Side Effects After STOPPING Prednisone? Please Help!
Posted over a year ago
Hello, I had a severe allergic reaction two weeks ago to an unknown substance, and they gave me prednisone thru IV at the ER. Then they sent me home with a 15 day taper of tablets...60mg for 5 days, 40mg for 5 days, and finally 20 mg for 5 days. They ... more »
Hello,
I had a severe allergic reaction two weeks ago to an unknown substance, and they gave me prednisone thru IV at the ER. Then they sent me home with a 15 day taper of tablets...60mg for 5 days, 40mg for 5 days, and finally 20 mg for 5 days. They did not tell me ANYTHING about this drug, and had I known the awful way it would make me feel, I would have refused it. Throughout the time I was taking the pills, I had terrible anxiety (which, I usually have anxiety, but nothing as intense as this), crying spells, heart palpitations, trouble breathing, you name it! I spoke to my doc and some pharmacists who told me that these were all side effects of the prednisone and should subside once the drug is out of my system. Well, I took my last 20mg Friday morning (Aug 1), and have not felt much better since then. Sat and Sunday I just felt like I had the flu or something...I just wanted to sleep and I felt kind of nauseated and headachey. Luckily, though, the heart palpitations let up, so that was nice. Today, however, my anxiety is just out the roof! I don't feel tired like I did, but instead I feel almost too revved up---like my adrenal glands are overcompensating or something.
So...for those of you who have come off prednisone, can you please tell me about your experiences after finishing the medication. How long did it take you to feel "normal" again? I know that the drug is probably out of my system at this point, but I just want to stop feeling all these symptoms. I need success stories...please
Thanks so much!
Otterpond7 - I guess this isn't exactly a "success" story yet, but I appear to be coming through this stuff ok. Here's what happened with me:
I have a long history of ear infections. I had two ear surgeries this year, April 29 and July 23. Both times I was prescribed prednisone, I think because of having had lots of infections, my doctor wanted to be sure I would heal well.
Anyway I finished 12 days prednisone on August 3, so this is the 5th day I'm off it. I had 60 mg for 3 days, 40 mg for 3 days, 20 mg for 2 days and then 10 mg for 4 days. I'm wondering the same as you, when does this stuff completely leave your system?
The first three days off prednisone, my legs were extremely wobbly, I had to hold on to things as I walked around. They would just buckle as I walked. Thank God, that stopped after three days. You're always wondering, is this permanent?
Then yesterday, I had a very bad headache ( I never get headaches). So bad I couldn't move. I didn't associate it with the prednisone (having been off it for three days already), but now I know that's what caused it.
So I took ibuprofen and after an hour and a half, finally the headache subsided. Then the shakes started. I was shaking uncontrollably and felt very cold. This went on for about another hour and a half. Finally it stopped too. At the end of it I started breathing really heavily, like I had to breathe hard with my whole body. My heart was racing like I'd just run a marathon.
Before the headache I had a lot of sugar, we just had two birthdays in the family & I had a piece of cake plus some candied ginger (which I adore). I think the sugar triggered this reaction, where normally it wouldn't. I know sugar isn't good for me anyway ;) But with prednisone still in my system & my body still adjusting, I think that's what sent me into hyperdrive.
Maybe it just drove my blood sugar up so fast, together with the prednisone still residual in my system..I don't know a lot about this stuff, it's so tricky. Anyway I'm now avoiding sugar like the plague & I think that will help me through this adjustment period. I hope this helps you and anyone else who's just ended prednisone.
Heidi215 - Hi,
I had an allergic reaction to Bactrim; hours after the second dose. My Dad ended up having to take me to the ER. My heart rate was 185 and rising, and I swore my heart was going to jump out of my chest. My gums and teeth felt like they were on fire. They are still sensitive after a week. I was sent home with prednisone and benadryl.
I already have agoraphobia with panic disorder, but the anxiety I felt was really unreal. It has been 2 days now without the prednisone, and my arms and legs are shaky, and I feel nauseated. I am hoping this ends soon, but I also have a nasty headache in the sinus region. It just will not let up. I have been experiencing chills, and flu-like symptoms. My Mom thinks that it is all in my head. To the point that she called the doctor, and he prescribed me an SSRI. I am 28 years old, and know my body. I know I do not feel right. When will I feel half-way normal again?
Kookyline69 - HI, there...I just stopped taking it myself (for its anti-inflammatory uses) and was on a 6 day supply...It generally takes 60 hours after the last tablet to come out of your system, or almost up to 3 days...I agree, the side effects are maddening and you feel paranoid, achy, anxious, and restless.
- CK
Rgarcia - I was given prednisone 40 mg. for an allergic reaction, i only took it for 4 days, would it be safe to stop taking it?
Anonymous - Well, this is going to be a long reply. I know it's been several months since the previous post here but if I can help one other person to realize that they are not alone - that they are not going nuts or just totally crazy then it will be worth it to take the time to post.
