mirror I didn’t like, but now that I look like an insane chipmunk, I avoid them. I have 13, yes I counted them, side effects of the 4,000 side effects that Prednisone can cause, but by golly, I’m grateful for it. It’s probably going to save not just my sight but possibly my life. I’m taking a calcium supplement, Vitamin D and Fosamax. My sleep pattern is all screwed up but my moods, etc. are fine. I have always been incredibly laid back and easy-going, Mother Nature’s gift to me, so this should help. Basically, some folks must have Prednisone, some folks would seem to be better off not taking it. I’m one of the lucky ones.
RCC
I was given 40mg of prednisone in the emergency room when my SED rate was 76 and I was experiencing bodily pain. (Had gone to ER for a sinus infection.) Dr. said if pain went away with prednisone, the diagnosis would be Polymayagia Rheumatica.
My internist, at my request sent me to University Rheumatology Clinic where I was told they were not sure what the problem was and could not tell until I was off prednisone and they could get a clear reading. Head of the dept. did not believe that I had polymalgia.
Continued to lower prednisone by 1 mg. every three weeks and am down to 4 mg per day. Am experience enormous fatigue and itching.
Two years ago, had an infected tick bite in my ear lobe. Dr. removed tick and did test on tick and on me for Lyme’s disease. Both test were negative.
Recently went to neurologist who did Lyme’s test that was positive. Sent me to infectious medicine doctor who also got positive result. My internist did what he said was the definitive test involving both blood and urine and that test was negative. Am now down to 4 mg. prednisone per day, and am experience enormous fatigue and itching.
The Infectious Medicine doctor gave me a month’s round of Ceftin which he said would cure the Lyme’s disease. After two weeks I had a terrible reaction and had to stop the medicine. He said it was okay, because two weeks dosage would cure the Lyme’s disease.
I am, with good reason, concerned. I trust my internist and the neurologist, but do not understand how all these disparate diagnoses occur. At least the University rheumatologist says she cannot know until getting a clean blood test.
RCC
gerhard c.
Hi AMS,
Yes, it is a terrible experience but I will not give up. I will be strong and patient.
Thanks again for your answer.
God bless you.
Gerhard
gerhard c.
Hi cpmt,
Yes, they checked my blood and everything is normal.(no infection, inflammation or increased blood sugar).Are you OK now?
Gerhard
AMS
Gerhard, I’m glad my post made you feel better. That is why I wrote it, because honestly I thought my life was over. It was terrible – but it did go away. Give it a few more weeks, drink A LOT of water to help flush it out. Don’t give up, it just takes a long time to leave your system. I actually stayed in the ER for a few hours and had them put IVs to speed up flushing it out, but it’s been three weeks for you already, so I doubt you need that.
I am totally fine now and have no relapses, etc so please don’t worry, you will be fine soon and you will forget about this!! wishing you a speedy recovery. Also, try the coffee, it did perk me up a bit.
cpmt
DID YOU CHECK YOUR BLOOD SUGAR? I got very sick with prednisone and my blood sugar went up CLOSE TO 500.
gerhard c.
Hi,
I have taken prednisone for 3 weeks (30 mg for 3 days, 25 for 3 days, 20 for 3 days,…) to treat a heart inflammation is two weeks since I finished the medicine and I still feel terrible. In your case, how long does it take to start feeling normal again?
I read your posts and they made me feel better.
regards,
Gerhard
eh
Hi. My go gave me this steroid to take for severe psoriasis. I have to take 6 tablets a day for 5 days.. this us my 3rd day and I haven’t slept a wink.. my brain won’t shut down. I’m laying in bed trying to sleep and all if a sudden I have an uncontrollable urge to do things. Like go shopping etc… is this normal?
Mir
No one has commented on use for tendinitis. I’ve got it and been in a clumzy boot cast for 3 months. We did an MRI, so the tendin is not ripped or torn. That’s good news, no surgery! So the Podiatrist put me on a high tapering dose, 40 mg to start, dropping 5 mg each day till done, to see if it will reduce the swelling in the tendin. Anyone ever heard of this use before?
I’ve been off an on 10 mg day pred for the last 4 years for what my rumey Dr said was Lupus. My regular Dr was concerned that the rumey Dr wasn’t doing blood tests so he did a full panel including the Lupus ANA test. Long story short, I don’t have Lupus, just plain arthrits, needles to say, I don’t have that Dr anymore either. :)
It’s been very helpful to stop the joint pain, and other than the weight gain, no real side effects. I’ve always tapered off the doses.
I’m not excited about being on Pred again, but I know it works for me. I’m hoping I won’t have any of the side effects on this higher dose.
Thanks for everyone’s stories.
do what you need to do to stay healthy and feel good. Life is too short.
linda r
In 2008 I had spinal fracture so docs put me on prednisone. Due to many laxatives given to me when it was time to wean off… the tapering dose to went right threw me. From one day to the next I started to hallucinate. I got severeeeeee psychosis. Depressed, anxious, paranoid. Literally lost touch with reality. This was truly the wickedest experience of my life. I was put on ativan to “bring” me back in into reality. I ended up get hooked to that. I found that I couldn’t function mentally without it. I am a born again Christian. Even so this prednisone rocked my world. The only thing that set me free from the brutal addiction and hellish side effects was putting my trust in Jesus Christ. It was a tough road but thru him I weaned off the ativan that started because of prednisone. Never again!!!!!!!!
StevenM
I am a 34 year old male with severe Crohns disease.. I have a rare form of it as well as the traditional.. I developed Metastatic Crohns, Extraintestinal, in the form of severe Fistula & fissure disease, as well as Inflammatory skin conditions with ulcer in ‘Other areas not normally associated with Crohns’..
My face swelled out like a Duck, with what appears to be a fissure-type line/wrinkle/fold above my upper lip in the reddened, swollen, hard lip area.. (Crohns disease, and/or the medications, weakened my teeth, then they broke, making it nearly impossible to clean every ‘NEW’ Nook & cranny, eventually leading to a severe abscess, and the initial upper lip swelling, which turned Chronic, and inflamed).
After the dental work was done, the inflammation & swelling remained, along with the unsightly vertical fissure/wrinkle above my lip.. Prednisone once again was required to get it under control.. Prednisone has been a necessary evil for my Crohns treatment since day 1, in 1998.
Now today, because of extended Prednisone use, if I take my shirt off, you can look at me from behind, and see my head is no longer ‘centered’ with my hips.. That was the first sign, along with whole-body pain. Today it’s worse than a year or two ago, cuz today you can also see that my left side, from hip to ‘upper body’, is flush, even-looking, like a Man’s body should be, where on my right side, once past my hip, it goes inward, then on up to my upper body, almost like a woman’s hips, but just on that one-side.. I had a Bone-Density test done, and it found I Have SEVERE Osteoporosis, and another ‘osteo-something’ disorder I cant recall..
The scans showed not only the same bone density of a elderly woman with osteoporosis, but also bone erosion.. All my lower lumbar vertebrae, as well as my neck, have started eroding. Where in a one-dimensional view of an xray, you normally see a ‘square’ for your vertebrae, each one with a 90-degree angle.., in my case, on the right side of every one of the lower lumbar vertebrae, you see on the Top & Bottom right side angles, ‘curves’ in place of what used to be 90degree angles.. ON the left sides, it’s all good still, full, sharp 90degree angles, but on the right sides, bottom & top angles are GONE..Eroded..
