PredniSONE and insomnia

This is my second bout with what my doctor thinks is erlickiosis. The first time I was at the point where I could only move like an old man doing "the nursing home shuffle". Everything was swollen. Feet, hands, knees even my jaw was hurting. I couldn't stand on my own even though two weeks prior I was walking 3-5 miles per day on some good size hills. I was hospitalized and given steroid injections. Within 12 hours I was standing on my own. I was given Perdnisone 30 mg X 3 days 20 mg X 3 days 10 mg X 3 days 5 mg X 4 days. Except for some insomnia and peeing 5 times a night there were no other effects. Within 2 days I was crippled again. Now my GP was in Africa and my Internist was leaving for vacation in India. Internist would not put me back on Prednisone because he wanted me to see a Rhumatologist. I made an appointment but it was SIX WEEKS OFF. Two days later i was admitted to a different hospital. This one was where my Rhumatologist had access. Long story short Prednisone 80 mg 7 days 60 mg 7 days 40,20,10mg 7 days each. Had to start taking insulin again. Glucose never went over 200. Avg glucose last 5 weeks is 120. Gained 5 pounds because I work out every day with free weights and lots of cardio. Hopefully, I won't have to many side effects when weaning is accomplished.

My husband initially took Prednisone after getting strange lesions, severe joint pain, severe fatigue and severe stomach cramps/nausea. It worked great he was tapered off and no problems for about 18 months. Then he go sick again (2/08) and has been up and down on Prednisone for 7 months- currently taking 60 mg. daily. Some doctors think he has Wegener's, but testing is inconclusive (Wegener's starts with upper respiratory stuff, which he also had). His mood swings are severe and he's a different person, twitching, hand trembling, muscle spams, malaise, anxiety/depression, very fatigued, insomnia, severe stomach cramps/vomiting. How do you tell which symptoms are the Prednisone and which are the disease process? They want to taper him to make him sick enough to get some test results that show organ damage or something, but everyone chickens out and he ends up getting increased. How long should he be on Prednisone and not be put on something stronger?

hi all. thanks for writing your comments here. it has helped me today, another HORRIBLE day of prednisone hell. i have been seriously ill for 8 months been told ever other week I'm likely going to die from lung disease (i'm 35) and after a painful lung biopsy have been told my lung problems are almost all reversible... after a year on high dose prednisone. i was on 40mg a day for a month a while back and was so out of control from rage and crying and insomnia and panic/suicidality, ravenous appetite, that they lowered me to 30. then after biopsy they said i should be on 100mg to cure me, we settled at 60mg. it's been 24 days. The moon face started about one week in. i've gained 8 lbs. i am an emotional wreck. i have at least one rage filled attack per day where i am screaming and want to kill somebody or destroy something. some days i am so filled with hopelessness and worry i just want to die. my body changes (after just losing 30 lbs and being a work out fanatic my shortness of breath makes it impossible to walk up 2 flights of stairs without resting) face changes, acne, excess body hair (oh my god please make it stop i'm like a chia pet and i'm so afraid it is going to get worse) double chin, puffy eyes and cheeks, absolutely uncontrollable emotions and mood swings, inability to be logical or reasonable. i don't want to leave the house, i'm panicked and scared all the time. i never sleep. ambian gives me minimal relief (just started taking it) i feel like i'm losing everything, except my lung functioning is returning and i'm not going to die from this illness (they assure me THIS week) i understand light at the end of the tunnel, but living like this is unbearable most days, almost impossible the rest of the time. am i alone with the severity of this? or are all the others like me too busy hiding the sharps and crying in a corner to write on this board? thanks for listening :)

figures, forgot to mention what HELPS. no eating after 8 (7pm is better) no salt, no sugar, exercise, even just a walk every day, anything physical, i walk like a grandma on the treadmill but i still do it, sometimes it is the only thing that stops my crying. no alcohol, support and understanding from loved ones, it's not you, its the drugs. good luck.
figures, forgot to mention what HELPS. no eating after 8 (7pm is better) no salt, no sugar, exercise, even just a walk every day, anything physical, i walk like a grandma on the treadmill but i still do it, sometimes it is the only thing that stops my crying. no alcohol, support and understanding from loved ones, it's not you, its the drugs. good luck.