I went to the ER about 6 weeks ago with contact dermatitis and vasculitis (I learned at the ER) and was given a Cortisone shot and 63 Prednisone pills. That was the beginning of my descent into hell. I thought I was going to die after a few days on 60 mg but it was a "high" which I thought I could live with. After reducing to 50 mg and then 40 and 30 for three days each, I then "wanted" to die.
It was really bad on the high dose but nothing compared to beginning the taper. If it hadn't been for the internet searches I did I imagine I would have been back at the ER or the doc's office and would have been prescribed more Prednisone since the stuff didn't clear up the rash in the first place.
If you look up every adverse side effect a person can experience from taking Prednisone and just about double the damage, then you will know a little bit about how I felt on Prednisone and from the lingering after effects of it.
I wish I could accurately convey how long and hard I've had to work to deal with the side effects and how totally hopeless and helpless and out of control I felt and still feel some days to a great degree.
Someone above mentioned sugar and I've found that sugar makes me terribly hyper ever since I started Prednisone and that my blood sugar also drops drastically between meals. I get weak and nearly sick if I don't eat as soon as that feeling starts. My blood sugar was always fine before starting the Prednisone and I only hope it goes back to normal once these prolonged adverse side effects stop.
My vision got really bad on Prednisone and my weight increased even though my appetite went from eating like a normal person to eating like a little pig on the Prednisone and then finally not having much appetite or taste for food after coming off of it.
I admit that I'm a little sensitive to the side effects of medications but this is ridiculous. If I had known what this stuff could and would do to me or was capable of doing to anyone I would never have taken it. To make matters worse, I still have the rash which was from Rose Hips in a bathing salts I bought at a spa.
I'd be interested in hearing how long your side effects lasted. I've been off of it for about 3 weeks and am some better but if I had not known what my body and my brain were going through I would have admitted myself voluntarily to the funny farm.
The diarrhea is starting to let up some.The about-to-burst feeling and the anxiety and depression are some better. The extremely rapid pulse and heart rate have slowed down some and the nausea is a little better. The constant pressure like someone is sitting on my chest let up some this past weekend and the sinus pressure headache is not as bad in the early morning as it has been for the last several weeks on Prednisone and tapering off of it. I spent weeks just lying in bed awake listening to my own heart beat and feeling as if I were going totally insane.
Please, if you read this, do NOT depend on the advice of people who tell you it SHOULD be out of your system in a week or so after you stop it. It just does NOT work that way for way too many people. My life and well being have been impacted negatively by this drug which did nothing to help the problem for which it was given to me and I have no idea if the side effects will ever totally reverse themselves. One of my main concerns is my blood sugar which heretofore had been perfectly normal for over 40 years.
I will never take Prednisone again. Never for any reason unless my life is on the line. I wish you well.
Eyetwoeye - Hi
I suffer from Non Hodgkins Lymphoma and am currently on the chemo CHOP, the P stands for Prednisolona, 80mgs per day for five days in my case. Then I stop for two weeks and repeat the treatment. I'm onto the third cycle of treatment and I am having major problems when I stop the steroid. The day after stopping my temperature rises to around 37.7C I feel like I have been beaten all over with a baseball bat. The first two days I have severe attacks of shivering and totally lose my appetite. I feel like death. This lasts for around five days and then things return to normal. I have spoke to my Doctors but they are of the opinion that it's just an infection and can't be the steroid as I only take it for five days. I know my body and I'm sure they are mistaken.
Emhoosier - "descent into hell" is a good way to describe it. THANK GOD i just found this blog because I seriously feel like i'm going insane. I had an allergic rxn about a month ago and was pumped full of prednisone. The last dose I took was just under a month ago, and I didn't make the connection to the prednisone until i found this. I experienced numbness/tingling sensations in my chest/neck. I also felt like i couldnt breathe (and after an ER visit they assured me I could). I experienced chills but didn't have a fever, nausea, diahrrea, and the latest symptom is a change in my vision/perception (feels kind of like im high all the time, like an outer body experience) and headaches. The last straw was the panic attack I had a couple days ago where i felt like i was going to pass out and die at a restaurant and had to be rushed to a hospital. My parents took me out of college to come home for a week for a complete medical work up because I thought I was going insane. After seeing a neurologist, an eye doctor, an internist and an anxiety doctor, they have all concluded that it is the lasting effects of the prednisone and that it basically just reeked havoc on my nervous system. anyway, i hope nobody ever has to experience what i'm going through, and if you are , know that you are not alone and you are not going insane. I will never take this drug again unless i am literally about to die. hope this helps!
Samie123 - Hi
Thanks for this blog,also thought I was going to have a heart attack,I have shingles,3 weeks now,ended up with a 7 day migrine,so they gave me morphine and a whloe lot of other drugs to stop the migrine and vomiting,then put me on 73 pills of predisome.
I have now stopped predisome for 4 days now..
The fun begins,my left arm and left leg is so sore,my lower back is in pain,also my shingles go from my stomach around my higher back,it follows the nerve.
It feels like I am on fire,it burns,hopfully soon the pain goes away.
