Finally Off Pred....Are these common side effects?

[CrohnsChicago]

I just finished my third time on prednisone in the past year. I spent almost 4 months tapering down from 40mg.

The highest dose of pred as well as the longest taper I have ever been on.

My taper was every two-three weeks down 10mg until I hit 20mg...then I did every two weeks down 5mg. Typical tapering side effects for me (joint pain, hunger) but when I hit 15mg, I had an emotional breakdown. It was bad but thankfully it was only that one time....

Everyone always talks about the tapering side effects, even in articles online.

However, I am now 6 days completely off of pred. And I have noticed in those 6 days I have had nightmares/odd/bad dreams. I have also had some inability to focus and feeling "off" (I don't know how else to explain it) these past few days. Well, yesterday I had an anxiety/depression-fueled breakdown that knocked me out for majority of the day. Only once in my life have i ever felt that low outside of being on steroids and this was PRETTY low

Feeling a little better today but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced side effects after already ending their taper?

If so, how long did it take to go away for you, especially the emotional mess?

 

[amrycrohns]

I don't know about the dreams, but everything else could be easily explained by prednisone. Even though its not anabolic steriod it still effects your hormone levels. I have more side effects comming off of pred then while I am on it.

 

[r0ckstar]

I realize that I am MONTHS late replying to this, however I was on Prednisone for 8 months, and then off for 10 months and just today started back on it (yay me). I noticed that even up until now I was still dealing with "certain side effects" such as the irritability/lack of patience. As for most of the other Prednisone side effects; such as insomnia, joint pains, etc...those subsided within 4 months. I think it depends on how long you were on Prednisone as to how long your side effects will last even after finishing your dose. Hope I "sort-of" helped!