About to take Prdnisone for the first time..

[Obsieyeh]

I was recently diagnosed with Crohn's disease, it does not bother me much because I always had abdominal problems.

My doctor is sending me Prednisone through the mail and will arrive within a week, I believe he said its going to be 40mg for 3 weeks.

I read stories of side effects of mood swings, and anxiety, depression and weight gain. I am 22 years old and 120 pounds.

I know it's kind of dumb to be worried about this when I am not even taking it yet, but anyone out there take Prednisone and NOT have any side effects?

Any help/advice/re-assuring will do.

 

[AlliRuns]

I didn't notice mood swings so much, but I had trouble sleeping.
Also, I didn't gain weight but rather lost 15 pounds, I was only 117 to begin with, now I am just pathetic.
Everybody responds differently, you're doc is putting you on it for a reason, try not to worry about it too much.

 

[UnXmas]

I got side effects, but by no means all of them. I didn't get some of the major ones - I didn't get an appetite and I didn't gain weight.

I did get mood swings and insomnia and dealt with those with medication.

I read a lot about side effects before I took it, but I found you can't predict which ones you'll actually end up getting. I think it helped to be aware of the possibilities in advance, and knowing what I might expect meant when side effects occured I was aware they were a result of the medication (particularly with mood changes - it's usually reassuring to know it's the med that's causing your change in feelings). But the only way you really know what will happen for you is to try it.

It would be unlikely that you won't get any side effects, but you may well find the ones you get are not necessarily the ones you're concerned about, and when you get them there may be ways to counteract them or at least keep them to a minimum.

 

[Jax12345]

I recently started taking 40mg of Prednisone, too and lower the dosage by 5mg each week. I'm 26 years old and 115lbs, so of course all of those crazy side effects made me a little worried, too. I've been on Pred for about 5 weeks (down to 15mg) and i haven't gained any weight or noticed any changes in my appetite. Only changes I've noticed are some mood swings and i don't fall into as deep of a sleep as i usually do.
It has really helped get my Crohns back under control, too!!

I think what helped me the most was staying active (i work out 5 days a week) and maintaining a healthy diet. If you notice yourself getting hungry more often, eat foods that have healthy fats and high in protein (lean meats, avocados, organic peanut butter w/o salt, bananas). They will help keep you full longer and satisfy your appetite.
Stay away from foods that have a lot of salt and DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!

Good Luck!

 

[xmdmom]

My 19 year old son was on 40 mg of prednisone and then a taper after diagnosis. It relieved his symptoms and allowed him to gain weight back; the weight was normally distributed. He looked the best he has ever looked! He had some increased acne on his face, and some increased sweating. Everyone is different but many people do fine on a short course of prednisone. Repeated and long-term prednisone treatment had more likelihood of serious side effects. You sound concerned about weight. Is your weight low or appropriate for your height?

Drs. don't prescribe that much prednisone for 3 weeks and then just stop; there's a taper that happens, usually decreasing 5 mg every week, though sometimes every few days. Stopping prednisone cold turkey can cause symptoms that are unpleasant.

Also prednisone relieves symptoms but I believe the symptoms usually come back later after the prednisone is discontinued. Did your doctor speak to you about another medication for long term therapy?

 

[guest78]

I have been on pred three times, and each time I have had a different set of side effects, it is tricky to know which ones you are going to get, if any! try not to worry too much, its tricky when reading horror stories to not be worried i know but you may not suffer from anything too much or that badly. good luck!
xxx

 

[JennaRae]

I only had side effects for about a week. Then it worked like a charm.

 

[xX_LittleMissValentine_Xx]

I agree with what the others have said - its not that bad don't scare yourself with the horror stories! This is my fourth time on pred. The side effects are worse at the higher doses, but I still don't get very bad ones. Hunger, but that is usually a good thing because I have usually lost weight due to flaring. This is the first time I haven't dramatically put on weight during a course of pred (Although before I always stopped at the same weight which was healthy for me). Slight mood swings but hardly anything to worry about, some trouble sleeping some nights. And moon face, my face always swells up, its probably the least impacting side effect but the one I hate the most!
Other than that Pred always makes me feel amazing! Depending on how the taper goes almost symptom free. Lots of energy, normal toilet habits and being able to eat again is great as well
Good luck,
hopefully you wont be on them too long and they work out well for you

 

[guest78]

Hia, Just seeing how youve been getting on with the pred? hope all is okay!
xxxx