PredniSONE and asthma

hi everyone, i'm a 36 y.o. male and have been on and off of prednisone for 25 yrs. my experience has always been more positive than negative with taking this drug. it has helped me to breath better and has made me to feel extra healthy and even physically stronger. but i have my suspicions about this drug also. it has given me a false since of good health and i feel like i want to keep taking it just to feel better. i have only taken the drug after an asthma attack for about 5-7 days. early on the only side effect was increased appetite and occasional insomnia. but the last time i took this drug the doctor increased the milligrams and a VERY UNUSUAL side effect occurred that never happened before. I HAD HALLUCINATIONS! i have never had these side effects before and on the leaflet of possible side effects that came from the pharmacist for the very first time i saw hallucinations listed as a possible side effect. the hallucinations were damn near demonic in nature. the experience went like this... i woke up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and on my way to the bathroom i passed my dresser mirror and in the mirror was writing on the mirror in a mist! just like it would be when you get out of the shower and take your finger and write on the mirror. THERE WERE LEGIBLE WORDS ON MY MIRROR! mind you this is in my bedroom and the shower was off! at that point i refused to read what i saw in the mirror! it was weird enough what i saw i didn't need to read it. i refused to be fearful at that point cause i realized i was hallucinating and not getting a haunting. when i woke up later i went back to the mirror and of course no writing in the mirror. IF THERE IS ANYONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THIS PLEASE TELL ME YOUR STORY PERSONALLY! MY EMAIL IS ******! i would like to know that i'm not alone in this. to make it easier for me to see your response please type prednisone in the subject box on the email cause i receive a ton of emails and spam. and i would really like to hear other stories and experiences of taking this drug with very weird side effects!

I was on prednisone for a little over 2 months for my asthma and it got even worse so my dosage got upped and I overdosed on it and had real bad mental side effects from it. i'm a healthy male who has worked out for the last 8 years, i'm 22 years old and 225 lbs with a good build, i workout every day and run 3 miles a day. i was taking 10 mg pills 3 times a day and then got up to taking a 50 mg pill once a day and within 2 days of taking the 50 mg pill i was HORRIBLE. the mental side effects were so bad, i didn't even know where i was or who i was at times and now it's about 5 months later and i'm still noticing the mental side effects, not quite as bad, but it's like a constant headache that never goes away. i talked to my doctor and he sad that they can last several months after you take it but won't be permanent so i'm still just living with it and at times it feels like it's rough and tough to deal with but you just have to keep thinking that it will get better. the sleeping problems can also be a problem too, but for anyone out there who is debating on taking it, I WOULD DEFINITELY NOT RECOMMEND IT, STAY AWAY AT ALL COST IF YOU CAN

I am on my last of 10 days on prednisone and all I can say is Thank God! I am taking it for asthma and I feel worse than I did before! My chest feels like I am having a heart attack, I have labored breathing, I am confused and weak, terrible pain in my neck and shoulders, horrible metallic taste in my mouth that even Dentyne Ice can't take away, I feel exhausted all the time, I am starving myself only to gain a pound a day and I can't concentrate at all. There was no warning not to mix this drug with alcohol, and after a couple of drinks I black out. The thing that really sucks is that I am a professional flutist and it is affecting my breathing and ability to play! Someone please tell me these "side effects" will eventually go away as I am scared to death after reading about your experiences.

You people are freaking me out. I just started today with my first dose of prednisone for my first bronchitis diagnosis. I've been sick for 3 months and thought this would be a good med for me to rid the coughing. I'm starting to reconsider taking any more if all I can expect is long term adverse effects. I took this once before years ago for a severe skin allergy. I got the psychosis initially but then adjusted the dose. Then, I would get euphoric and full of energy, like being on a stimulant. I had no idea the round face thing was due to this, I thought I just ate too much while I was home sick for 2 months. I think I'll try the herbal alternative route. If it works, I'll write again and let y'all know. Thanks for all the comments.

I am glad that I found this website! I have been trying to find out how long it takes for my moon face to go away. I was prescribed 60mgs daily of Prednisone while 35 weeks pregnant for 3 weeks. When pregnant, I developed a condition called Thyromocypenia (my white blood cells die off during my pregnancies). In order for my OB to not have to put me under again for a repeat c-section, she referred me to a hematologist who put me on this drug. I asked him about side effects and he stated that the most common is increased appetite, which did not affect me. Even though I was pregnant at the time, my appetite did not change, but what did change was my face after I stopped taking the Prednisone. While in the hospital after the birth of my son, they did taper the dosage for 3 days and at the point of discharge, I was completely off the drug. I left the hospital on a Wednesday and overnight my face had swollen so strangely that I went back to the hospital on Friday. I had no idea that there was such a thing as this moon face syndrome. The nurse that attended to me in the emergency room told me about it. She said that she had taken Prednisone before for asthma and it took her face 3 weeks to return to normal.