The neck hurts almost as bad as the lower back.. My right hip is screwed as well.. ..I pray I don’t lose the ability to walk, and am skeptical about ‘back surgery’ as well, so, IDk what to do.. It’s a necessary evil tho, cuz the only other option, other than taking the Prednisone, was suffer the pain til the inflammation caused such a backup & buildup, that my gut would have possibly ruptured..
Has anyone else had as severe side effects as mine from Prednisone? If so, what did the Orthopedist and Gastroenterologist end up doing?
Katie
It’s 3 am and I’m wide awake. I fell asleep at 10ish due to the fact that I had this unbearable itchiness and burning in my face. I was on the prednisone since last Tuesday it’s now the following Wednesday and I stopped taking it for about two days now because I am So ITCHY!!!!!! I also have weird mood swings being happy, sad or mad sometimes at very petty things. It was proscribed for poison ivy. It was a take 4 pills, the first two days then lower down until I’m out of it. (Don’t remember if it was 4, 3 or 5 but I’m sure you get the point lol).
I honestly can not bare the itchy anymore. And no it is not due to the poison that is cleared up, it’s now I feel little bugs are crawling all over me. I have a tight like feeling in my face as if I have dry skin but I do not have dry skin I use great bath products and lotions. My face and neck are tight feeling, horrible burning, my lips feel weird not swollen though. My eyes are very painful and the liquid that naturally comes out (allergies cause this) but the liquid burns my face when it runs down it. It hurts to shower on my face and neck. I don’t have a rash really just itchiness allll over way worse than the poison.
I feel like dying honestly from this nonstop itch and burning. I do have red and purple blotchyness under my skin on some places. I haven’t gained weight, probably because I wasn’t on it very long. But also I have had trouble sleeping which I never had before I usually go to bed at 9:30 and wake up at 6-7 in the morning. I have been waking up feelin nervous and then having to calm myself down and what in feeling nervous about have not been a problem at least when I wake up. I never had that problem. But this itchiness is really starting to bother me, it’s as if when I itch it I start to freak out a bit but it goes away. It feels like when I do scratch it, it feel a little better but in the next minute it’s a sensation I can not stand.
I have to keep stopping now to relieve my itching (what I can at least). I just want this to stop, I put itch cream on but it does not work and if I put it on my face it burns so bad it’s hard to explain. I’m a healthy person overall and I think I am going crazy because of this intense burning and itchiness!!! I am so relieved though that I found this so I can see it has to do with this medication. I’m going to get some more sleep now, trying to at least!
Walter
I have been on Prednisone for about 5 months starting with 35mg per day, and then tapering down to 30, 25 and now 20mg over the last two months (I’m around 165 pounds–dosage is calculated based on your weight). This is for lung inflammation (it was pretty severe) from my new hyper-sensitivity to bird protean (down pillows and comforters).
Prednisone is definitely a life-saver, I was out of the danger zone within a week since I had lost 20 pounds and needed supplemental Oxygen, but now my lungs and weight have mostly returned to normal. I breathe fine, but I will still take Prednisone (tapering down) for another 3-6 months.
Side effects have been tolerable. They mostly kicked in after three months, once I had reduced the dosage. I find the most important thing is to completely avoid sugar. If I have sugar, I just can’t stop, I get intense cravings and then feel horrible that I splurged. Without sugar, I do fine, but my energy is all over the place. With ADD, Ritalin help me stay focused, but I’ve gone up in its dosages, and I’d rather get off of it, so will wait until I’m done with Prednisone. Sleeping is hard, I got prescribed Anchen (a sleeping pill) but won’t take more than one a week. Still that one night is relaxing. Walking a ton helps, it keeps my weight near normal. I’ve always been very athletic, but now just focus on fast, longer walks while on this stuff.
I’m lucky in that side effects are tolerable for me. But I found that a good, healthy diet and lots of simple exercise like walks every day DEFINITELY help! I do get that afternoon rage which I have to watch out for! That’s when exercise helps.
shannon
6 days ago I was diagnosed with glandular fever. I was put on prednisolon and am currently on a tapered amount of 5 5mgs for 2 days and 2 5mgs for 2 days after that. Thanks to this drug I was able to to breath properly while I slept and it helped with my unholy sore throat. I’m sure that I’ll probably have a few side effects but I’ll manage. Also is anyone else taking while Endone taking Prednisolone?
Leslie
I am wide awake after taking my first dose of prednisone. It was prescribed for De Quervain’s and possible arthritis (I am only 25). I am supposed to take 4 mg and taper off for 6 days. Earlier this week I took Bactrim for a UTI for three days (last dose ended Wednesday), and since then I have had horrible anxiety. The prednisone seems to only be making this even worse. I broke down crying a couple of bites into dinner tonight and couldn’t finish my meal. My husband had to massage my legs just to get me to calm down. I eventually fell asleep, but for only a brief time as I was having a horrible nightmare, sweating profusely, and it felt like I could have fried an egg on my face, it was so hot.
While my pain is greatly reduced, these side effects are miserable. I can’t imagine going through this at least another 5 days, possibly more. I read the side effects first, realizing anxiety and insomnia were possible, but I did not expect it to this degree. After finishing this pack, I will be looking for alternative methods for dealing with my pain, because this is ridiculous!
Sar
Always read the side effects!! Who takes medication with out READING the side effects? Dear LAWD, seriously WTH?!?!
Tom
In April 1997 I had an operation and was placed on Prednisone. I was unable to sleep for days. On the fourth day I told my neighbors, who knew me as an easygoing guy that I had never been so depressed in my life, and I knew it was coming from the medication . I couldn’t wait til I got off it . On the fifth day my wife of 17 years and I had a terrific argument. We had a screaming match for about half an hour. It ended when I slapped her. We had been together for 18 years and I had never touched her. My marriage ended that day too. She took out 4 year old son and moved 800 miles away to her parents.
I did a lot of research on Prednisone after that. I sent my wife the articles. The sad thing is that her father, who was a doctor, told her that I was simply making up what I said about the medication. Apparently they both threw the articles away without reading them.
The strange thing is that I would not touch Prednisone for over a decade, my doctor wanted to prescribe it on couple of occasions. However, I used it a couple of years ago, with no side effects.
My wife ended up moving back a year later. We are divorced and she has remarried, but we remain friends. My son is 20 now, and we are as close as a father and son can be. He knows me better than anyone, and knows that I would never have touched his mother under normal conditions. I will show him these posts.
Julia
So I’m 16 and just started taking prednisone for asthma and overall inflammation in my air ways. My doctor told me to take it today with food ( didn’t get out of appointment till 4 ish) so I thought I would just take it in a couple hours at dinner time. I’m now up at 1 feeling wide awake. I’m suppose to take it for 7 days but she said I was not suppose to taper off the medicine. I love my doctor, but it would have been nice to know the side effects and not find them out with other people’s horror stories. Hopefully it doesn’t effect me too much!
yoyo
I agree with you we should be informed of the side effects to our medications and unknowingly to most of us we are. It comes printed out on our prescription paperwork attached to our bag with our meds in it. Unfortunately we usually just rip this off and throw it away.
Rachel
I don’t understand why doctors prescribe this drug without warning of all the possible side effects?
My dad had cancer and was put on Prednisolone, he was on it a few months. The only side effects he had whilst on it were increased appetite and irritability-everyone else was walking around on eggshells. But I can’t blame him since I know it was the effects of the drug and plus the fact he was in a lot of pain too.