I have been on prednisone since November 2007 for minimal change disease, 65 mg, in May I started to decrease the dosage (per Drs. orders) and by the time I got to 15 mg all my symptoms came back and I swelled up again. I was again put on a higher dosage of prednisone and put on Cytoxan 75 mg. I am now decreasing prednisone, back to 15 mg every other day and will be off Cytoxan next month. Hopefully this will work. Right now my main complaint of side effects is chest pressure, anything I eat or drink makes my stomach swell and I feel like I can never take a full breath. I recently had chest and abdoman xrays and an ultrasound, all negative. Does anyone have this symptom? I also have moon face, weight gain, hump on back, insomnia, headaches, digestive problems ,shakes, night sweats, vision problems, extreme tiredness and hair loss. How long before all this goes away?

my doctor put me prednisone 40 mg for 9 days to treat my inflammation of my neck and shoulders. I took my last dose 5 days ago. I'm still experiencing side effects like insomnia,anxiety,nervousness,fast heart rate and upset stomach. how long will side effects .

my sister was put on Prednisone for a inflamed heart and fluid around the heart, she started with 6 pills a day at 5mg for 7days, then 5 pills for 7days then 4 all the way down to 1 a day. When she got to 1 a day the EXTREME chest pains came back she was in and out of the hospital so many times it was crazy, she was then put back up to 6 a day and slowing get weaned off, however her side effects are insane, major swelling, moon face, weakness, INSOMNIA bad, rashes and bruzes are appearing everywhere, coughing a LOT, sore throat, foggy vision, shortness of breath, thats put it this way she is a MESS and to top it off her husband of 24 years passed away on April 30th, 2008 with a massive heart attack at 47 years old, she feels like she is going to go CRAZY, if anyone has any suggestions it would be so appreciated. Thank you SAD SISTER!!

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.

Does anyone have the side effect of reduced sensation of smell and taste?

I just got off of 7 days of 20 mg. Prednisone twice a day for severe poison ivy. I've always had the reducing dosages before but went to a new young doctor who said this was better. I experienced extreme insomnia for several nights. Last night I slept better, but today I'm feeling dizzy and have slight soreness in my back and neck. I'm really hoping this all clears up soon since my son is getting married in 12 days and I don't want to be dizzy and moon-faced at the wedding.

Following a deadly allergic reaction to Celebrex, I was given an injection of prednizone, and prescribed 60 mgs. of Prednizone per day for a week. By the third day, my anxiety and what they call "steroid psychosis" was so bad I thought I was going mad. I suffered horrible insomnia, crying attacks, paranoia, fear...you name it. On the fourth day, my knee swelled up horribly and walking was nearly impossible. I stopped taking Prednizone cold turkey on the fourth day (which you are NOT supposed to do, but my doctor didn't tell me that). It has been over 6 weeks since the episode and I am still suffering knee and joint pain, gained 26 pounds and have a red face and horrible acne. My knee has a horrific bulge still. I had an MRI on the knee, and they say that I have fluid buildup on the joint. I have no idea how long it will take to get this drug out of my system, but I would caution anyone to seriously reconsider taking it unless it is life threatening. I believe my allergic reaction could have been treated with just benadryl alone.

