Hi, first time poster here, I checked the sticky topic but didn't see what I was looking for, apologies if I somehow missed it. I've been prescribed 60 mg of Prednisone taken once daily for Crohn's, I've been on it almost two weeks now and it seems to have resolved the vast majority of my symptoms, which is good. However, I'm having some pretty weird side effects and I was curious how anybody else might have managed them. I only sleep 3 or 4 hours a night and have some increased irritability and anxiety, while unfortunate, my doctor did mention those to me. More alarmingly though I've had trouble concentrating and some severe vision problems, blurriness mostly, as well as sensations of dizziness or rapidly accelerating (as if on a fast moving vehicle) while sitting or even lying down. This sort of thing wasn't mentioned by my doctor, does this sound familiar to anyone? If so how did you deal with these side effects? Thanks for any replies.
Questions about Prednisone side effects.
- Thread starter SamHC
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These are almost certainly prednisone side effects. It's a shame your doctor did not warn you about them all, but I think prednisone has so many side effects, it's simply not practical for doctors to list them all for you! If you check the information leaflet which came with the medication, or any reputable web-site (the Wiki page is probably reliable enough) you can find comprehensive lists of prednisone's side effects and risks.
I had terrible insomnia with prednisone. I was able to cure it by taking Amitriptyline. But what works for one person may not work for another; see if your doctor will prescribe you some sleep meds and try a few until you find one that helps.
The mood changes are quite typical of prednisone too. It might be difficult to start trying to counter that with other medication, though not impossible, but if you are very worried about the anxiety and irritability, you may want to ask your doctor about tapering prednisone faster, as the severity of the side-effects often correspond with the strength of the dose. You'll have to way up the pros and cons of staying on it. Letting those around you know that you're getting mood swings due to medication may make things easier on both you and your family/friends. It helps when others know that there's a reason why you're irritable or whatever, and that it's not your fault, and nor is it anything that they've done to upset you.
The vision problems, concentration problems and dizziness I think you should ask your doctor about quite promptly. They are prednisone side effects, and will most likely go away when you're off the med, but they sound like something you should get checked out all the same.
You're on a high dose of prednisone, so severe side effects are to be expected, and will likely increase the longer you are on the medication. It can be difficult to deal with, but keep asking your doctor for solutions and stick with it if you can, as it can do you a lot of good too.
I had terrible insomnia with prednisone. I was able to cure it by taking Amitriptyline. But what works for one person may not work for another; see if your doctor will prescribe you some sleep meds and try a few until you find one that helps.
The mood changes are quite typical of prednisone too. It might be difficult to start trying to counter that with other medication, though not impossible, but if you are very worried about the anxiety and irritability, you may want to ask your doctor about tapering prednisone faster, as the severity of the side-effects often correspond with the strength of the dose. You'll have to way up the pros and cons of staying on it. Letting those around you know that you're getting mood swings due to medication may make things easier on both you and your family/friends. It helps when others know that there's a reason why you're irritable or whatever, and that it's not your fault, and nor is it anything that they've done to upset you.
The vision problems, concentration problems and dizziness I think you should ask your doctor about quite promptly. They are prednisone side effects, and will most likely go away when you're off the med, but they sound like something you should get checked out all the same.
You're on a high dose of prednisone, so severe side effects are to be expected, and will likely increase the longer you are on the medication. It can be difficult to deal with, but keep asking your doctor for solutions and stick with it if you can, as it can do you a lot of good too.
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While the drug takes away some effects, others appear and can wreck havoc in other ways. Tapering down will help, also we found it easier with the insomnia to take the prednisone 1st thing in the morning and try something physically tiring in the evening (a walk, exercise, anything that could help).
The mood swings we never figured out solutions for. Talk to your doc about the side effects as he/she might let you taper sooner.
The mood swings we never figured out solutions for. Talk to your doc about the side effects as he/she might let you taper sooner.
Kev
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So, your doctor started you at 60 mg... not at a lower dose with gradual ramp up? I would suggest you visit your doctor again, and discuss all of the side effects that you are experiencing. Your doctor may want to change your dosage or medications. However, do not discontinue unless the doctor directs you to. And I'm guessing if the doctor decides to put you on a different dosage, or change to something else, you'd be told to taper down gradually. Sudden increases or decreases in this drug can make things worse.
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The last time I was on Prednisone for a flare I had similar symptoms. I was even blind for about 20 seconds.... My doctor decided to not put me on Prednisone for my current flare. Instead I am taking Budesinide which is a steroid but it works differently in your body and I haven't had any side effects from it. It has calmed my flare as well. I would definitely let your doctor know whats going on and see if there is an alternative you can try. Good luck!
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I have been on many many prednisone therapies over the years but the big thing to know from my symptoms is long term steroid use can cause neuraphy which is why besides remicade and imuran I have to take Lyrica and Cymbalta (boo).
Symptoms I get at high doses: Pimples everywhere when I was younger, mood swings, my fingers would stick - freeze and I'd have to pry them apart, night sweats and ginormous appetite.
I hate the stuff but it has been effective when I needed it to be.
Symptoms I get at high doses: Pimples everywhere when I was younger, mood swings, my fingers would stick - freeze and I'd have to pry them apart, night sweats and ginormous appetite.
I hate the stuff but it has been effective when I needed it to be.