I just had my son on 5/4, and my face has been swollen exactly a week today. I can see where some areas are reducing, but it is still not back to normal. My face did not swell at all during my pregnancy and I only gained 18lbs, so this was really startling for me to have been through 9 months looking great and after giving birth sitting up with a pie face, swollen nose, swollen lips, a swollen neck, and swollen shoulders. I also experienced a couple of migraines that nearly took me out. I hope to never have to take this drug again!

My doctor put me on prednisone for pain and inflammation and I have never felt better in my life. It's a miracle for me right now and I'll take my chances with the side effects for being pain free. I'm a happy lady for now.

I started prednisone last week because of an allergic reaction I had to I dunno what (yet). I started with a solumedrol shot, followed 12 hrs later by a kenalog shot, followed 12 hrs after that by oral prednisone q 24 hrs. The 'fog' is fucking horrible; I can't think straight. I'm at the end of a medic class and have finals this weekend - and I'm scared that I'll be in the middle of a fog during the exams and will fail miserably.

It's unlike anything else I've experienced. It's not a drunk or stoned feeling, it's literally like I've lost cognitive ability and cannot process information. For instance: I wanted to make some tea and forgot how to turn on the kettle.

Does anyone else experience wild mood swings? I'm not normally a tearful person, but the past few days have seen me crying uncontrollably for no reason whatsoever - and this morning, I started laughing whilst I was crying and just couldn't stop. My family think I'm losing my mind, and were I not taking prednisone, monteluklast and fexofenadine I'd agree with them. As it is, I feel somewhat reassured that it's the medications that are causing these symptoms, but holy cats, is it ever weird to feel this way.

I feel so bad for you folks who are faced with the prospect of long-term cortico-steroid therapy. If any of you would like to talk, please contact me at ****** .

Good luck, y'all!

I was on prednisone for four months. 40mg a day most of the time. i was taking it for an allergic reaction to a cosmetic tattoo that i had done. i miscarried a child while on prednisone. grew hair all over my body,which still almost two months later hasnt stopped. had trouble sleeping and chills. also have weird purple lines on my legs and severe muscle pain. Does the hair growth eventually stop?

On Prednisone for Asthma (have an infection) I have taken Prednisone before and the only side effect was increased appetite (which I could do with out as I am already overweight) this time however I have the worse heartburn I can literly feel my insides burning from the back of my throat down to the bottom of my stomach. I have also been experiencing increase sweating -fun wow. I feel bad for those of you who have to take this ongoing.

I'm a 22 year old who was diagnosed with dermatologists a couple months ago. I've been on different doses of steroids ranging from 5mg to 60mg for 5 months now. i was on 60mg the longest and just went down to 40mg. i go down to 30 mg next month. so far my side effects are moon face, swollen areas around my neck and collar bone, weight gain like 15 lbs, always have to wake up in the middle of the night and pee, my knees get shooting pains sometimes at night, light hair by my ears like sideburns, tired, helps with my muscle weakness a little, my eyesight seems blurry sometimes, chest always feels tight. I'm also on Methotrexate, Bactrim, folic acid, and Fosamax. it might be a reaction form all these but i think its mainly from the Prednisone. i cant wait to get down to the lower doses. i look like a different person and even tho all my family and friends know its still embarrassing. i fell like a whole different person. i cant wait to be normal again.

I was given 20 mg of Prednisone for 10 days for a rash and joint pain.
The pain went away and I felt great the rash got a little better. Two days ago I took my last pill. I woke up that night and my knees gave out. By morning I was great! Next night I woke with knee problem again had to slide down the stairs to the living room. I got to wondering if the knee thing could be associated with the Prednisone. I got on line and read all this terrible stuff. I am so Horrified! Today I am in pain like my body is bruised and my face is swollen a little. I have acid reflux as well. Non of this is typical for me. My knee thing is ok again, but I am just appalled! I have no MED insurance. I hope this isn't the beginning of worse things I am not taking that drug now. The Dr. didn't say I needed to taper...

I hope I have not damaged myself by taking this drug! My heart goes out to all of you! My question is - Why are the Dr.'s prescribing this terrible drug?

I started Prednisone 2 weeks ago and gradually started having leg cramps. They have gotten worse over the last couple of days. They are in my ankles and feet and I have to get up several times a night just to sit until they relax. We plan to decrease the dosage in two weeks, but this is most annoying. Of course, it's far better than what I was experiencing with pain and sleepless nights and had gotten so I could barely move. My hands were swollen and tight, my arms ached with every move and movements were very limited. My bones in my feet felt (and sounded) as though they were shifting around when I got up to walk. My knees were weak. I was just diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica. I feel 70-80% improved. Just wondered if anyone else has had these symptoms on Prednisone. It didn't do this with the dosepaks.