Hi. I was diagnosed yesterday with Bells Palsy, (the entire right side of my face is completely paralyzed) and given prednisone, a tapering dosage. I started my first dose of only 20 mgs last night and went to 60 mgs today, will keep on that dose tomorrow as well as one more day, taper down to 40 mg for two days, then 20 mgs for two days. My heart feels like it's going to beat out of my chest! I can feel it it's beating so hard and I can also hear it when lying down .Very freaky. My blood pressure today was 164/107. My normal bp is 110/70. I take medication for high blood pressure but it's not doing much good. I am also a diabetic and my sugar is whack! Had to increase my Metformin. I'm assuming since no one has died from taking this HORRIFIC medicine, we'll all live through it but at times, I feel like I am going to have a frigging massive panic attack! I have to calm myself down, listen to music, meditate. That does help some but not enough .I will be sooooooooo glad when I'm done taking this SH*T! Another thing I've noticed is I am bone weary weak, like I've run the Boston Marathon, competed in the 1000 meter butterfly medley and then played 3 sets of tennis on top of that! GOOD GRIEF, HE INVENTED THIS CRAPOLA?

I was prescribed prednisone for an allergic response to crab. I had been given it before for out of control asthmatic bronchitis and had experienced the usual, muscle pain, strange metallic taste in mouth, water retention, insomnia and elevated BP. But after the crab allergy I was given it IV all at once. The next morning my fingers were all tingly and that pins and needles thing began to travel up my arm, also I was anxious, really anxious and I felt like my eyes weren't focusing right. I took some benadryl and felt a bit better. For the next six weeks I was in hell. I felt absolutely insane. I had panic disorder and only felt OK at home, so I avoided going out at all costs. A visit to my doctor yielded a diagnosis of steroid reaction and prescriptions for zyrtec and klonopin. At 7 weeks out, one morning, I was just fine again, no panic BP normal.

Undaunted, I took 20 mgs one day a few months later, had to drive 12 hours on inflamed back and thought the anti-inflammatory action would be worth it. 7 more weeks of insanity resulted. Never again. I now know what crazy feels like.

I was given this for bee stings. I wish I had more stings and no prednisone!! I shoke, Sweated from feet and hands, thought i was on the virge of a heart attack, insomnia for 9 days, quit my job of 7 years, drove my truck 2,000 miles over the coarse of a week, almost beat up my finance and my dad, (I'm never a violent person!), went to E.R. twice and given sleeping pills that didn't work, CRAZY STUFF TO SAY THE LEAST!! I lost my job, got a battery charge that my public defender thinks we cant beat, and almost lost the love of my life. Now over the past couple months I have had sever depression and have had to put my whole life back together. I'm grateful I didn't die though! THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO ANYONE, BUT IT DOES TO A LOT OF PEOPLE!! Please call me or email If there is a lawyer who could help stop this! ******
God bless America!

Hi all,

Well since my last post on April 23rd at 5:24, so far I have been coughing a lot. My throat is so sore just from coughing, I've been coughing up thick yellow mucous. Going into the 3rd day being on Prednisone, I couldn't take it anymore. The doctor originally requested me to take 3 pills a day for 4 days, then 2 pills for 4 days and then 1 pill for 4 days, I decided to change it. I took 3 pills for 2 days, then 2 pills for 2 days and 1 pill for 2 days, I couldn't take the side effects of severe insomnia, coughing, very dry mouth and shortness of breath going into the 3rd day. Since being prescribed Prednisone on Monday, I found myself today to be miserable. Whenever I cough my head feels like it's expanding, soon to explode and my brain hurts, I fear coughing because my throat hurts as does my body. I don't ever want to take this drug again, it's toxic. As for me now, I plan on going and laying down and sleeping like Rip Van Winkle and make up for lost sleep I didn't get during the week. Only being on this stuff for one week definitely made me sympathize with many of you who used it for years, one week was a rude awakening I don't ever want to experience again. Now I am going to go grab my stuffed bunny and crawl in bed for restful sleep.

