Prednisone and weight

[katiesue1506]

Hey guys... I was kinda just wondering (which this maybe just a woman thing)... but does anyone get really depressed from the side effects of Prednisone? I mean yeah sure, I understand that being thin and emaciated isn't good, but I'm completely hating myself now that I'm getting chubby cheeks and gaining weight. It's just so depressing.

How long does it take after you stop taking the prednisone to lose the side effects? I've had some problems with the prednisone as far as my dosage... they started me at 40 and then lowered me to 30 and then they doubled me to 30 twice a day... then they lowered me to 40 then they went to 60 in the morning... and I just now went back down to 40 again... I just want to get off of the steroids. They make me feel so unattractive. I know that health is more important and everything, it's just, I dunno... I'm a bit depressed right now.

Anyone know where I'm coming from? Because I know alot of people out there are just thankful for 5 pounds added... am I wrong in feeling this way?:depressed:

 

[Valentina]

nooo your not wrong to feel like that, at least I dont think so
I felt the same way, they didnt do a thing for me at all crohns wise, but it took me 6 months to get off the dam things. and it took a while for the weight to come off after that as well for me. I still have people who the last time they saw me, I guss I was still on them and a moon face.. now they say "Oh you have lost so much weight" and to be honest it drives me crazy. I just want to slap them. I honestly dont think I have lost that much weight, just my cheeks seem to have unpuffed. I wanted to stay in the house and not see anyone, and I think if most people are honest they will admit to feeling similar about pred.
so just hang in there, it isnt permanent, it will go away. I hope they at least make you feel better for your crohns.

 

[harryjr]

Steroids????? When 1st went into hospital I was 146 lbs down from 205 lbs. mmmmmmmmmmm Put on mega prednisone. Something like 100mg. WOW
In 2 days I felt like a new person.
Moon faced - but I ate and ate and ate. Anything that didn't move [and a few that did] The dog kept his distance from me. Also sweated like a Kentucky plow horse in July. Also couldn't sleep.

Also the "willies" began to bother me. I thot I was going insane. Moooooooooooooooooooooooooody? Giddy?? Depressed? You name it. I became a monster at tiimes growling and snapping.

My life was a yo-yo. Crohn's wise and mental wise.
DId I need to go in to have my screws tightened?????? Yes/No

So in short, yes the steroids make one's mental process "wonky".
Don't feel badly.

Most of us have been in your situation.
We're here to help each other.......

We're all in this together.

 

[GNC Crohn's Man]

Yes cortico-steriods can directly affect your mood... You should read my post about it.... http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=1192

 

[GNC Crohn's Man]

Also the weight will go away slowly after your off of the prednisone... While your on it though theres no real way of stoping it since it is telling your body to store fat in your face and belly and hips... The main thing to be concerned with though while on prednisone is the emotional and physcial changes that can happen while on the medicine... The weight gain may be a problem for now, but you really need to be concerned about your bone density... It is very easy to develop Osteopenia or even Osteoprosis while on prednisone... So it is very essential that you take your calcium supplements now and get a bone density scan (also called a DEXA scan) after you get off of the prednisone... As for as the mood swings antidepreseants can help some with that as can valium based meds to help calm you down if you are reallly hyped up from the prednisone...

 

[Cara Fusinato]

I have entocort for when I need it. I don't get depressed, I get in an absolute blind rage, seeing red and everything. Yes, those lovely little pills really do a number on the mood. Hang in there and do discuss it with the doc. too.