Anyway I guess the Prednisolone probably helped with the cancer somewhat but the problem came when he was told by his registrar to come off it-not taper the dose, just stop it. I’m not sure what dose he was on but I can’t believe his registrar never told him to stop it very slowly. Within a few days he felt awful, thought he was dying. So we had to call an ambulance. He spent a week and a half in hospital, came out and died about two weeks later. We’ll never know if stopping the Prednisolone hastened his death. I feel like suing his doctor.
My nan has just finished being on Prednisolone for Polymyalgia-her doctor did taper her off it very slowly. She was on it about a year. Now her arms are constantly bruised and bleeding from it thinning her skin. I thought it would clear up since she’s been off Prednisolone for about 2 months but it seems to have gotten worse. No one warned us of this side effect. It never happened with my dad as I don’t think he was on it long enough.
I guess she is stuck with it now, it’s making her depressed and her arms look awful. How does a drug like this get approved? If it was a natural alternative medicine it would never have been allowed! The side effects are worse than your problem in the first place! Who knows, her Polymyalgia could even come back now she’s stopped Prednisolone anyway. I would never go on that drug even if it could save my life.
Denise
I was given pred 30mg tapered down (7 days), and yes I was hyper, anxious, couldn’t sleep and even had a dream that caused me to punch my bedside table!! Whoa, I don’t think I will be doing the pills again. He did offer me a shot of it instead. Maybe next time.
AKS
I was put on prednisone to help me battle a severe sinus infection in addition to a high does antibiotic. I was put on 40mg for 7 days and was told to take all at breakfast or 20mg at breakfast, 20 at lunch.
The first day, the medicine was great. I had way more energy and felt much better. I struggled to sleep at all the first night — once I did fall asleep, I woke back up and felt like the whole world was spinning. The second night, I only got about 2 hours of sleep.
The insomnia, irritability and dizziness were enough to convince me to stop taking it. I only took the prednisone for 2 days because my reaction was so poor. Now 8 days after being put on the medicine, I’m still struggling to get through the day. I went back into the doctor for blood work to see if there was anything else going on. I’ve been having trouble making it through the work day because of sheer exhaustion. I also struggle to concentrate on tasks and am extremely down/emotional. Afternoons are especially rough — I start getting shaky and dizzy. I’ve been going home and falling asleep on my lunch hour.
I was warned about insomnia as a possible side effect but not told about anything else. Be VERY cautious with taking this medicine. I’m still feeling like a shell of myself — hoping that my strength and sanity return soon.
Know the possible side effects and stop taking the medicine if you react poorly!
Kyle K
I just took 5 10mg as described on my bottle i haven’t had and side effects just yet i hope i will be ok. The only thing my doctor said was it’s for inflammation for my back hope it work’s. i have been looking this up all day worried.
BK
My wife was told that she may do strange things while on prednisone. Sure enough while she couldn’t sleep one morning she got out of bed and went to our guest bathroom and decided that she didn’t like the wall paper anymore. So she (at 3:00 am) tore down every last piece of wall paper on the walls. Imagine my surprise when I saw this the next morning. Nothing will surprise me anymore.
MRE
I was exposed to MOLD in my home and with various symptoms I went to the DR, who found my sed rate elevated. I have been on up to 30 mg of Prednisone daily for the past 17 months. I have been able to taper down to 12.5 daily after discovering the mold problem and moving. The doctors are treating me for PMR (Poly-Myalgia Rheumatica). The first thing the DR did was prescribe a light sleeping aid….to use at night because there is no way a person can sleep when taking this kind of dose of prednisone. Without rest, nothing else is going to work.
I did not read all the posts, but it is apparent there is a common complaint of not sleeping while on this drug. Without the small dosage of xanex, I would not be able to rest down to get my sleep. Also, I have had a serious emotional reaction to the prednisone. I am all over the place, emotionally, forgetting small things, even though I am also on a mild anti-depressant. Is this a common thread? I do not know what I would do without the Prednisone-it keeps my pain and inflammation way down, but the lower I go, the more pain meds I need.
Nightmare.
john p.
is 5 mil daily of prednisone considered a dangerous dosage over a 10 year span?
Johnny
Philippines
Please be extremely careful with the xanex it is highly addictive also and extremely hard to get off of/God bless Johnny
Irisa
Finally started to do some research on Prednizone…I was intibated twice for allergic reaction to an antibiotic…4 days later I woke up. So all those days they were feeding me Prednizone via IV…I was so bloated..shaking and felt like my heart was racing…I had a terrible asthma attack..but after a few days felt much better…Since that time, I take a round of Prednizone almost every 2-3 months do to sinus infection & asthma..It is a miracle drug but weight gain always comes with it…Now in 2012 I work out twice a week..determined to break this cycle and just get healthy…If overworking myself..I could get over-heated & feeling like I’m hyperventilating. I also take Montelukast which eases asthma symptoms but also adds to weight gain. It seems like a necessary evil just to feel normal.
KS
I was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, which is where the antibodies in my immune system attack my liver, when I was 17. I’m now 23. I started on a dose of 40 mg and got terrible side effects, muscle pains in my legs to the point where I couldn’t walk without being in tears, shakiness, and hallucinations. I slowly got to taper down to about 10mg/7.5mg for the past couple of years. But recently I went back to the doctor and am back up to 40mg for a week, 30mg for a week, then 20mg, 10 etc. to try to bring some of my blood levels back to normal.
Today was the first day I’ve taken 40mg and I can already feel the side effects kick in. My neck is stiff, my muscles in my legs are cramping and I can feel a migraine coming (which I hope doesn’t mean hallucinations because they were the worst!).
But the thing is without Prednisone (and Imuran) I wouldn’t be able to function day to day. Yes, I have a terrible time sleeping and I still have terrible joint pain but without it I’d be jaundice, exhausted, in even more joint pain, have even more migraines and eventually have a non-functioning liver and need a transplant. So yes, Prednisone has terrible symptoms but it’ll help in the long run with ongoing diseases/problems. If you only have to take it for a short period it may seem terrible but be thankful you only have to be on it for short periods. There are people out there who have to take it for the rest of their lives! If you have a lot of side effects and it seems like you can’t handle it you can ask for alternative measures but there are only so many options! I wish you all good luck with your various treatments!
CG
My initial posting was back in July due to sudden hearing loss of inner ear. In any case, I too submitted to this standard procedure for sudden hearing loss as it was recommended by the ENT and on the web research sites with success rates of 33-33-33 (33% respond, 33 recover spontaneously, 33 no effect). I’m 64 and had experienced gradual loss of hearing for a few years. But this was really sudden in one ear.
I got some of my hearing back (still low functioning). As for the meds, it has to be taken within 10 days or so to be most effective, and I started on the 28th day. The drugs had a nasty effect, but not as bad as others who experienced psychotic side-effects. You are not alone, and it may be this is expected–feeling lousy. I recovered after about 3 weeks or so. Had to stop early due to rash on day seven. Also, I was also on an anti-viral in case it was caused by infection of inner ear nerve.
Hope this helps.
Lynne
Was wondering if you decided to take the steriods for your hearing loss and how it all worked out for you? I am facing the same situation right now and am on day 9 of 40 mg of prednisone. Tomorrow I start the taper. Having awful side effects.
PG
I’m having the same side effects. It has been about 6 days since I stopped a 5 day course of 40mg daily Prednisone. How long before you started to feel normal again?
Frederica
I to have scarcardosis an is taking forty milligrams a day. I want so bad to get off of this medicine but I’m scared of what might happen if I do. How do u manage to deal with your scarcardosis without taking the prednisone?