Hi all,

My first time on this site, it's quite interesting to see how people have very similar side effects. My case is I fought with a Poison Ivy and lost, my left arm shows the battle scars. Before going to the doctor, I tried Calamine, Caladryl, Cort Aide, Ivarest, Aveeno Oat Meal Baths & Tee Tree Oil. All failed to help, so off to my doc I went. After what I told him I tried using, he told me to stop. He noted those things do nothing to help Poison Ivy rashes to go away, he prescribed for me to take 20mg of Prednisone 3x a day for 4 days, then knock it down to 2x for 4 days and then 1x for 4 days. He also prescribed Cortisone Cream and to buy OTC Doneboro to soak my arm, it smells just like vinegar..I wonder! I have been taking Prednisone since Monday, so far the only side effects that have shown up is Insomnia and coughing. I do have A LOT more energy than I used to have, my job is enjoying my spitfire mode. The question is, what will happen once I am off this stuff? I've read and heard a lot of nasty things about this drug and I guess I will find out in another 9 more days, I've never been on Prednisone before, I do watch for changes in my body. Making sure I am not growing a beard or mustache, that my boobs don't expand (even though it would make my husband VERY happy). I am sorry to see many on here are having a bad time with this, maybe some of you should get a second opinion. Some doctors today are babied by pharmaceutical companies to push drugs, with some issues some of you have you may want to research your health problems more. Never take the word of your doctor as concrete, they are human too and make mistakes. I believed one fertility doctor until I researched my condition to find out I would never be able to have children, they milked my health plan until I faced them with my findings of medical research sites and online articles by universities. Never again! Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. Don't be fooled, research for yourself. I will keep you posted as to my next 9 day countdown.

Alison

I have taken Prednisone several times for allergic reactions.The main side effects I have encountered are 1.Shakiness 2. mood swings 3. anxiety-mild depression 4.upset stomach 5 rapid heartbeat.6.insominia. To counteract the anxiety, moodines, insomnia I take benadryl. I talked to my pharmacist and she said Benadryl is ok to take with Prednisone- you should still talk to your Doctor or Pharmacist. The Benadryl takes some of the edge off of the prednisone. As for the upset stomach I just make sure I eat before I take the Prednisone.

I felt so powerful at times and then useless within a couple hours. Crying and bouncing with joy. Anxiety, insomnia, depression. scary feeling, but felt no physical pain and was able to recover from illness.

Hello.

I was started on Prednisone on Saturday (3/15) for Bronchitis. So far I have taken 40mg, 40mg, 30mg, 30mg, 20mg, - I am to take 20mg for two more days than 10mg for three days. I also just finished a Z-Pack of antibiotics and am taking Mucinex and Ventolin HFA...

I have head pressure, dizziness, and weird visual disturbances. The problem I am having is my breathing feels WORSE on the Prednisone??? Is this possible??? I feel like I am losing my mind. I have insomnia and am extremely jittery. I have never taken Prednisone before - but want so badly to breath better - but it is not helping and in fact seems to making the problem worse?

Has this every happened to anyone? Please help I am so frightened.....

Thank you

I have read some of the board and would like to know if anyone else has had prolonged side effects after being off Prednisone for almost a year. I think Prednisone caused all my current health problems. Was on the higher dose 5 day plan for a severe inner ear infection. I stopped taking it after the third day cold turkey, which I know was wrong because of blurred vision and stomach distention so bad I thought I was going to burst (almost the same as when I was pregnant). The first 4-6 weeks of stopping it were pure _ ell. So many withdrawal symptoms. I went to my doctor and he said I couldn't possibly be having all those symptoms from the Prednisone since I was only on it three days (but it is the regimen where you take the higher doses/multiple pills in the beginning and then it lowers the dose each day). Every few days it seemed I was having something new happen - heartburn, sweating, headaches. Then my thyroid function began acting up (hypothyroidism) and glands seem to swell with my monthly cycle. I started having a daily dry throat. All my symptoms seem to be on my right side: blurred vision, dry throat, swollen lymph glands, ear pain, groin swelling. It is one month shy of a year when I originally took the Prednisone and nothing has decreased, only new symptoms appear. My doctor keeps treating each symptom individually and won't look at the whole picture. I tried acupuncture and it didn't help. Any suggestions/comments?