I have had Bells palsy twice and shingles also twice,this is the worst shingles I have had,all this in the last 7 years..
I hope that I also helped someone.
Thank You for all the blogs,now I know I am not about to have a heart attack,only side effects after the fact...
Sphlouge - I too have had all the effects of the above stories. I took predisome a few years back for ITP.. Turned me into a raging lunatic. Everything tasted like metal. Took weeks before I returned to normal. I am now just coming off of it again for poison oak. Same effects, same effects after stopping . Doc said it was a low dose , not to worry. Total bullshit!! I have flu like symptoms , ache like a truck ran me over. Gums are infected and It did absolutely nothing for the poison oak. NEVER, NEVER again.. I wold rather drink lighter fluid than ever take this poison again.........
Pattybu - My doc described Prednisone to me as "like drinking poison" and he did not want to put me on another round of it, but my skin infection was so bad. However, I would NEVER go on this drug again -- my face blew up like the moon, I gained weight, I felt awful and now I have constant numbness in tingling in my hands EVERY morning upon awakening. I have been off the stuff for almost two months. I have been told it sometimes take MONTHS for the effects to wear off.
Mammablog - I am so glad I found this blog. I was given prednisone in Feb for vertigo and sinus issues. I questioned the dose but was assured this was correct and she gives this dose to twelve year olds. I was hyper, tense and had anxiety but figured this would subside as I dosed down. Well, the shakes got worse, and I could hear my heart beating all day. I couldn't sleep at night and finally started getting flu like symptoms and chest pain. I called the Dr. office and was told to keep taking it. I took one more dose and ended up in the ER that night. They found several electrolyte imbalances and kept me overnight to monitor my heart. They had me stop taking it but warned me that it would take at least a week to get out of my system. Well, it is now June and I'm still having mood swings, anxiety, weight gain and depression. All of this started with the prednisone! I don't know how long it will last but I hope it passes soon. I'm not sure how much longer I can continue to function feeling like this every day. I hate the idea of taking more meds to fix a problem that was caused by meds.
Kejenkins13 - Thank goodness I found this blog too! I was diagnosed with bells Palsy on about two weeks ago. They gave me 800mg of Acyclovir 5 times a day for 7 days and 20mg of Prednisone 3 times a day for 5 days. The Prednisone has me feeling like a nutcase. I literally did NOT want to get out of bed and thought "this was it". I'm a mother of two little ones 5 and 2. Even the short amount of days they had me on left me feeling weak, hungry, depressed, sad, shakey, and a horrible pain over my kidneys. Throughout that time I could not sleep and felt almost wired and high after taking it. Now again, it may have been the combination of the two drugs. My Bells Palsy is better now, but 3 days after the last dose of Prednisone has me feeling light-headed, groggy and with extreme muscle weakness. Any help as to when I will feel better and has anyone else felt this way on the dose I was on. Thanks- Kristen CA
Ivy60 - I was put on Prednisone for 2 weeks for a severe case of poison ivy. It was prescribed by a walk-in clinic; 4 days on 60 mg, 2 on 50 mg, 2 on 40 mg, 2 on 30 mg, 2 on 20 mg and finally 2 on 10 mg. I finished taking the last dose 2 days ago. While on it my biggest complaint was insomnia and a little bit of the "moon face". I am actually having more problems now which is how I stumbled across this site. Constant low, sinus pressure type headaches, mid-back pain, dizziness today, and really weird muscles contractions around the esophagus for the past two nights while trying to sleep. Thought I was getting sick with something else before I read this blog, now I realize I am going through "withdrawal". Noticed that sugar definitely increases these feelings. I saw my regular physician who said the dose I was put on was a horse dose and she wouldn't have put me on more than 20 mg so I guess I have a lot to get out of my system since I'm not a very large person. On the plus side, it did help tremendously with the poison ivy. On the down side, I hate the way I feel now. I won't even take ibupofen now for the other aches and pains until this stuff is totally out of me. Since it is also an anti-inflammatory I don't want to continue with rebound problems. Better to just wait it out. Funny thing is, I had said I would never give this drug to my cat again after seeing how it affected him yet I go ahead and take it for myself! Live and learn the hard way I guess. Only take this if you REALLY need it; ask for alternative drugs and get FULL disclosure on all side effects during, and after taking it.