My daughter is a chronic asthmatic and has been on Prednisone for over one year. Since then she has experienced headaches, nausea, sleeplessness, depression, extreme anxiety, mood swings, blurred vision, aching... just about all of the side effects listed. Of particular concern to me are the mood swings, which at this time we are considering having her evaluated. I didn't realize that this drug could do soo much in terms of her behavior. Please help me to understand what is going on with her. She is 12 years old.

Hello,

about a week ago I admitted myself to ER because of terrible breakout of hives (never had them before) but was covered from head to toe.

Doctor prescribed PREDNISONE 80mg for 4 days, and gave me an IV with the drug a week ago Saturday night (don't know how much was there), 12/29/07, I took my daily dose 80mg Sunday noon. I only slept about an hour or two. By new years eve 12/31, I have started getting cold chills, feeling unbearably cold, then the next day 1/1, I felt like I was 100 years old, all my joints were stiff, I couldn't get up from bed, couldn't sleep much but there is still more.

By Wednesday I have felt even more stiff and hives were not going away, I went to the doctor (my stiffness went away after couple hours in the morning) he prescribed more PREDNISONe for another week, luckily I have stopped taking the medication after 5 days of 80mg, plus whatever they gave in in an IV but I still have what I think are side effects from taking it.

Ankles are still sore, I cannot sleep because an extreme numbness sets in my left hand middle to index finger, it is no numb it hurts like an elephant is sitting on it, that is why I am still up at 4:30 in the morning. When I am up it just tingles. Not sure what to do but can't sleep at all for last 3 days and getting really tired.

If I knew what Prednisone does I would never take any of it, I'd rather deal with hives oh and they still didn't go away, I have had them for about 10 days now, they did stop itching. Honestly I felt very very sick a day after taking it, I didn't associate this with Prednisone, until I found this website. Please if you can stop taking it or see for yourself how much you should take 80mg is definitely too much, for me at least.

Did anyone have to deal with joint stiffness, and numbness how long does it take for it to go away. My wife says to to ER again because I can't sleep I am just very uncomfortable with the numbness and rattle in bed, but guess what they could shoot me up with more Prednisone.

Prednisone is evil. I realize it can be helpful for some people, the only time it should ever be used (in my opinion) is for life-threatening situations. It should not be used for anything that is not expected to cause loss of life, limb of function. I am a 46 year old female with asthma. This drug has been prescribed for me many time over the past 25 years and every time I take it, the side effects are worse and take longer to go away. While this drug may initially help with an asthma exacerbation (and I have my doubts about that), I believe, that with time, it can cause difficultly breathing.

I feel like my body is a toxic dump! I often wonder how many people this drug has killed and how many people may have killed themselves while using (or coming off of) this garbage...YES PREDNISONE IS THAT BAD! Please, if you are being asked to take this drug for something you can live with (minor pain, inflammation, allergies etc.) then weigh your options very carefully. IMHO the risks associated with taking this drug are usually not worth it!

My 12-year old son has been high dose prednisone for his asthma flare ups. I know that the "moon face" is common. However, since using this prednisone, he has bad acne breakouts on his forehead, cheeks, chin and even in his head. He also has broken out in a rash on his neck. Common or uncommon? There seems to be nothing to help with the acne, either.

I've been on Prednisone after and allergic reaction to penicillin (Amoxicillin) (bullous pemphigold - large blister on my arms and legs, some on the back and very little on the stomach) I've been on the medication for three days (40mg/day) I cannot standup or move my hands, my entire leg hurts and the foot is swollen (it could be from the penicillin). I'm hoping it will go away after I come off prednisone but has anyone experienced long term pain from this drug?

I'm pretty sure my pain is from the allergic reaction. Has anyone had long term pain from any type of bullous reaction?

I'm a 37 year old female and have severe asthma and allergies and have used pregnisone on and off for 30 years. I believe I am the poster child for the long term side effects. My immune system is shot to the point that my normal medicines for asthma (ventolin, advair) and allergies (tylenol sinus, claritan, visine A) and ezcema (elidel, hydrocortisone, etc. - - NOTHING works!

In the past 6 months, I have developed various infections that the doctors have not been able to identify. My eyes are swollen and red with large amount of white/yellow secretions. Vaginal secretions. Face swollen. Skilled covered in a rash with ezcema out of control. Sharp pains in my back and stomach. Constant asthma. Abnormal hair growth. It is to the point that it is impossible to function and each doctor just wants to prescribe more pregnisone. I feel as if my body is a walking time bomb and it is so full of all the cortisone from over the years and has just decided no more.