Survivors Of Prednisone
Type: Common Interest - Health & Wellness
Description: Many of those with auto-immune diseases such as Crohn's Disease are forced to go on a prescribed steroid known as Prednisone. The effects of Prednisone are terrible. Prednisone creates water retention (puffiness) in your face and torso. It causes severe mood swings. It also causes your hair to fall out. And that is just going on the Prednisone. Once you get off the Prednisone, you then have to deal with the adrenal insufficiency as Prednisone can shut down your adrenal glands.

There seems to be little support for people who have been on Prednisone. They seem to be left alone to deal with the side effects and the confusion and fear that it causes.

This is what this group aims to do:
***
Provide awareness of how Prednisone can and has affected lives.

So if you are feeling down or suffering from crazy mood swings or can't handle looking in the mirror anymore then come and let it all out !

I had a kidney transplant a year and half ago, and had to take Prednisone as one of my post-transplant med's. I was on it for about 2 months and I went through a lot of the same side effects mentioned by other people, increased appetite and weight gain in odd places, sleeplessness, and acne. Then recently I had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic and was again prescribed prednisone for three weeks, but this time the acne is so bad it looks like a rash, and it's all over my back, chest, neck especially, and on my face. I can deal with it because I realize it's what I need to do, and I am grateful that there is a drug that can treat the symptoms from the allergy, but I am wondering how long it will take for the acne to clear up once I finish the 3 weeks? Does anyone know how long it takes when you've been on it for that amount of time? Any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks.
Megan

In June I found out I had actue renal failure. One of the many medications I was given was prednisone. After a few weeks I grew so weak, tired and in a lot of pain. I even had to take a medical leave from work(4 months).
I was told to expect the moon face, hunchback, the acne..However, my sypmptoms worsened to point I didn't want to eat(lost 30 lbs) could hardly move and had to be hospitalized(almost went on dialysis). They flushed me out for a week at the hospital and avoided dialysis.
Once out of the hospital I proceeded to keep the weight off, but the side effects just mounted. I had thrush in the mouth(the worst feeling), sleeplessness, I had every side effect listed and I mean all with the exception of hallucinations and depression. The miracle was that what I was expecting weight gain, moon face did not happen.
Around September my doctor started weaning me off prednisone b/c I told him I cant take it anymore. Wouldn't you know it the minute I started getting weaned off the medication I got the moon face and acne. I cant beleive how much acne I have and the moon face and extra chin that came along with it are not cute. In 3 days I gained 10lbs and feel like I'm gainiing everyday. This might bring on the depression that has yet to occur. Why is this happening now that I'm being weaned. I started at 80mg a day and now I'm down to 30mg and next week down to 20mg.
I know this drug did its job and I pray that I dont have to be on it at all once the weaning process is over, but this is hell. I really feel doctors should tell you everything that you can expect. I didnt know enough about this drug(I know there is the internet I should have used it) and had I known then what I know now I seriously might have asked for some alternatives. This drug may be a miracle in the medical community, but for those of us who have to take it, its hell. Does anyone know how long it will take for the moon face, acne, and weight gain to go away?

I was put on Prednisone for 7 days 50 mg/day and lowing dosage every 2 days by 10 mg for what my specialist called sudden nerve hearing loss. I suppose it was supposed to help shrink any inflammation with the hearing nerve.

After being on it for 3 days, I noticed a few of the usual side affects mentioned here. Extreme appetite, insomnia, thirst, etc. By the fourth day, I had severe mood swings and by the fifth day, I felt like I literally could hurt someone bad. I was very irritable and full of rage. It's about as close to a pyschotic episode as I ever want to be and I'm glad I talked to my family dr about getting off this med immediately and since I wasn't on it very long, quiting wasn't a problem.

People and their loved ones need to be very carefull if they are taking this med. I'll never take it again.