Snugglyprincess - Thank God for this site!!!! I thought I was going insane and getting sick all over again. Thank God I did not run back to the doctor they might have gave me more? I was working in my garden and broke out a a bad rash. When I went to the doctor he prescribed me prednisone but I didnt take it because my sister has lupus and I heard some horror stories. A couple of days later I went back to the doctor because my ear was hurting and they gave me augmentin? I had an allergic reaction to augmentin? in July 2010. I had three pills left and broke out in hive all over my body - palms of hands and feet included - THE RASH FROM HELL - Dont forget about my other rash from the garden - I went to the ER, and they gave me an IV of prednisone, and benadryl. Ok, it worked in the ER but I was so tired because I havent slept in over a month i thought I would literally go insane. I really did not pay attention to the dosage of the meds. I took the prednisone wrong it was 4mg of 6, then 5, 4, 3, 2, then 1. Needless to say that didnt work so I went to my regular doctor and he gave me 20mg two times a day for four day and then one time a day for four days. When I first finished the meds I felt great for two days. I was cooking, and cleaning - I just felt regular. But on the third day I woke up with a throbbing headache over my left ear - my ear drum was ruptured then repaired and this is why I thought it was in this location, so of course I took some motrin. Then I ate spagetti with garlic bad idea because i sweated so much that I had to change sheets and clothes. I also needed socks on my feet and I put my portable heater in my room. Now it is five days after the prednisone and i still have a slight headache but will not take anymore motrin because I thought I saw blood in my stools. I am still sweating and my heart beat went down. I was frightened because it was 140 now its around 115 and that is still to high for me. This scared me I thought I was going to die and all I could think about was who will care for my daughter. I have also tried to flush this out of my system by eating raw fruit first thing in the morning, drinking kefer to put my GI back on track and tea. After reading this I will not use anymore sugar, thanks for that one. For lunch I will have a huge salad, and a very healthy dinner. Since I thought I was getting sick again i made a huge pot of homemade chicken noodle soup. Im so sick of this that first thing in the morning im doing a blood detox. I haven't found any information on the internet if this is bad or not. I have taken more pills in the last two months than I ever have in my life. I will not even take things for cramps. I am a natural remedy person but when you itch like that you want to committ suicide. I considered it twice....
Javiermanuelmartinez - I was prescribed prednisone after I went to an urgent care clinic for bronchitis. I was on an 8 day taper (60mg day 1, 40 mg day 2, 30mg x2days, 20mg x2 days, 10mg x2days) and took my last pill 8 days ago last friday evening. After reading through alot of the responses here it is clear I'm not alone in my wretched experience with this awful drug. Basically once I started tapering down to 20mg per day I started having a terrible time sleeping and developed a wicked case of insomnia that has completely wrecked my peace of mind, caused me heavy fatigue throughout the day, and made me depressed because I don't know what is going on with my body. I went to see my primary care doctor this past monday and after listening to my drowsy rants and taking a few vital signs is convinced it is the aftereffects of the prednisone. The doctor told me that prednisone is extremely powerful stuff (I didn't really know much about it before this experience) and that even though I didn't take that much for that long it can have quite the effect on any given individuals body. It has been 6 days since that meeting and luckily I've been able to get a bit more sleep the past 2 nights. I'm still a bit anxious and not completely sure about my body as of yet. Other crappy side effects I've experienced include an increase in urination, mood swings, general anxiety and depression, among others. I have a physical exam in a week which is nice because I like my doctor and it will be reassuring to find out whats really going on in my body at that point. My experience with prednisone wrecked my self-confidence about my body, mind, and health, and I'm still in the process of building back up even a week after taking it.
Hopefully everybody whose posted about their experiences and problems here has or will eventually find a solution to their situation. I feel your pain, believe me. Good luck everyone :)
Christy002 - I have been on prednisone for 7 months due to drug induced lupus caused by the ance medication 'solodyn'. I have been off pred for 3 weeks but the withdrawal symptoms seem to be still occuring and are almost as bad as the lupus itself. My face is broken out so bad and it hurts. My dermatologist said it was prednisone induced acne due the large amount of this drug that is in my system. Can anyone tell me how long it will take for my skin to clear??
Hocico - Ive just left hospital after a 14 day stay , the doctors gave me 8 prednisolone tablets a day and I barely got 2 hours sleep a day , my hands wouldnt stop shaking and I had this constant throbbing pain in my neck when I layed down , and when I closed my eyes I could see all these swirling shapes. Now Ive been released and they have reduced the dose to 4 tablets but I cant sleep at all, I have the throbbing pain at the back of my neck still and my eyelids wont close when I try to close them so I cant sleep. It really feels like my head is going to explode at the moment
Basketcase - Someone please help me! I was given IV steroids at the hospital and icouldnt afford to get the prescription filled so i had to quit cold turkey after one dose. I feel very sickand very anxious. im scared to death my chest hurts and my arms are shaking. am i going to die after just one shot of steroid and the quitting? Im really scared =[
Anonymous - I feel very blessed that I stopped the prednisone after just one dose! I'm four days in and I still have some anxiety but its starting to lessen up. Thankfully I started Lexapro again the same day so it should help with any lasting symptoms and my dr gave me xanax because she said the prednisone might make me jittery. I have a history of an anxiety disorder and fought hard to overcome it years ago and hated the idea of this drug undoing all my hard work! I feel very blessed that I stopped after one dose and found a psychologist that understands the side effects of this drug. I'm sure I will return to normal in another few days but my heart goes out to all of you that have been on this drug for months and have experienced such horrid symptoms for weeks! People ask me why I went into Holistic Nutrition and I just want to steer them to this board. As a holistic nutritionist I educate my clients about herbs and diet theories and let them decide. I wish drs would spend a minute educating their patients about medicine options. Had I know half the stuff I know know about prednisone I would never had even taken that one dose!