I admit that I too readily believed in the doctors when they would rapidly prescribe the pregnisone. Only now am I paying attention to the long term side effects.

Has anyone had tests done to test their immune system and other organs for damage? Thanks and best to our pregnisone club.

My Mother was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis 30 years ago. She has been on prednisone at low doses since then. About 3 years ago she started imagining things, and hallusinations. About 2 years ago her prednisone dose went up to 60mg a day due to a stroke of the optic eye nerve. She has since been tapering down, now at 15mg a day. But tapering down makes her arthritis more painful. She has developed diabetes, loss of sleep, loss of apetite, loss of muscle tone. When she gets bumped, it's a big opened gash, rather than just a bruise. With the higher dose she was more moody & would get angry easier. The hallucinations & paranoia continue & are making me more & more concerned. I haven't read about this in any of the stories. Has anyone else experienced this side effect? I spoke with her Rheumatologist who suggest a psychiatrist to prescribe anti-psychotic drugs. She's already on 11 pills a day, does she need another?
Please let me know if anyone has experienced this as well.
Thank you.

It was comforting to read the stories from patients whom have the same issues with the prednisone as myself to assure me I AM NOT CRAZY. I am 43 years old and have severe asthma. Just this past April I was hospitalized for a week with asthma and was given so much steriods via shots, pills and IV drip that I have gained 25 lbs since April 16. Have swelling of the face, facial hair, swollen legs and a bloated belly. I cannot take it any more. I do not feel attractive and am in constant pain from the carpal tunnel I have developed in my hands, wrist and arms. I wish there was some way to return back to my normal active life and my normal body.

My daughter has been on prednisone since October, 2006 -today is July 25, 2007. She is a 35 years old with asthma and allergies. Originally the pulmonologist thought she had ABPA (Allergic Bronchio Pulmonary Aspergelosis) and put her on 60 mg daily. This year has been a nightmare for her. That original diagnosis apparently was erronous, but she was kept on the high dose for breathing issues, with instructions to lower it as she could. As of today she is on 30 mg. daily. Side effects? So you know she is no "loser", she is a PhD in Biomechanical Engineering, has two patents to her credit, has spoken at numerous medical conferences (for vascular surgeons and cardiologists), and has had countless articles published in medical journals. Now she can't concentrate much less sit still, has not read a book in months (she used to read at least one book every week), she has two research publications that need to be finished but she can't focus on the work, is totally exhausted and needs to rest after only a couple of hours of mild activity, has a face she has described as looking like a mongoloid. Her beautiful, big, blue eyes are slits in her face. Clothes that fit yesterday wouldn't fit today - and those that fit today won't fit tomorrow. She craves food in the middle of the night and said she usually eats 2 bowls of cereal. She has terrible pain in her torso. Her esophagus has become so eroded she is on 6 different meds for that, and as a result cannot eat salads or raw fruits or anything that might irritate the lining of the esophagus. Her body is covered with huge dark bruises. The latest side effect made evident happened this past Saturday night. She fell striking her shins on a carpeted step. Her skin has become so thin that it actually burst open. She said it reminded her of when we'd blanch tomatoes in boiling water to peel them, and how the tomato skin would just burst open. That's how her leg was. That little fall cost a trip to the ER for stitches, tetanus shot, and antibiotics. Her husband is a career military, so since they married 1 1/2 years ago she's lived in 4 states, there's not much history among doctors. She lives now in Kansas and has started seeing specialists through the university there. We just wish she could go to Mayo Clinic for complete evaluation, but unfortunately military insurance doesn't seem to cover the best.

I am a 39 year old woman who was on prednisone for 14 years as a regular med. for asthma. From the time I was 14 months until I was almost 15. I stopped taking it on my own when I was 14. I over heard the doctor tell my mother they wanted to start weening me off it because I would probably be sterile. But, it would take 6 months to ween me off. So I did it myself.I spent my entire 8th grade year in the hospital. After not taking it for awhile, my asthma actually improved and I also was able to go off the other med.I was on and now only have an inhaler when I need it.
I have the moon face, I was lucky and didn't get the barrel chest. But the lasting side effects are still there. I rarely sleep, I am still have nervesness. But the big one. I am now a Type 1 brittle diabetic and must wear an insulin pump. I go to the doctor an average of once to twice a week. I have more doctors than I know what to do with. I have had to have surgery done to my heart because of a murmur.
The doctors feel that the diabetes is from prolonged use of this med. and that it destroyed my pancreas. All it took was a cortizone shot and I went from nothing to this. I do have 2 children, I had them very young and I mean young. 23 & 21 years ago.I am sterile and never have been able to have more children.
I have had almost every side effect listed. Nausea, weight gain, insomnia, bloating, etc...
Taking myself off this med. like I did. Almost killed me...I don't remember my childhood other than living in the hospital and that was my childhood. I hated this med. I remembered everything and everyway it made me feel. I will not allow my family to use this when it is prescribed for them.