Lee
I am experiencing these symptoms now. Have been off of the prednisone for nearly a month. Did you improve? I am very scared. I’ve been off work for a week and a half. Bad headaches put me in the hospital last Mon-Wed. I feel very out of control right now.
l.f
I started a 20 mg twice daily 9 days ago after all test came back negative for a ongoing issue that started with a bout of diarrhea. doc said try pred for 10 days to see if it could poss. be something that is autoimmune. I seem to feel better somewhat internally but I do feel chest discomfort at times, I have to use my inhaler sometimes, I am nervous, jittery, can’t sleep and if I wake up during the night I can’t get back to sleep.
I don’t want to just stop taking it but he says its a low dose and I can just stop. I really didn’t start to feel any different until the 3rd time I took it. Maybe I was having some type of internal allergic reaction from overuse of nsaids (which when younger I had an reaction to.) I began taking them again 20+ yrs. later for a herniated disc dx in feb. 2012 and was taking them ridiculously. The pred seems to be a good med but I don’t like the way I feel.
I’m not necessarily any stronger or have that burst that people say they get. I feel ok and that’s it. I am scared to just stop and want him to taper, I already experience the headache, the dizziness, the sleeplessness, nervousness, and that odd feeling of what’s about to happen next (can’t really explain that one). my mom has lupus and has taken it and it worked miracles for her, she never had withdrawals and takes it whenever prescribed. I hope I don’t need this drug anymore and I hope this was a one time incident. Also done with the nsaids, never should have tried to take them again.
amy
You can ( and I do ) experience these horrific side effects even on 20 mg. I have taken steroids for years due to asthma and only take it as a last resort. But people need to know it does not matter how much you take, you still could have the effects. Prednisone messed up my thyroid and makes me a mental case. It is bad enough when you are ill to begin with, only to feel more isolated because of this medication. I have had too many doctors tell me I wont get the effects from 20 mg. I do and I have the insomnia, racy heart, red face, high blood pressure, achy joints and all the rest. I only take it as a last resort now.
The prednisone psychosis is awful to deal with. Just know, there are other people who DO know and understand what you are going through.
S.E.
I went to my dr because my hands swelled during the night to the point I can’t get my rings off and I have blisters above my wedding rings. Don’t know why. Dr. prescribed 60 mg of prednisone for 3 days then 40 for 3 days then 20 mg for 3 days. Exactly 20 min after my first dose of 60mg I started sweating profusely and throwing up. That was 7 hours ago and I’m still sick and sweaty and hearts racing. I feel panicky and pressure in my back and chest. After reading all the above comments I’m wondering if I was way over medicated with 60 mg?
Will I be okay waiting to call my dr until tomorrow morning? Could something serious happen or will I just feel miserable until it wears off? Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated! Please help!
gc
I am highly allergic to all these – poison ivy, oak and sumac even to the point I could get it in the wind if I was walking under large growths of it. As a kid I suffered terribly until I learned how to avoid contact and I would shower if I wasn’t sure. When I was twenty or so, (I am 56 now) I had a bad case of sumac between my fingers from petting my cat who had the oils on her fur after a romp in the woods.
I asked my doctor for something and he gave me a script for 3 pills of prednisone to be taken 1 each morning with food. I don’t remember the dosage, but after the first day it began to dry up and was nearly gone by the third day. It was so long ago, but I don’t remember any side effects. My question is: why do Doctors today prescribe such extended doses of these powerful drugs for contact dermatitis if a little goes a long way?
Yesterday, I was just given a weeks worth of 10mg prednisone, (to be weaned off by the 5th day) for a patch of sumac on my neck (again from my cat). As always, I go to the oracle (the Internet) for information because the dosage seemed like overkill. After reading testimonials all morning I am scared to take it. Sometimes I think Doctors go along with whatever the pharmaceutical companies tell them instead of using common sense. With all of the horrendous side effects and permanent damage they cause to unsuspecting patients, the drug companies and the doctors stand to make millions more treating the side effects. Needless to say, I will go back to calamine lotion for my sumac!
PADC
I, like many people who have commented on this topic, had a nightmarish experience with Prednisone about three years ago. I am not sure of the dosage I was given, but it was done so orally. My memory is a little foggy regarding the experience, but I will try to give specific examples of things that happened to me in hope of helping others contemplating taking the drug to possibly reconsider.
I remember having this kind of renegade, precarious, larger-than-life, feeling for the first 24 hours after dosage, which then degenerated heavily the next day. I became verbally abusive toward my girlfriend, smashed my new iPhone into a million pieces, ran out in front of traffic without a care, and even became violent towards my girlfriend, something I have never done, and hopefully will never do again. I ran around barefoot in my boxers in the snow for an hour, collapsed into tears several times in remorse for all I had done since the onset of the episode… In short, I wasn’t myself in the slightest. I had no concern for the legal or personal ramifications of my actions, and I consider those few days to be the worst of my life.
There was one positive effect of the experience (if it can be called positive), which was that my adverse reaction to Prednisone revealed my Bipolar II disorder, for which I am now seeing a psychiatrist and taking medication. I encourage anyone who has had a reaction similar to mine to seek professional advice to find out if the cause of the adverse reaction could be an underlying psychological condition.
I now take Lamotrigine 100mg/day, and it seems to do wonders for me. I have not had a major depressive episode, nor a manic one, since I started taking it 3 years ago. So, while the Predisone experience was horrifying, embarrassing, and regretful, there was a light at the end of the tunnel:)
cha_2384
My daughter taking prednisone for 3 weeks..after 10 days theres a lot of rashes to her forehead..and I’m very worried coz of her weight gain and moon face and after she already finish her prednisone she always had an headache …there’s no exact diagnosis about her, but why do doctor give prednisone?
BLM
I was given prednisone by needle along with benadryl in the ER after an allergic reaction. I’ve never taken it before and knew nothing about it. While there on the bed I thought I was going to die. I almost immediately felt my heart rate fly, I got extremely hot, my mouth got dry, I got dizzy, I felt like I was going to throw up, and my hands and feet were tingling. Well that went away eventually and all was fine after 30-60 minutes later. Two days later it all hit me hard. I had continuous tingling in my hands and feet and panic attacks off and on all day long and this lasted almost 10 days.
I had no idea what was going on. I thought something was severely wrong with me which doesn’t help when you’re already having panic attacks. One day while laying down, worrying about what could be going on, I had a “duh” moment, look into the prednisone side effects. Sure enough, it was the prednisone. After knowing that it helped me to relax and wait it out.
Still having chronic hives and angioedema 15 days later the doc wanted to put me on a 20 day prednisone taper. I said no way. Ten more days went by of terrible hives and I finally gave in. I went into the 20 day taper knowing what to expect and I think that helped me. I was able to manage the increased heart rate and everything else was easy. I slept great and got so much done each day, I haven’t had that much energy since I was a kid. Coming off the prednisone, I still had minor panic attacks and some tingling in my hands and feet. One thing I found is that alcohol was a big NO for me, not even one glass of wine.
Unfortunately, my hives are back and I’m no closer to knowing what is causing them. But, I guess my point is that maybe being mentally prepared for a drug like prednisone can help some people manage the side effects better. I’m sure this is not the case for everyone but it sure helped me.
Phyl
I have never had to take more than 15 mg. a day and that was short term and the beginning of a taper. I did not like the hot flashes and irritability for a few days but was grateful for the way it got my disease under control and let me live a normal life again.