Skfulmer - Wow.. It is not just me. I took prednisone for 4 days and felt very confused, rushed, lethargic, and grouchy. I called the pharmacist last Saturday and asked how long would I take to feel normal..he said three days. I was in an ambulance with BP 184/121 on Sunday. After being in the cardiac unit for 3 days with all scans and tests negative, I am still feeling faint, panicky, and inside shaky. I have had a fever for 6 days and cannot even clean house, tolerate the outdoors, or have a conversation with my family. I think my endocrine system is totally jacked after this medication. I have not been to work and it is very difficult to drive as I am confused. I want my life back. I have asked every doctor I have seen if they are SURE it is not the prednisone, since I was FINE before I took it...all 9 of them have told me absolutely not. I went to me PCP as soon as I was released from the hospital and he told me no as well. I think none of them have a single clue. I had to take the steroid for newly diagnosed asthma. I only tool 30 mg day 1, 20 mg day 2 and 10 mg day 3 and 4. NEVER again and I pray I get my life back ASAP. I cannot enjoy my kids. I have been thinking I needed to go to a shrink! The internal medicine doctor and the cardiologist both said my heart, lungs and brain are fine and sent me home... I am so thankful they are fine! I WANT TO BE FINE.
Ex Predisone Short User - Hi, I understand all your email posts above. I had a short stay of 3 days in hospital and was injected and given orally predisone. On coming out of hospital my GP gave me more of the same. I really felt I did not require any more, however I took it. On stopping I experienced all the above negative effects as all of you. Only by being a strong person did I not end up in a psychiatric unit.On returning to the doctor I was told that I needed counselling! That is all that was offered to me. I refused as I felt I needed an antidote to whatever poison was in my system. There was no help available and to answer the question how long the effects lasted I can only give my experience. The doctor told me 3 -5 days and I would be ok. However I was in that horrendous state full time day and night for 4 months and then after that part time for another 10months. Slowly getting less and less effects. However even now 3 years later whenever I have a stressful situation I get the feelings I had for the first 4 months again. I have to avoid stressful situations. I was not like this before this drug.(age 57). The doctors were not at all concerned with my situation. I am now at present applying for a statement from the hospital as to exactly what the amounts I was given in the hospital and in the ambulance on way to hospital to ascertain the exact amount as I feel that I was overdosed with hospital and GP presciptions.I was offered no tappering off of the drug. The implications of losing time from work and a total change in personality for 4-12 months has had an adverse effect on my life and well being. The question must be asked whether the doctors are unaware of the dreadful mental and physical side effects of either taking this drug or the withdrawal from it. If they are unaware they should not be in practice and if they are aware we can ask who is benefitting from the prescribing of this drug.
Chub39 - Trying to get off the stuff - I came down with chronic hives. Thought I was getting bit by bugs and tore my house apart. Doctor put me on a 6 day pack of prednisone. Well coming off of it I had tingling in the legs and could hardly walk and then my hives came back with a vengence. My throat and tongue were sore and it's because I had hives on them. Sent me to the ER twice in one day. I have been to the ER three times now. Each time Prednisone is ramped up. Allergist is convince I have thyriod issues. So I am now on thryoid meds. He despirately wants me off of prednisone and I can wait to get the stuff out of my system. I have leg cramps in the morning, go to the bathroom all the time. Knees to feet, elbow to hands swell and knees and elbows can kill me with pain. My face and neck are huge and I have bad acne for the last week...on my face, neck and chest. My stomach is bloated periodically throughout the day and I have had such bad esophagus spasms I could not even swallow my own saliva during each spasm. As soon as I come off the stuff my hives come back even worse. We are trying to replace it with plaquenil...started that yesterday....took 50 mgs of prenisone and 200 mgs of plaquenil yesterday and woke up with a sore throat and hives even with the higher dose. Talk about feeling helpless. 40 mgs of prenisone took the sore throat(hives in throat) away and allergist now wants me to take benadryl ever 6 hours to complete getting me off of prenisone. I shake like a leaf on this stuff so much so that I can hardly write. The other night benadryl and zyrtec combine could not keep me asleep because of the severe pain in my knees and elbow. This drug is poison...it is evil.....I would never have taken it if I would have known how bad this could make me feel and look. Hope this helps someone. I think that I may end up in the hospital if my hives can not be controlled....I am praying that the thryoid meds kick in to take care of my imbalance before that happens. I'll probably be sleep walking on benadryl.
Lilwatgirl - OMFG. Thought I really cant believe what I have read above. have taken last dose of 50mg of Prednisone for 5 days for COPD. What now, I have been waking up with tingly fingers in the morning, haven't been able to sleep more than 6 hrs per night and the mood swings. And Oh I itch all the time. been taking benadryl for rash and itches, went to emerg once and was told I was having an anxiety attack. most of the cough is gone now and have the next 60 hrs to see what happens I guess. At Least I know I am not Going Crazy. Thanks everyone for all the advise and the help I have received here...