My mom has been on predisone off and on for the last 19 years. First for asthma for 5 years weight gain of 100 pounds. then got off of it by going to national jewish hospital in Denver. Still put on it over the years Now the last year has been diagnosed with sjogrens syndrome and put on predisone as well as methotrexate injections. They started coming down and she had some heart trouble so back up and she kept telling drs her chest hurt all the way to her back this went on for 6 months 6 times in hospital and ER they kept saying it was her heart and rib cage. Well finally 10 days ago finally took a back exray and she had three fractures in her spine. So she has had a broken back for the last 6 months which was caused by the predisone. Had surgery 4 days ago but is now in nursing home for a while and the sjogrens is showing up in her lungs and was told this week that the treatment is predisone. She has so many things wrong that I now feel like the predisone has probably caused most of her health problems. Predisone should never be used for long term use it is to dangerous and so very painful.

My son took 60mg of prednisone for 5 days for his asthma. On the 5th day he had a complete psychotic break. He had a smaller break the next day and then seemed to be doing better. 5 days later he had another episode. When will this end? I wonder if we will need to medicate him for the psychosis. He is only 9 and he doesn't understand what is happening to him and neither do we.

I have been off and on prednisone my entire life as well for asthma and poison ivy. About 5 years ago I was put on it for 3 months due to finding out i had chron's disease. It is the worst drug ever!!! I gained 30 lbs in two weeks, I had severe night sweats and nightmares. My knees hurt constantly and still do to this day. Right now I am sick again with asthma and they want me to take prednisone and I am refusing. I want an alternative. Help me find one please someone!!

Just amazing how things react differently on different people.
I have been on Prednisone for almost 5 weeks now and have LOST weight. I eat because I am supposed to not because I want to, I am NOT hungry !!! I sleep like a baby too... go figure? However, I am weaning off it and am down to 5mg a day and I am experiencing headaches and leg pain which I did not have while on a higher dose (15mg). I love the stuff although I think I am in a minority of one in the world. I feel great when I am on it even though have used it in the past and developed cataracts from it at the age of 48 (now 49) and have already had one cataract removed.

Off and on for 25 years Ive taken this drug for asthma. I have never experienced any problems personally. Actually, without it, Id probably be in the hospital 1/2 the year or not alive. I guess im one of the lucky ones in a sense

I have been on the "pak" for four days of the seven now. My joints & asthma are MUCH better, but at a cost. I went balistic in the license branch today! It was scary for even me. The only reason the cops were'nt called was that thank God my adult daughter was with me, and got me out of there. I was shaking and my face was blood red. This can't happen again. I have NEVER done anything remotely like that in the past. Either my doc writes me some tranqilizers, or I am off this crap! We had discussed making preg a routine drug for me {low doses of course}, but I am having second thoughts now. True, the joint pain was pretty bad, but I'll just load up on NASIDs instead, and use my inhaler religously from now on. This is the only negitive side effect I have had, BUT IT IS ENOUGH FOR ME!

I went to the hospital yesterday cause I came down with a cold and had a problem wheezing. I thought I would be treated for a bronchial infection, but instead was given meds for asthma (which I did not know I had). The weird part is that the Dr. did not even tell me I had asthma, I has to ask him straight out after he was describing the prescription for inhalers for me.
When I got home I took the Prednisone with soup and fell asleep. I woke up an hour later in such a whirlwind I thought I was in a nightmare. The drug kicked off intense, compulsive breathing and lead to a 12-hour panic attack. I already have an anxiety problem and this drug wigged me out more than ever before. I called the pharmacist and told her what I was goig through, but she said it was normal and to keep up with the dosage.
It was the worse experience of my life. I vomited all day and night, rocked back and forth compulsively, heart was racing like I was bound to have a heart attack, became extremely sore and weak, I could barely walk. I was even praying to God over and over again to take the effects away...I thought I was going to lose it. I thought about going to the emergency room, but knew they wouldn't help me. So, I rode it out in extreme pain and near insanity....my boyfriend was worried sick and didn't know how to help me.
You couldn't offer me any amount of money to take that drug again...I knew I was done with it after one day. Now after reading all of your posts I know for sure that the short and long term affects are far from worth it. Please try any other alternative before taking this drug. I am bitter that the doctors do not warn you before giving it out like candy....makes it difficult to trust professionals with your health. Hope all of you have seen the light.