For those of you struggling with the decision of whether to take it or not I sympathize. I have been there. Over and over. I have been taking between 3 and 5 mg. a day for about 7 years. I have tried to go below 3 mg and cannot do it without a miserable quality of life. I have an autoimmune disease and the awful fatigue and bleeding skin lesions and aches drive me back on it..
I have my blood monitored regularly and have had no problems at all with blood sugar or cholesterol levels. Both are excellent. I do eat a good diet but it is not without a beer or ice cream once in a while. I lost weight on 5 mg. rather than gained it. I think from a sped up metabolism, but my metabolism without it is pure slug.
Those of us with autoimmune diseases have to make some very hard choices. Sometimes it comes down to a quality of life decision. Without the 3 mg. of prednisone I do not want to even live. If you have a good doctor who monitors you carefully and if a low dose (5-ish) gives you your life back, you will hurt yourself more with constant anxiety about it than you will with the low dose.
I have learned to thank God for these 3 tiny pills of powerful stuff that have given me joy and life back and gotten me out of bed and out of the house. I have stopped years of agonizing about it. I wish you all well.
Ktmw
I was on high dose Prednisone (60mg) a day for 2 years, I have MS and also Sarcoidosis, i have now finally gotten down to 5mg a day and tapering by 1mg every three weeks,
while tapering I went into adrenal crisis three times, and ended up in the hospital, it has also caused brittle bones, I sneezed and broke my back, and it is has caused diabetes and now cataracts, in both my eyes,
As soon as I get off this drug, it is one I will never ever take again, I would rather die first the tapering is very painful every joint in my body hurts I feel like I have been hit by a truck, but I will get over it lol,
yes my sarcoidosis is flaring up again and it is not pleasant, but this time round I am going to live with the misery, prednisone can take a hike as far as I am concerned.
Bryan jr
Hey this is my third time on this drug taking 60 mgs a day for ten days then tapering down. I’m highly allergic to poison oak.
Patty
Minnesota
Bryan. I am down to 10 mg from 50. I want to be free of this drug that was given to me in high doses for what was believed to be gout. Wasn’t. I have had such painful wrist, ankle and knee pain. Plus muscle pain. This is horrible. Cannot be happier that I am retired and don’t have to go to a job. I wouldn’t be able to. I just pray that when I’m done my life can resume.
Jo
It started with a bad virus and because of Asthma The doctor put me on Prednisone. (I have have taken it before for three day’s but did not related it to any reactions I had as I was not told about any,just that I had to take 25mgs for three days.) This time around ‘BANG’ my whole body reacted so much I almost collapsed on the bus, scary to say the least (after no sleep for three day’s). The doctor said stop the prednosone and take Diasapam to help sleep. Two day’s later finally three hours sleep. NO MORE PREDNISONE for me thank you. As a person who is always active this has really put a stop to my life.
Nydia M.
I too was on 10 mg of prednisone for five days along with Biaxin for my sinus infection. I learned that Biaxin alters the dose of Prednisone. I don’t know what to think anymore. I feel horrible. The second day after I left it, I felt like a druggie going though withdrawals. Shaky, tingly, numb arms, legs, feet and hands. Dizziness, rapid heart rate, restlessness.
I am on day four without it but still feel dizzy and shaky just not myself!! I hate that drug, never again!!! I too would like to know how much longer I have to feel like this. I want myself back!
G.N.
You right. Prednisone is a blessing and a curse. I 1st took the steroids in the early 80’s for bronchitis and asthma. it did help but the side effects almost killed me.
When i was taking the high dosage it worked but by the time I tapered down to 40mg the so-called asthma would flare up and I was told to go back to taking 80mg again and start all over! This went on for years and the side effects took its toll.
When I started I was 175lbs at 5″11 very physically fit doing exercise and looking and feeling great. With the damn med, I ballooned to 350lbs!! Moon face, constantly hungry at all hours, tired and weak, my beautiful thick wavy hair started thinning and now I have fine hair but I least have hair, had rashes that were fungal in nature all over my arms and legs and buttocks pure pain ordeal, and the worst was the constant rapid heartbeat and sweating with cold chills, then all those sleepless nights!
I still am a Night Owl to this very day because of that! then all the mood changes! One moment happy as hell then the next angry destroying everything in sight! I one time destroyed my entire room! lol I literally thought I was crazy and nuts! One moment I thought I was Superman then next I was on the ground crying like a baby wanting to die because I felt I was the lowest of the lowest! I went from being a athletic and physically fit good-looking dancing machine to an overweight who could barely move super coach potato with multiple health problems!
Now I wonder was it ever worth it? yes and no. because I would have died back then and I would have never experienced the wonderful people and places and situations i have lived so far to this very day. I literately went cold turkey one day when I said I rather die then continue this vicious cycle. It almost killed me.
the withdrawal effects are worse then the side effects! It took 9 months of going thru hell, but I did it. i lost over 150lbs but all by throwing up and vomit and diarrhea because of the withdrawals.
Today I have kept the asthma under control to this very day with inhaled steroids like Advair. with very little or no side effects! The rashes and the mood swings the anger everything just went away! :) I got back somewhat to my exercise but never as intense as I was before. My hair never got back as thick as it was but at least I still have it even if its fine. :)
I’m sad to say that I just got back on prednisone recently because I developed Bell’s Palsy overnight out of nowhere! And the only thing the doctor I’m seeing now said is this steroid to speed up recovery and prevent permanent damage to my face. I’m very afraid I haven’t taken a oral steroid for more than 20yrs! but this facial paralysis is some scary stuff. My whole left side of my face is gone! Just like that! At first I thought I had a stroke! but this doctor ruled that out and he felt that an Anti-Viral would not be beneficial at all. I just took my 80mg to-nite and rite away I got some weird side-effects like my legs feeling like I ran a marathon! Now my arms are feeling like i did a thousand barbell curls! My heart is starting to beat really hard and somewhat hurts! And I just started! Just great, but I have no choice I gotta see this thru and recover as quickly as possible from this new dilemma afflicting me which very scary because even though there is high ratio of recovery there is still a small percentage that I will never recover and remain like this for the rest of whats left of my life.
For better or for worse , prednisone has really changed my life and made one interesting and challenging trip to hell and back. Prednisone is still the best anti-inflammatory out there. it can save your life or make it somewhat better but unfortunately it has it drawbacks and side effects. For some tolerable and for others more pain than it’s worse. So if you one of those lucky ones with not many side effects then more power to you but to the other unfortunates, you have to heavily weigh the consequences very thoroughly. Good luck to you all and God bless you all my fellow brother men and sister woman. May you see all your trails and tribulations taken care of and become healthy again.
EL
I was prescribed prednisone for Ulcerative Colitis (UC). It was a life saver in my case.
I’ve been taking it for a month and a half so far, started with 40mg/day and been reducing the dose by 5mg weekly, I will be off it in 2 weeks.
It relieved the UC in about 4 days, pretty amazing cause my internal hemorrhage was out of control (started the treatment hospitalized).
Side effects I’ve had so far: headache, dizziness, knees pain, blurry vision, my face swelled after 2 weeks, got acne in the 3rd week, gained weight (but this is not bad since I had lost weight because of the UC) mood changes (irritability and depression: absolutely odd on me, I am an extremely positive person, my relatives freaked out about this), high blood pressure, difficulty to control body temperature, also my whole digestive system doesn’t seem to be right, might be a consequence of the UC.
I personally consider these effects as a fair cost, given my previous condition. But I think any tip to cope with those is really helpful.
I will keep you posted on how it goes once I am off it.