Death to Pred - Oh, also I was stuck with the muscle spasms and twitches that started in 1999 with the pred. It looks like I have something crawling underneath my skin over my legs especially. The spasms turn into horribly painful cramps. Also, I have a hard time dealing with stress.
Ex Predisone Short User - Have a look at this film regarding the drug and its side effects.
Bigger Than Life (1956) emerges as Nicholas Ray's dark portrait of American suburbia in the 1950s
1950s!!!! the side effects have been know for a long time,
Why are the press not picking up about the effects of this drug??
Ex Predisone Short User - Have a look at this film regarding the drug and its side effects.
Bigger Than Life (1956) emerges as Nicholas Ray's dark portrait of American suburbia in the 1950s
1950s!!!! the side effects have been know for a long time,
Why are the press not picking up about the effects of this drug??
Ex Predisone Short User - Have a look at this film regarding the drug and its side effects.
Bigger Than Life (1956) emerges as Nicholas Ray's dark portrait of American suburbia in the 1950s
1950s!!!! the side effects have been know for a long time,
Why are the press not picking up about the effects of this drug??
Death to Pred - Funny you should mention that. It was on t.v about a month ago. I saw a part of it only because my husband came to watch t.v too and he's a bit fed up with all of this. They also had a panel of people from an addiction centre commenting on the drug. One guy said he'd gotten hold of a medical journal on prednisone and said it was a pretty heavy duty and nasty drug. Thanks for mentioning it.
Sergbull43 - on it for 3 months now for severe non allergy related asthma. was in ER over 4 times. Hospitalized in february for 1 week injected with 160 mgs and now trying to taper off from 60 to 40 and not working very well because I go into asthma attacks.... Low immune system and God knows what else. They have NOT figured out the root cause yet. OH and yes I have gained 15 pounds with a huge appetite.. its a nightmare over night!
Jayce12341 - Here is a new one for you. I was placed on Prednisone 20 mg , two a day for 7 days and one a day for 7 days due to Lyme disease. All joint pains went away after the second day. The pains returned 4 days after the last pill. Is this normal? I thought the relief would be for a a longer period.
Death to Pred - Hi Jayce
Many of us experience joint pain when coming off pred. I don't know why but that's how it is. The joint pain you are experiencing may be due to this. It should go away in time. How much time, I don't know.
Mewmew555 - I NEED HELP!
I was on prednisone for a month, i have arthritis in my feet, started off at 50mg and weened down to 0mg.
Now, almost 1.5 month's later, i still have the rapid heart rate, shaking really badly in my arms, chest, hands, everywhere, i formed anxiety from being on prednisone, my sleeping is getting a bit better but im constantly waking up throughout the night. I get migraines sometimes, maybe once a fortnight, my diet is absolutely crap right now, i eat and eat and eat and i'm still not full, and this is being 100% completely OFF the prednisone. I'm lethargic and my doctor just keeps on telling me "It's all part of the anxiety".. NO, i know my body and something is not right,
WHAT DO I DO?! HELP! :( :( :(
Mewmew555 - Also, my head wobbles now and my mum has spazmotic tortacolis (not sure if i spelt that right) but that isn't hereditary, and i'm really worried, i have my rheumatologist appointment next week but this is getting out of hand, what could this possibly be? my muscles are weak also, help :(
Snugglyprincess - Mewmew555: It took my body about 4 months for my body to get back on track and another year for me to feel normal again. I believe in the mind body connection. For my heart to slow down one night in bed I put my hand over my heart and told my heart to slow down. It did and I went to 80 beats per minutes instead of the 120. I had to start nursing school and I still had trouble walking I rubbed my hands together and placed them on my thighs and kept repeating heal over and over again until I fell asleep. The next morning I was walking and off to school. I was not 100% better but at least I was walking. From that day on I ate organic fruits and vegetables until my system was back to normal. I also drank something called keefer to get my GI tract back on track. I will never take any kind of medication again. And the resin I ate organic food is because I did not want to put chemicals on top of chemicals. You have to believe you are better and you will be. Have you ever watched the movie the Secret, I used that knowledge to will myself to get better. I am also diong the Gerson therapy. Since I do not have any medical condition I just drink carrot and apple juice (organic of course), and I do the coffee enemas. Best of luck to you on you journey of healing.
Ex Predisone Short User - I have posted previously and am in agreement with last post. Four months full time suffering after taking this drug and the up to a year part time suffering. I do not think I am back to pre prednisone state as yet 4 years later. Under stress I feel far worse now than when under stress pre drug.
Doctor is not at all interested in my symptoms and is very dismissive.
Agree diet and rest does help.
Why can the press not pick up this story.