Justina

I have been on prednisone for weeks at a time due to asthma. In 2002-2003 I had been on it for a total of 3-4 months (shortest being 10 days and longest being 6 weeks) I gained 10 lbs in 5 days laying in the hospital bed...from 154 to 164 and then up to 172 within the next week. I was swollen in the face and belly and I could not sleep. I was not even tired so it wouldn't have been so bad except I was so hungry that no sleep meant that I was up longer and had more hours to eat and eat and eat. I became disoriented and would start little projects and only finish half before I moved to another...very strange and emotionally unstable. It took a long time to loose the weight because I broke my foot . I am sure that the prednisone was responsible for weakening my bones...I just stood up and my foot broke. I didn't fall or bang into anything nor drop any object on it.

My dog is now on prednisone for the second time. The first time she was on it she became extremely hungry and ignored all of her normal restrictions...she would eat the trash, get into any wrappers and even ate an entire dish of candy. She was 10 at the time and well trained not to behave like that. She is now on it again for a brain tumor...her belly is so swollen that it is scaring me. She is disoriented, very thirst and always hungry. She is urinating constantly and she seems depressed. I am going to call the vet in the morning about these symptoms. We worked hard to get her weight down because she has arthrits and it helps her to be in shape. I feel that this drug is going to fatten her up beyond control. I know she is truely hungry because of my own experience and it was difficult to control my appetite I do not want her to feel starving all the time on top of the mood disorder. Does anyone have any suggestions.
Thanks, Jenn
P.s. she will not eat carrots or any thing like that, I already tried

I have been on and off prednisone for a couple of years for asthma and COPD. Recently I have noticed a nerve pain in my head that goes up from my teeth, through the eye and up through my sinus. Has anyone who has been on prednisone
for any length of time noticed a similar problem. It is quite
painful although it is not constant, it can keep me from
sleeping.

I have severe asthma and have been off and on prednisone for close to 20 years. I've gained 50 lbs that did not come off without me having to semi-starve myself. While on the medication I had problems with my bladder. The pred also caused a variety of mood swings.

I refuse to take this medication unless I absolutely have to. It's a terrible, terrible drug.

I've had bladder irritation off and on for a few years, every time I go tot he md's they tell me I'm fine, I get horrible side aches that leave me in pain that takes my breathe away at times. I have severe asthma and haven't had to take the prednisone in a long time. I restarted last nighta gain. It was life or death. While I'm not fully comfortable with taking it, my options are limited as right now my breathing and mobility are horrid.

I try very hard to steer clear of prednisone as a matter of course, but since I've been on it I've been hyper-semsetive,. crying one minute yelling the next. Not really understanding or caring why I'm feeling this way I just KNOW I am. I hate this stuff.

Janet..you are not imagining your bladder problem IMHO, but I do not know what it is either. I've seen urologists and every thing and they act like I'm making it up.

lame(arses)

anyhoo, its nice to know that some of these feelings are just me. Thanks for posting people. I don't feel so alone.
T.

After taking various dosages of prednisone over a 3-4 year period for severe asthma and chronic sinus infections I discovered that prednisone will destroy your bones. I have bone denisty loss, arthritis in my spine, knee and flare ups in my hands and wrists. I now have chronic pain-not a matter if I will be in pain just how severe. Just this week I developed tendinitis in both ankles. I never would have taken prednisone if I had known what it could do to me. The weight gain, moodiness and hyper feeling are just minor side effects to me-they go away when you finish the treatment. Now I am in pain daily and having a difficult time supporting my daughter and myself. From what I have researched it will just get worse. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION! It is not worth the benefits.

i have been prescribed this drug for asthma i have been taking 6 tablets a day for the last 2 weeks, my arms and legs feel as if they do not belong to me, my heart is racing i am having night sweats and i cannot stop eating along with heart burn.