Wish you all good luck dealing with prednisone.
Bests!
paul d.
all I’m gonna say is what the heck? I’m on my 2nd day and feel terrible. I have to take 8 a day for 7 days to help with my asthma and a mad chest infection. they really kill your personality and I really do feel so sick and have the maddest headache ever. they are really similar in effect to the anti phsycotic quitiapine which I was once on and had to stop. They are very very similar in effect not pleasant at all I’m glad I only have 7 days with these. on the bright side I feel very focused when doing things. feel really tired all the time though really draining all my energy.
F.C
Chelsea, are you taking your prednisone in the evening? If so change it to the morning with your breakfast. Prednisone gets you hyper with extra energy. By taking it in the morning your body has all day to burn that extra energy. It might help. I had no problems sleeping and was on prednisone for 25 days but always took it in the morning. And you are not crazy, unfortunately it is a side effect of the drug. Hang in there, you’ll get through it!
F.C.
Chelsea W.
I’ve been on prednisone for 2 days so far for strep throat, and I’m supposed to take it for 5 days. I have been awake for like 41 hours and still not sleeping at all. I’m starting to think I’m crazy….
CG
The last few prednisone testimonials parallel my sudden hearing-loss on June 11. After meeting with the ENT today, I became aware of what F.C. referred to as the 33-33-33 outcome (hearing returns – partial hearing with prednisone – or no response to the drug).
Its good to hear about your positive results most likely attributed to the prednisone treatment. Mine includes the prednisone taper over 12 days (10 mg 4Xday for 3 days; 10 mg 3Xday for 3 days; and 10 mg 2Xday for 3 days) plus the antiviral Valacyclovir (very expensive). I’m one of those “free-riders” with no insurance.
My medical profile can be overwhelming for an ENT with chronic sinus symptoms, not to mention the occupational hazards of substitute teaching. Both take a toll on the hearing to varying degrees. I’ll try to live with the side effects and give up glycemic ladden foods for the next 12 days. At least we can commiserate together. Sorry about all the suffering.
Donna H.
I went to my doctor back in Decenber of 2011 because I was having foot pain in my right heel. (could hardly walk) I was told I has RA and was put on prednisone. Long story short… I had heel spurs. I was given 40mg a day for over a month. Got the moon face, weight gain, etc. I took myself off, but was put back on a step down pack a few weeks later. I have been completely off for 2 months. I still feel terrible and I have terrible bruising on my arms from barely bumping anything. Even the shower will leave marks. I will get them cleared up only to look down and they will be back.
I still have pain from the heel spurs, but having to wear long sleeves to cover my arms is more depressing than the pain. I truly don’t know if I will ever feel the same again! I guess my doctor would have left me on 40mg a day for the rest of my life if I hadn’t stopped taking it! I had a prescription that said 20mg twice a day with 3 refills on it! Needless to say I never finished the fist bottle!
FC
I think the problem with your husbands’ reaction with the drug was because the moron of your family doctor didn’t inform him of the side effects of the drug especially if you do not tapper off the drug. I am the guy who lost his hearing on the left ear. I did decide to take the prednisone after much debate. I am still taking it, but I am on a tapered dose right now of 20mg. I will be finished July 3rd.
I had only one side effect and that was a higher than normal blood sugar. I lost 8lbs rather than gaining weight like most people do when on prednisone. I cut out most of the high glycemic carbs like my bread, pasta, potatoes etc., resulting in the weight loss. My sugar went as high as 180, but I have it under control. My advice to you Michelle, is fire your doctor and get a doctor who is competent. Your doctor is an idiot. Wish you all the best.
By the way the Prednisone, did help me get back about 35% of my hearing. I guess it was worth taking it.
FC
Michelle M.
My husband has had severe side effects from prednisone! He was prescribed for arthritis, Dr said nothing about staying out of sun, tapering or side effects. He took for 3 weeks & stopped. His arms started to swell & split open with severe itching, it looks like he has 3rd degree burns. I researched & found he possibly could have had a photoallergic drug reaction but our family Dr. put him back on it, he took for 1 week & the pain stopped but now has came back & the rash/swelling is spreading! He is in serious pain & can’t sleep. Don’t know what to do!???
F.C
on June 5th I went to bed feeling fine. On the next morning on waking to go to work I couldn’t hear from my left ear. I got scared and went to the Hospital to have it checked out. I was told that I had “Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss” (SSHL). This is the inflammation of the Auditory nerve because of a virus. This is a freaky thing that happens to 10 people out of 100,000.
I happen to be one of those not so lucky people. I never had hearing problems before. I was sent home from the hospital with the referral to see an ear, nose, throat specialist. He said that there is a good chance prednisone would reduce the inflamation and I may get the hearing back on my left ear. He prescribed 50mg of prednisone for me to take for 10 days and than reduce the dosage to 40,30, 20,10, and finally 5mg. He said that going off of it cold turkey is bad and I can not stop once I start. He said that your glands can not handle it.
But after reading the above testimonials I think I rather loose the hearing in my left ear than put up with these side effects, especially since I already have tendencies for diabetes. The chance of my ear getting better on its own is 33% and 33% with the drug. The other 33% never get the hearing back. I think that I am going to gamble here and take that chance.I am 50 years of age and in great shape.
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE:
Like all drugs prednisone has great benefits and risks. One must always be well informed and communicate candidly with your health care professional. Prednisone can make a huge difference for good, as long as it is treated with respect.
Several years ago Joe also developed sudden deafness in one ear and was diagnosed with SSHL. Like your otolaryngologist, his ear, nose and throat doctor prescribed a tapered dose of corticosteroid like prednisone. While Joe did develop some side effects he regained his hearing and feels blessed that the drug was helpful. We would encourage you to discuss this again with your doctor and reconsider your decision. It is entirely possible that prednisone could make a big difference.
Yes, it can cause side effects, but they can be managed. The drug is taken for a relatively short period of time. Deafness can be forever.
CW
I was on 40mg Prednisone for 7 days for Hives about 3 weeks ago. My itching was severe and caused my hands, feet, and eyes to swell. I still have very puffy eyes. I had side effects the first day. I could not sleep more than 3 hrs while taking them, except when I also took Benadryl for the itching. I also had headaches, not severe, but bothersome. I also started to develop moon face and gained several pounds on the 5th day. I have always had a small face and been Petite so it was easy to notice my face was getting bigger.
My neck and stomach was also starting to get bigger. Since I am.in my 40s and looked a lot younger for my age, this medicine caused me to look older. I didn’t have any energy. I was always tired. However, I worked everyday without any problems. The medicine didn’t bother me mentally, just physically. I will never, ever take this medicine again and regret taking it everyday. It made me feel a lot better the last day of taking the med. I no longer have severe itching, but I still feel the Hives in my body every now and then. So it did not kill the Hives completely. I still have weight to lose in my face, neck, and stomach.
If you are a vain person, I advise you to think long and hard about taking this medicine. It affects some people differently. But with moon face you will hardly recognize yourself. Again, I will never take Prednisone again. The side effects are horible. I still don’t feel 100 percent like myself. I am definitely stressed about my enormous puffy eyes and big face.