Ex Predisone Short User - UK Government web site
Committe on Safety of Medicines
PDf doc
Focus on Corticosteroids
Medicine Control Agency
M.C.A
current document
link removed
Kc40s - I really want to cry right now.. I spent 5 days in the hospital for acute asthma exhasperation... I also have COPD.. They put me on IV HEAVY dose of Prednisone, and then I tapered off for a week... MAN after reading all of this I have had it all.. Shaky, Moon face, bloated stomach, red swollen palms, and feet... ANXIETY hello! Can't sleep.. Depression! I pray that this goes away but not feeling so confident after reading all these posts... I won't EVER go on it again... I don't care, it's not worth it, I will suffer thru the not breathing...
Kc40s - I really want to cry right now.. I spent 5 days in the hospital for acute asthma exhasperation... I also have COPD.. They put me on IV HEAVY dose of Prednisone, and then I tapered off for a week... MAN after reading all of this I have had it all.. Shaky, Moon face, bloated stomach, red swollen palms, and feet... ANXIETY hello! Can't sleep.. Depression! I pray that this goes away but not feeling so confident after reading all these posts... I won't EVER go on it again... I don't care, it's not worth it, I will suffer thru the not breathing...
Colachie - I just took my first dose of pred and im FREAKING out... its 1:30 in the morning and i feel like i could run a mile. after reading everything on here i dont know what to do... i took 50 mg and i am supposed to take it for 20 days but lowering the dose every 3 days... can i just stop after taking it once...help me
Death to Pred - Hi Colachie
Depending on what you're taking it for, you should be fine to discontinue. One dose doesn't shut down your adrenals.
Colachie - I only took one dose (50mg) of pred and i still have major side effects two days later. This is a horrible drug that causes anxiety, insomnia, depression and very high heart rate. DO NOT TAKE.
Sergbull43 - Well I am still taking prednisone, from 40mg, up to 60, then 80, down to 60, 40, and tapering 2.5 a week now at 28 mg. (since Dec 2011).. Gained about 30 pounds.Very frustrating. I dieted for 3 days (liquid diet) for endoscopy and colonoscopy and was up 3 more pounds this morning. Doesn't make sense. YES my appetite is up and I was doing 2 miles or more 3 times a week, but asthma driven and weaning off is giving major headaches. THIS IS DEFINITELY not a fun ride, especially since I had gastric bypass 3 years ago.... HORRIBLE, it is! Insomnia, bad sleeping habits, depression (drug and gaining weight causes it). So when will it stop, only God knows. Luckily my blood pressure has NOT gone up! What do we all do????
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Helpme35 - I have taken 21 pills in the last six days and I feel terrible after stopping. I have a shortness of breath, dizziness, mucus, my heart is beating rapidly and My lungs hurt. I took it for poisen sumac and now im completely fucked over. will this ever end
Savois - Can someone help me!! after being diagnosed with crohns disease 5 years ago and recently having a bad flare up, i started taking pred 8 tabs a day for 2 weeks i then was told to lower the dosage to 6 a day for a week then down to 4 until i am seen again... i took 4 for a few days then lowered it myself to 2 again for a few days and started today with just 1 tablet. i am so self conscious about my bloated face!! i havent gained much weight only half a stone and i have been goin gym alot to help keep the weight down and also eating as well as i can. its my face that has swelled out and i hate it!!! how long until after taking the last 5mg (1 tab) until you look normal again!!! i couldnt sleep at first but i am slowly sleepin more through the night as i lower the tablets, i get hot sweats badly were i am waking dripping in the night! also my mood is all over the place and i find myself crying for no reason and then the next minuite im fine!! i just want all this to stop please how long will it take!!!
Gg110539 - Hi I was also put on prednisone for posion ivy. I took 80mg for 3 days and tapered down to 40mg for 2 days and it's now 3 weeks since I stopped and I still get a dizzy feeling when I walk. I don't know if this will ever go
Away and it's starting to make me depressed but it would be really helpful if someone can post an answer to whether the side effects go away and if they do how long? None of the blogs said anything about the effects going away and that scares me. I have to admit I think I'm getting better but my brain still feels different. Please help.
Death to Pred - Hi GG
Yes, the side effects will go away. Everybody is different therefore there isn't a standard answer. 3 weeks since your last dose isn't very long. You weren't on the stuff for long so you will start to improve. I know, it's vile stuff. Your depression might be caused by the drug but that should lift as well. It took me a long time but that's me. I'm sensitive to drugs. But the good news is that it did eventually go away.
Death to Pred - GG It's hard to say. Again we are all different. I don't want to alarm you. For me, both times, it took about 9-10 months. You may very well have a much shorter time of it. Please try not despair. I found that the effects of the drug amplified my anxiety. Remember, most of what you're feeling (anxiety), is the drug. But YOU WILL get back to normal. Remember that.