Started taking 60 mg 2 weeks ago for Asthma. No noticable side effects until the 6th night. I had insomnia and became extremely agitated and angry. I even went as far as to go out to the garage to find my husband's BB gun (I don't know what I planned to do with it but I was just in a rage...) The next day I stopped the Prednisone. I than started feeling sick like a bad cold or the flu (sore throat, achey muscles, headache, congested sinuses and ears). I Went to my Primary Care Physican because we were going away on vacation and I wanted something to make me feel better, plus my BP was dangerously high (166/120) He gave me Vicodin which I took quite alot of over a 3 day period (like maybe 8 tablets a day) and started me on a beta-blocker for the HBP. Don't know if it was from the Vicodin, the beta-blocker, withdrawl from the Prednisone or a combo but I was absolutely exhausted during the day and could not sleep at night and sweated profusely even though the room was cool. I was also taking a RX cough syrup with a histamine in it. By Sunday my Asthma was out of control again. Monday the breath thing measured 220 (I am 44 years) and I couldn't stop coughing. I went back to the Dr. who gave me a cortisone injection and ordered me back on the Steroids (40 mg. for 10 days) I'm also on a antibiotic and diruetic. This is my 3rd day back on and have had terrible headaches and the sweatyness as well as some aches but other than that I've done pretty well. As far as the insomnia - the pharmacist recommended I take all 40 mg. of Prednisone in the AM and the Beta-Blocker b-4 bed. So far this seems to be working because the beta-blocker does make me tired. My face is bloated and I am hungry but refuse to give in and overeat because I know It'll just make it that much harder to get back on track with my exercise and healthy eating habits once I'm over this thing. I resigned myself to the fact that no matter how crazy or bad this stuff makes me feel, I just have to stay on it for the full 10 days in order to recover. I've warned my family and friends that I might become outraged at any little thing and have canceled obligations and other things that might stress me out and cause me to flip out again. I bought a few good books and other than Carpooling the kids around to their activites I plan to just chill for the next week. Now, my question is - the Dr. prescribed 40 mgs for 10 days - what about the weaning off thing? Do you think I'll be okay to just stop taking it at the end of 10 days?

OMFG they gave me this prednisone pack to help with my asthma (peakflowmeter was 250) and this bronchitus i cant seem to shake for a month now... anyway i been on it for 12 hours and i am about ready to choke the doctor .. i have fibromyalgia and let me tell you pain is a daily event . well if my everyday aches and pains arent enough here i sit at 5am no sleep, my pain level went from a mere 3 up past a 10 . this is really bad i can hear my heart pounding when i lie down, not to mention it feels like its pumping sludge instead of blood. everysingle joint and muscle in my body is hurting and or cramping at this point .
the headache is worse than a migraine at this point...... if i am still alive later in the day i will give you an up date.....if i am not alive midday . someone take this prednisone pack and shove it up the $&%#^%#^@^@^@%^#@ and then pour the refill down his throat!!! (I am sure i will live , just had to vent) . RJ

I am on Prednisone for poison ivy and it is clearing it up. However I notice I am having trouble sleeping, I have an increase in my body temp, and I feel very emotional.
On the upside, my asthma cough is improving and my knee pain (I injuried it 10 years ago) is gone! The first time in 10 years I've walked with no pain! Makes the other symptoms almost worth it for the knee thing.

I've been on prednisone 50 mg. qd for 3 consecutivel days; or for a week at a time for my very severe asthma. I have massive 24 hour sweating, and have amassed a very large weight gain. I eat mostly fruits and vegetables. What can be done to lose weight?

started taking 20mg four times a day for asthma was supposed to titrate down over course of 2 weeks. After only 4 days, Having symptoms of Diabetes--Blood sugars are VERY HIGH, Lost 10 pounds in 4 days, excessive thirst, excessive urination. My tongue is sore, and I cannot taste sweet things, and everything else tastes funny. I am now taking an oral drug to bring my blood sugar down, and have stopped the prednisone. HOPE THESE SYMPTOMS GO AWAY SOON

I have been taking Prednisoner about 2-3 times per year for my allergies and asthma for the past 3 years. Usually I gain a few pounds and have insomnia for a day or two. This time is out of control. I stopped taking it almost three weeks ago and I still have insomnia, neck stiffness, fatigue, a low grade fever, nausea and a sensitivity so strong to heat that I have a panic attack every time I get hot or go outside. My doctor has no idea what to do. He said it will go out of my system eventually. Suggested lots of water and a detox diet of brown rice, beans and veggies - no refined flour, sugar or caffeine. Anyone having anything similar? Xanax doesn't work for me. I've been taking Benadryl to sleep.

I am a 20 year old mother of a 3 year old daughter. Two days ago in the worst way I found out that I had asthma. In the hospital they presrcibed Prednisone to me to decrease the inflammation. It has been 3 days so far and I am flushed. I am taking 20 mg 3 times a day. I have become very weak in this short period of time and I am very tired. I can go to bed at 8p.m. and will take naps throughout the next day. I have a very small frame. I am 5'5 and weigh 120lbs. My biggest fear is gaining weight. My body is beginning to feel very heavy and I have been aching on and off. The different side effects that I have read has become very scary for me and I have gotten to the point of wondering what should I do. I still have patience but my nerves are getting very bad. My questions is since I have only been taking Prednisone for only 3 days now and I am experiencing these things already will they gradually stop or do you think there is more to come?

I have been taking prednisone off and on for years due to my asthma. This past week I started taking a high dosage, about 120mg a day and slowly tapering about 10 mg off a day. I am member of weight watchers and am worried about my weight. I know I have been eating a little bit more than usual but I have gained about 8 lbs in a week, which is driving me nuts. And due to my inflamed asthma and infection, I have not been able to work out. Is this normal? Should I be worried?