Paxrail
I had been dealing with severely inflamed sinuses for one month with no relief or only very short term relief from over the counter stuff. I was miserable – feeling like I had an endless viral infection and in a fair amount of sinus pain with 24 hour long screaming headaches. Furthermore, the tendonitis in my right shoulder and elbow from old injuries were giving me hell at the same time. I just HAD to get relief from the sinus misery so I went to a really good and thorough Ear/Nose/Throat doc. He gave me a great workup and pronounced my sinuses completely out of control and in need of strong anti-inflammatory treatment. He prescribed the Prednisone – 50 mgs a day for 4 days, 40 mgs a day for 4 days, 30 mgs/day for 4 days, 20 mgs/day for 4 days, 10 mgs /day for 4 days.
Now, before I started this drug, I was mentally doing fine. Happy, having a nice time catching up on the garden and the house and snorkeling Lake Superior. IMMEDIATELY upon starting this drug I sank into a serious mood change and depression. Like, overnight. Couldn’t sleep well the first night but now I sleep fine because I am now very tired all the time. I am clinically hyperactive anyway and take Adderall for that and also take Lexapro for my anxiety disorder so I can’t tell any difference there, whether the Pred is jacking me up in those areas or not except now I have this constant fatigue and sense of deep despair and hopelessness. The depression came on fast and deep and persists and I have only taken the third day of treatment!
The really great thing, however, is that I have experienced stunning relief from the sinus misery, complete freedom from the headaches, am feeling physically much better, and the drug has totally extinguished the flames in my elbow and shoulder! I felt the difference after only one day! Geez!
Laurie
I just started Prednisone, I have to take 5, 10mg pills for 2 days, then 4 for 2 days, 3 for 2 days, 2 for 2 days, then 1 for 2 days… I have had swollen sinuses and the tubes in my ears are swollen, for almost 6 weeks. Had an allergy test done, no allergies, I cant take the blocked ears anymore so this was my last resort… Day 1, the only issue I have is i feel like my heart is beating fast I did check it and it was 80bpm which for me isn’t really out of the norm usually between 68-75ish but I can def feel it more..
I am hoping the rest of these days go better… on the plus side my nose is not as stuffy and my hearing is just a little bit better…
Medical blogger
One of the disasters that can happen from prednisone use is acute adrenal insufficiency, or adrenal crisis. Fortunately this is not a concern with short term use of prednisone and so a prednisone taper is not needed with 1-2 week courses, but for long courses of therapy a slow taper is needed to prevent serious or even life threatening adrenal insufficiency.
bak
I guess prednisone is both a blessing and a nightmare. It helps, and it makes worse. I’ve been on it for 4 days and I have 8 more to go. Every little thing makes me so paranoid. I go into crying spells. I feel like I’m dying… I’m just absolutely depressed. I was kind of this way before, but the medication has definitely amplified the feeling.
I was also not warned about the side effects of prednisone. I just really hope when the medication finally reaches an end, I’ll be much better, but I have a feeling I won’t.
rosi
I have been on prednisone for a month already due to rheumatoid arthritis. I started feeling better when it came to pain but i was Cleaning all the time none stop. It made me more active but it also made me gain weight. I gained 10#s in a month, I am also diabetic and it would mess with my blood sugar. Soon after starting prednisone, I started feeling anxious and would have mood swings. I was already being treated for anxiety but now I get more panic attacks every day. I started lowering my dosage and now I feel pain. Using prednisone is a blessing to help with my swelling but it gives me severe headaches, anxiety, mood swings, weight gain, messes with my sugar. I’m trying to get off them.
dan
taking 20mgs a day hard to sleep but my back pain went from a 10 which was crying in pain to a 2 or 3 witch is tolerable has helped so much.
AMS
Patty – hang in there, I was on 40 mg for 7 days and it took about three weeks for me to finally feel better. Give it another two weeks. I know how you feel, I was starting to think I was never going to be me again. Then one day, I just felt like I was back. I’m sure of your situation, but I hadn’t had any coffee since I wasn’t in my regular routine and one day I woke up and had the desire for coffee.
Since that day I have felt better – not sure if I wanted the coffee because I felt better, or if having the coffee somehow helped. It might sound silly and it was probably just a coincidence but I know I was desperate to try anything so I am sharing everything I did. I still have some weird joint pains once in a while – but not sure if they are related. My mental health is back to normal though. Take it easy and try not to stress and think more about it. also, drink A LOT of water – obvious I know, but I really had to force myself to drink half a gallon a day.
Bob K
Patty:
It sounds odd that you went from 20 mg every day for a week to nothing. Normally you need to take progressively lower doeses of prednisone before you go off of it completely. That may be the reason you body is feeling lousy or it could be from your original problem.
Years ago I was put on the prednisone pack which lowers the dosage over time. After feeling good for a couple of days I skipped the last several pills which I found out later is something you don’t want to do. I had funny reactions for doing this for months afterwards. Nothing serious but it did affect me but nothing like what you described. My wife had sleepness nights when on prednisone and the doctor said that she may do some odd things that she normally wouldn’t do. He was right. One she got up and tore down the wall paper in our bathroom:):) We still get a laugh over this one.
Patty
I was prescribed predisone for two weeks. 40 mg for one week and 20 mg for the second week. I still feel lousy after three weeks being off it. Was prescribed for swollen tongue which did not take down the swelling and wonder if the tiredness and just plain feel lousy is a result of getting off the predisone or what was bothering me in the first place.
I have read on other posts that it can take up to 8 weeks for your body to regulate. I did have the swollen face and sleepless nights and feel different than I have felt before however I guess after three weeks I do not feel as bad but still feel somewhat not the way I used to feel. So it would be nice if people would post more often after so many weeks or days off predisone. It would help us figure out approximately how long it would take for our bodies to return to a normal state. I have three weeks I am hoping after 8 weeks I will be totally feel better. thanks.
AMS
I was on 20mg twice a day of prednisone for a sinus infection. Had I known anything about this horrible drug I would have never taken the meds and let my sinus infection clear up on its own or fester into bronchitis – that would have been better than these side effects.
I was not told to taper the dose, so I took as prescribed 20mg twice daily for 7 days. The day after stopping my whole body hurt to the touch, as if I was black and blue all over. I was swollen, red and had a lump on my neck, not to mention being very disoriented. I went back to dr, and he insisted this had nothing to do with the drug. What a quack.
I checked myself into the ER where they put an IV drip with benadryl and the like. I was discharged that day. No change. Next day, didnt hurt to the touch anymore. New effect – rash from head to toe and severe indigestion. Following day, rash subsiding, indigestion getting better. Still feeling a bit loopy, but I am told by next week I should be back to myself again.
I am warning everyone i know not to ever take a steroid unless your life is in danger. iIt is a very scary feeling – all for a sinus infection.
Ely
CPMT,
my allergies aren’t serious, I just was hoarseness and my chest was a little bit tight. I could take any over the counter medicine. I do not have any medical history of allergies. That is the reason I cannot understand why the Dr. prescribed me prednisone.
Today I complete 8 days feeling heart problems. I had to go back to the Dr office and after she gave a EKG, the results shows something wrong in my heart. I have to go now to see a Cardiologist. Hopefully, my heart is ok, and as soon the prednisone leaves my body, I will be fine.
cpmt
ah, There are some home remedies and other ways to help you with allergies. Did you try ACUPUNCTURE? depending what kind of allergy… sometimes this alternative medicine or naturopath or.. etc.. can help.
cpmt
I had similar reaction and similar story. I changed my Dr. immediately. She put me in a very dangerous situation (in my case) Sorry, but Some Dr.’s… should not be treating people or animals. My blood sugar rose to 450 and 500, and when I called her, she didn’t care and she didn’t do anything about it.
I was in bed for several days without knowing what to do. I couldn’t drive or anything. If that happen again I will call an ambulance.
