First time on pred for Crohn's

[GreenwichUK]

Three days into taking pred i seem to start the day bouncing off the ceiling with energy but by mid-morning I've crashed and burned and just want to sleep. No other obvious side-effects so far so I shouldn't complain but have others had a similar experience? Does this continue as the dose tapers down? Really hoping it will help my appetite as my weight continues to plummet

 

[Orchid]

Prednisone is known for mental side effects, I nearly had my psychosis come out of remission due to it. It also does increase your energy level a bit because it stimulates blood sugar production and speeds up your metabolism.

 

[GreenwichUK]

Really hoping it eases as I'm not sure I can deal with feeling like this for a couple of months :-/

 

[Orchid]

How serious is your CD? If the mental side effects are unacceptable and your CD isn't isn't considered "severe" Entocort is an option. It's more expensive, less powerful, but has a lot fewer side effects.

 

[GreenwichUK]

Severe active at the moment, hospitalised for a week due to not eating and have lost 30lb in the last month, so really hoping this is going to help

 

[Orchid]

Yes, I'm sorry but you need Prednisone then. I'd consider looking into meditation or other techniques for getting the hyperactivity under control.

 

[GreenwichUK]

Meditation sounds like a good idea - I have a CD my counsellor gave me

 

[theOcean]

I would experience some mania when I was on prednisone too... I found it helped a lot to try and be active and get out the excess energy when it was affecting me, but it was more in spurts. It was very inconsistent.

 

[lblair]

Its a crazy med I just got off of it I was on it for 14 months straight!!! So many side effects!! I had the surgery I'm currently in a flare and have been for a week!! it sucks good luck!!

 

[GreenwichUK]

Day five and it seems to be improving CD symptoms as well as AS but still full of energy first thing and burnt out by mid-morning each day

 

[theOcean]

Maybe you could adjust when in the day you take it? Only if you feel comfortable doing that, of course.

 

[GreenwichUK]

Got a check up on Friday so I'll ask if I can change timing - not sure what I can and can't do at the moment

 

[Orchid]

Problem is if you take it late in the day it could easily keep you up. The energy spike and crash sounds like blood sugar levels to me, I'll ask one of my diabetic friends to do about that and get back to you.

EDIT: From a type 1 diabetic. Try to consume fewer carbs in your breakfast and make sure you get lots of protein in it also.

 

[Zeppy321]

Day five and it seems to be improving CD symptoms as well as AS but still full of energy first thing and burnt out by mid-morning each day

Hello When I was on a higher dose like 40 to 60 mg I would take half the dose when I first woke up and the other half after lunch. I have always had trouble sleeping but it is definitely worse while on this drug. Good luck to you . :ghug:

 

[GreenwichUK]

Thanks everyone. I normally have poor sleep but have actually been sleeping much more heavily on pred. I'll try a protein rich breakfast today to see if that makes a difference.

 

[Mondowicked]

When I'm on 20 mg or more of prednisone, I have to eat something at least every hour or two. I wind up eating numerous meals or snacks during the day. I tried to make sure I had something I with a balance of protein and carbs. Pb&j sandwiches or cheese and crackers were my go to mid morning snack.
Glad it is helping you. Good luck finding the right balance.

 

[BellaVita]

I would experience some mania when I was on prednisone too... I found it helped a lot to try and be active and get out the excess energy when it was affecting me, but it was more in spurts. It was very inconsistent.

It can cause mania? :eek2:

I have Bipolar....so this is good to know.

 

[theOcean]

Yeah, it can cause mania/depressive episodes. It might be a good idea to use entocort instead of prednisone if that's something you're concerned about.

 

[Orchid]

Thankfully steroid psychosis is relatively rare and it quickly abates if the drug is discontinued. If prednisone does cause unacceptable mental harm there's always Entocort but that is more expensive and less effective in serious CD.