Was taking 20 mg for 6 weeks for asthma. After first week had occassional joint pain. After 2 weeks the pain in my shoulders, hips and knees was severe enough to cause problems walking. My knee joints starting sweeling. I was told to cut off the pills cold turkey 3 weeks ago, which I did. However, my right shoulder and my knnes still have pain. My left knee continues to hold the same swelling. Is this normal after 3 weeks?

MY WIFE HAS BEEN ON PREDNISONE FOR 4 YEARS HER FOR FIRST SIGN OF ASTHMA SHE IS 25 NOW WE HAVE BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL WITH NO INS. THEY TESTED HER FOR EVERY DISEASE AND FOUND NONE THE DOCTOR SAID THE BREATHING PROBLEMS ARE CAUSED FROM SEVERE ALERGIES WE CANT GET THE ALERGIE SKIN TEST DONE ON HER BACK BECAUSE THE DOCTOR SAID SHE HAS TO BE OFF THE DRUG WHEN SHE STOPS THIS DRUG HER ALERGIES CAUSES HER TO HAVE BAD ASTHMA AND BREATHING TREATMENTS DONT WORK WHEN SHE STOPS THIS DRUG SHE ALSO BRAKES OUT IN RASH AND IT TURNS INTO A BRUISES SHE CANT GET OFF THIS DRUG WE NEED HELP SHE IS A MOTHER OF 2 AND HAD A MISCARRIAGE 7 MONTHES AGO HOW CAN SHE STOP TAKEING THIS DRUG?

I have been on prednisone off and on for 5 years and constantly since November, 2005. I swear there are plenty of times that I think I would rather deal with the asthma! I have a vicious never ending cycle. I take Prednisone (currently 120mg daily) for asthma, Hydrocodone and Darvocet for the knee and hip pain caused from the Prednisone, Phenagrin to counter act the nausea caused by the Prednisone and Ambien to counter act the jitters I get from the Phenagrin. It's like being a doctor order legalized drug addict. It's VERY depressing. My asthma is chronic enough that I'm on disability for it. I also weighed 108 pounds 5 years ago and now a whopping 186 thanks to all of the water weight and increased appetite. I was THRILLED to come across this site of people needing to vent!

This is a nightmare drug. On 60mg I actually started to hear voices. Only twice...and I didn't know what they were saying, it really wasn't frightening, because I was so aware of it. Night sweats like crazy, tossing and turning, evil, vivid dreams, rash on chest...Moonface IMMEDIATELY...I've just cut down and stopped because I cannot stand this medication. I stopped early this week. Face is as round as a basketball. I ate an entire pie. I can handle my asthma, I can't handle this drug.

I've been taking Prednisone for a recent diagnosis of asthma. I'm a 51-yr old woman, 5'3", and 185 lbs.
I've previously had slightly elevated BP.
I've taken 10mg of Pred, 5 times a day for 2 weeks.
Just went down to 4 a day for 5 days, then 3 a day for 4 days, tomorrow I go down to 2 a day for 2 days, then 1 a day for 2 days, then 1/2 a day for 2 days. After that, I'm supposed to be finished.
I'm having terrible time sleeping at night.
Feels like my heart is racing & BP is off the charts.
Wake up for at least 1-3 hours a night completely awake with lots of energy. (The house has never looked better!)
But I lie awake worried that I'm going to stroke out during the night. I haven't told my husband, don't want him to worry. I'm also having horrendous night sweats.
He asked why I can't sleep & I just tell him I've got tons of energy & that can't be a bad thing!
I'm scheduled to finish the Prednisone within a week.
How long can I expect it to stay in my system, keeping me on edge & awake through the night?

I've been taking prednisone for asthma for four days. The blurred vision is EXTREMELY significant when the page is saying call the doctor. I'm always thirsty, I cannot urinate, and I am sooo restless. I cannot sleep more than three or four hours a stretch.
I was on 60 mg for the first three days and now I'm on 40 mg a day. Tomorrow I start 20 mg a day. Should I just discontinue now while I still have okay vision? Or will my eyesite come back to normal after the script is through?
Someone please let me know. This is all new to me.

I am 19 years old and not even 5 ft tall. Basically, I'm very small. I went to the doctor for an upper respiratory infection due to neglect of my asthma. My doctor gave me a prescription for 3 20mg tablets of Prednisone per day for 5 days. After taking it the first day I started experiencing high anxiety attacks, insomnia, and began to entertain suicidal thoughts. Thinking it was all due to stress, I sought help after taking a total of 300 mg and come to find out that the prednisone may be the cause of everything. We are not sure yet if this is true, because the drug is still in my system, but all clues point to that.