Ely
I’m having Prednisone side effects for about 3 days. My doctor prescribed me last Thursday. She prescribed 20mg twice daily for five days. I was sleepless for three days in row. The day number 4 after I have a short nap. I awake feeling so nervous, crying, my hands was shaking, and my heart was beating so hard. I also felt that my heart was bigger. There were a very awful feelings. Dr. told me I will feel that way for about nine days. She didn’t show any care about me. She also said I can go back to work (and drive long way) the next day. But the way I was and I am feeling I’m not daring to drive even one block.
I do not understand why she prescribed that medicine, without any warning, for a small allergy I had. I mean the medicine was worse than my illness.
Anyone has an idea about how long I’ll be feeling the side effects? or I’ll be that way lifetime?
Thank you
SKF
SKF-
How are you doing now? I too ad the same exact effects when I took it on Jul 1,2011 and am still suffering from major anxiety. I am really scared and I don’t know what to do.
Vicki
I sympathize with all the people who have had a bad experience with prednisone. But I’m just the opposite. I have been on prednisone now for 35 years. I had a kidney transplant when I was 21. To me it’s been a miracle drug. Yes in the beginning when I was on a higher dose I had the moon face big appetite and mood swings. Over the last 35 years I have gotten colds less then anyone else around me. Flu’s even less.
No serious infections that the normal dose of antibiotics didn’t cure. I have had 2 sons one which was the year after the transplant, both have produced children 5 in total. So much for making you sterile. I do have my bones hurt at times but I’m not sure if its old age or the medicine.
I do know my bone scans have all come back normal. I have been for the past 25 years and have never called out sick. My primary care doctor told me he didn’t even know if I still needed to take either of my medicines (the other imuran). So the past couple of months I really cut back on the dosage. Since then my skin been itching almost like poison oak. After reading these articles I think after 35 years its not good to stop the medicine so I’ll go back to my normal dosage 10mg every other day.
BobK
CPMT: Yes we tried all of the natural products first but that didn’t seem to help. Even some of the initial prescription drugs did not control the UC problem sufficiently so different levels of medication was tried. Unfortunately each level affected the immune system more which resulted in the shingles to occur. It’s been a long road that my wife has traveled and while she is on minimal meds for UC the shingles is still present and very painful.
Like UC we have tried many natural products but to no avail. The pain from shingles has subsided somewhat from what it was in the beginning but is nowhere from going away. Thanks for your input.
cpmt
TO BK. your wife, may be should try natural ways to treat u.c. like coconut or… (check this website)
Clarice
I have MS and receive infusions of a form of prednisone every couple of months and for 5 days after the infusions I need to take a taper of 60 mg each day. This causes extreme acid reflux which I have already. I take Protonix regularly and on the days that I am taking the taper I take an additional 300 mg 2 times a day of a different acid blocker (can not remember the name at the moment) and I still suffer. Any suggestions?
SKF
Hypertensive, agoraphobia, panic attacks, light headed, confusion, weakness, intolerance to heat, IBS, shaky: all started the day I stopped the drug. It has been 7 days, not much improvement. Hospitalized for 3 days. I pray I do not EVER have to take Prednisone again… EVER. Hoping I get passed this. Quality of life stinks. I took 30mg 1 day 20mg 2 days and 1 mg 2 days. Absolutely HATE this.
jawbone
I’ve been prescribed for a bad case of poison ivy. It worked wonders — and I got a great bonus in feeling remarkably energetic. Got loads of gardening done before I went to work, since I couldn’t sleep.
I actually loved it, but, yes, that lack of sleep did lead to a crash, especially as the prednisone was tapered off.
But I do remember that it took care of the terrible itching AND gave me a wonderful round of high energy.
Susan
For decades I got four or five sinus infections a year. I did three things and now I NEVER get sinus infections. 1) Daily rinse-out of sinuses using a product called Sinus Rinse by NeilMed. Quick and easy. 2) Put filters on all the a/c – heating units in my apartment. (I use 3M) 3) Put a Venta-Washer (humidifier/aircleaner) in every room of my apartment. This both cleans the air and adds moisture to it. Now I never get sick. It’s great.
Susan
I was diagnosed with PMR 8 years ago. The last four years I was on prednisone 5mg and under, but then pain would return. Now my sed rate is normal, but I have chronic upper arm pain. What now?
EW
I also have polymalgia (PMR). I have had it two years. I started taking 15 mg of Prednisone. Now I am taking 5 mg for about six months. I thought I was over the PMR and slowly tried to take 2 1/2 mg with my doctor’s permission. I began to to have pain again in my shoulders and hip area.
I went back to 5 mg. I would like to try to decrease the dosage again because of the side effects of the drug. The doctor said I am on such a low dose, not to worry. I agree it has has offered wonderful relief from the pain.
R.F
I have polymalgia, a painful form of arthritis. Also ulcers on my ankles from the polymalgia. Prednisone erased the pain, and is healing the ulcers. I am closely monitored by my doctors, and have blood work done monthly. Prednisone has been a miracle for me.
BK
My wife was prescribed prednisone for her ulcerative colitis. Unfortunately she had to be on prednisone for an extended period of time in order to properly treat the UC. Yes she did some things that she would not normally do when on this medication. However, the real down side was that she eventually contracted shingles which another gastro doctor said was probably a result of the prednisone lowering her immune system and thereby allowing the dormant chicken pox virus to become active.
She is now in her seventh month of pain from shingles. I only wished her original gastro doctor would have warned her of this possibility as she would have never gone on prednisone knowing that contracting shingles was a possibility. Her life has been one of 24 hour pain and the use of several pain medications. So far there is no end in sight.
carole
For me, I’m grateful that prednisone exists. Over the past three years I have taken various strengths of the medication for different conditions. I was closely monitored by my primary care physician and my rheumatologist. Blood work was done regularly. For some of us, prednisone is a God send.
cpmty
I also had a very bad reaction to Prednisone, not only that but Prednisone increases blood sugar if you are diabetic, mine went up to 450!!! The bad thing was that the Dr. didn’t care when I called her, and didn’t do anything (I never came back to her)
BLF
I was given prednisone for severe bronchitis and I will never take it again. I was wide awake for 3 days and took three twenty minute naps in them 3 days. I was highly agitated, very fidgety, irritated etc. I was washing windows at 2:30 in the morning (the outside windows). I could not sit still, needed to be doing something all the time. My daughter is the same way when she was given it too. It’s an awful drug but some people need it. I’ve told my Dr. never to prescribe it ever again because I will not take it.
AC
Years ago I was given prednisone (I don’t know the dosage) in the emergency room for a severe anaphylactic reaction that affected my ability to breathe and caused massive hives. Although the treatment may have been necessary, I too had a severe psychotic reaction and when I finally went to my own doctor and had blood tests, my blood chemistry was all over the map. I had to continue the tapered dose till I was done but I wish someone had warned me of possible side effects so at least I wouldn’t think I was totally crazy.
I questioned my ability to drive, slept constantly, and was quite volatile. I had to take a day off from work. Knowledge is power, people should be warned about possible side effects so they have the information should side effects occur.
Susan
For many years I had recurring sinus infections, then I had children and quit working and my infections disappeared. At the time, smoking was still allowed at the workplace and I realized that it was the bad air in the offices making me ill or that I’m allergic to cigarette smoke. I would recommend having allergy tests. Good luck.
cpmty
Are you taking any medication and this is a side effect? Or you must be allergic or possible you are sensitive to something or some food. Check out.