Dc2b - I'm glad that I found this page! I had an allergic reaction a few weeks ago, had an injection of solumedrol in the primary care physician's office, ended up in the ER 3 hours later for more solumedrol and finished with a week of a medrol pack (all prednisone). I've been off all this for 3 -4 weeks now and my symptoms are worse: muscle aches/pains, joint pain, hunger + weight gain, moon face, distended belly. Prednisone is FAT Soluble, which means it takes an extra long time to get out of your system. It's not like something that is water soluble where you can flush your system with tons of water and help your body detox faster. Only time and patience will help you through - which really sucks when you're in the midst of it all. I went to my chiropractor and he was able to confirm all the side effects for me and help get me bio-mechanically in shape to help my body bio-chemically stabilize. As much as I hate it, it's going to take time for this yucky prednisone to move out of our bodies. Add to the liver trying to detoxify (esp if you're on a lot of other medications like I am).
I wish you all comfort during your detox. I'm right here with ya!
Ziggystar - I have just been given at total of 18 tablets (5mg each) of prednisolone to take over for 3 days = 6 per day for a chest infection, will these side effects take hold just with that small dose over such a short period of time. I checked this site as the box from the chemist didn't have a leaflet inside to check for side effects.
Neggedout - I find this blog helpful and frightening all the same
ive been on prednisolone for 7years I just turned 23 I feel like my whole life is ruined before its even begun
I have been on doses from 60-5mg up and down im finally on 10mg but i have to ween off really slowly
and only for severe eczema too
they never ever told me what sort of side effects i would have, i have been given no advice to handle anything and they basically dont want to deal with me until im off the meds
i recently got so much worse, i have quickly developed severe panic attacks daily with diarrhea and i can't even connect with the real world - this is ontop of the usual severe exhaustion, nausea all the time, impaired eye sight, heart beat off the roof, weight gain, round face, depression....this has left me completely alone i have no one to talk to
i have a boyfriend and a really good but round the clock job both of which i feel like im loosing because i can't handle anything right now
i refuse to give up but what should i do? how do you handle anxiety to which you have no control over?
my doctor(s) say it could take me upto a year to recover - how can i do that i need to work!
has anyone been on prednisolone for a very long time? have you recovered?
please help - im really young and I just want to live life to the fullest I feel like just locking myself away because its the only way I can control the side effects without showing everyone im ill...
Death to Pred - Hi Neggedout
My heart went out to you when I read your letter. Just so I understand correctly, have you been on pred for 7 years because of eczema?
I really don't understand why doctors ignore the very horrible side effects of pred. But what you're experiencing is a result of the drug. Sadly, it very well may take you a year to feel normal again. Isn't there anything else they can give you for the eczema? It's such a toxic drug.
When I was off the charts with anxiety, I'd try and sit still and breath out imagining all of the negativiity was flowing out of me. I would try to convince myself that my behaviour was the drug not me. I'd go out for walks. I'd write in my diary. I'd talk to my friends. Try to get absorbed in a t.v program. I know it's so very horrible. I wonder if an anti anxiety pill would help. I'm not good with drugs but sometimes would have to take them as I was so overwhelmed with anxiety I wasn't coping. After days the anxiety pills lead me to depression a deep, deep depression. Again I'd know it was the drug and not me. I'd come off them and see how long I could manage.
I hear and feel your pain. I don't know if your doctor's told you that tapering leads to complete exhaustion. It's beyond anything you've experienced. All I can say is, try and remember it's the drug. I don't know what to say if you have to keep going back on it. Surely, they can find something else to help you, that's less damaging.
Death to Pred - Hi Neggedout
My heart went out to you when I read your letter. Just so I understand correctly, have you been on pred for 7 years because of eczema?
I really don't understand why doctors ignore the very horrible side effects of pred. But what you're experiencing is a result of the drug. Sadly, it very well may take you a year to feel normal again. Isn't there anything else they can give you for the eczema? It's such a toxic drug.
When I was off the charts with anxiety, I'd try and sit still and breath out imagining all of the negativiity was flowing out of me. I would try to convince myself that my behaviour was the drug not me. I'd go out for walks. I'd write in my diary. I'd talk to my friends. Try to get absorbed in a t.v program. I know it's so very horrible. I wonder if an anti anxiety pill would help. I'm not good with drugs but sometimes would have to take them as I was so overwhelmed with anxiety I wasn't coping. After days the anxiety pills lead me to depression a deep, deep depression. Again I'd know it was the drug and not me. I'd come off them and see how long I could manage.
I hear and feel your pain. I don't know if your doctor's told you that tapering leads to complete exhaustion. It's beyond anything you've experienced. All I can say is, try and remember it's the drug. I don't know what to say if you have to keep going back on it. Surely, they can find something else to help you, that's less damaging.
Mouse228 - I was just prescribed prednisone for migraines. Has anyone ever heard of this? I get excruciating migraines about 4 times a week lately and I'm on an antidepressant daily to help control the migraines. This worked great for me for about 6 months but now I'm worse than ever with the migraines! I took my first dose prednisone this morning , 60mg, my doc said he'd give me a higher dose but since I'm a small person (100 lbs) he said 60 shouldn't be too much. I have felt fine all day but around 8pm, 12 hours after I took the meds) my heart started to race and my legs feel like something heavy is on them. Is this dose too much for me? I already have anxiety and panic disorder, is this going to make it worse?!
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