Prednisone is a miracle drug that is saving my life. I realize that the side effects can happen and do. I've experienced them too: pockets of fat on my face even though I've lost 25 pounds; loss of hair; Thrush in the mouth and other yeast infections; hyperactivity; insomnia; blurry vision; the shakes; reduction in muscle tone; and secondary infections because of compromised immune system. I have pulmonary fibrosis and waiting for a lung transplant. There is no known cause, cure, or treatment of this terminal disease and most patients die in 1-5 years. Prednisone is the only drug that will at least slow the disease down until I receive that transplant call. I realize that most people on this post are not terminally ill and you can say, "no" to this drug; but just wanted you to know that for some of us it's a miracle drug.
Di

I took Prednisone for an allergic reaction to a Bee bite that turned into cellulites after a few days. My arm and leg swelled up to the point where I had to go into the emergency room. They put me on a prednisone drip and then prescribed prednisone for 10 days tapering down from 60 mg a day to 10 mg a day.
I felt horrible on it! Could not think straight, massive headaches everyday to the point where I could not go to work! Then once I went down from 30mg to 20mg a day, the with drawl that your body gets is the worst!
Nassau, more headaches and forget about thinking straight! and yes your face does look like a moon after a few days... Try drinking a lot of water
Now I am on my 2nd day with out it and I still feel the side affects but I hope they will go away soon :(
This drug works but I hope I never take it again.

I must add my recent experience with Prednisone to this forum:

I have been suffering from constant lower back pain and a torn shoulder injury (rotator cuff) for the last several years. A week ago I got a slight case of Poison Ivy. My doctor gave me Prednisone - starting at 60 mgs. a day, tapering down to 10 over 12 days. I was unsure as to whether I wanted to be on a steroid , especially after reading some of the testimonies here at this forum. But I went ahead and took it. I must say this has been one of the most amazing experiences for me.
Not only did my Poison Ivy immediately begin to go away, but lo and behold, practically ALL my back pain and shoulder pain went away. I also found myself with this amazing positive mental attitude. I began to get up and enjoy my job everyday (normally I am somewhat depressed and stressed out). It was such a major change for the better - I feel like I have been living the resurrection!! Yet I know it is only due to absence of pain and increased energy brought on by the Prednisone. I feel like a happier, younger version of myself. Prednisone has even helped me sleep better! So, evidently, for some people, prednisone is a wonder-drug.
I did note a very slight manic edge at times, but never unmanageable and always very positive. As soon as I decrease the dose, the pain and inflammation in my back and shoulder starts to return. What a shame that this drug causes osteoporosis and other long-term affects. I wish I could stay on it forever!!

Hi, I was on Prednisone for a little over a month for Crohn's disease. I had minor side effects while taking it: couldn't sleep, no patience, dehydrated, dry eyes. It is the side effects from AFTER stopping prednisone that concern me. I''ve been off Prednisone for 3 weeks and I think I am losing my hair and getting acne-that I didn't have before or during taking Prednisone. Anyone experience side effects that started after stopping the med?

I am a 19-year-old female pre-med student who has been taking this nasty drug for exacly 1 year now.... The amount I am on continues to change, for my disease keeps returning and leaving remission. I finally get down to 10mg from 40mg, and have to go back up when symptoms return!!! This is SO discouraging. The worst part is, no one understands the physical and emotional agony this drug brings on. I'm 19 and feel like I'm 90. My body aches, my weight is constantly fluctuating, I bruise from simply being poked (being a clumsy person, I look like I am beat!!), my bones feel as if they are about to break, and I am SEVERELY despressed. Being in college and taking rigorous classes, this is just too much for me to handle anymore... My 5-year relationship with the love of my life/best friend is falling apart because of my horrible mood swings.. don't blame him for leaving. I feel as if this drug has ruined my life more than the disease itself...Does ANYONE know if one's body and mind returns to "normal" after FINALLY being off this drug??? I pray to God the answer is yes... I would appreciate someone's reply and/or insight, because my Dr. fails to tell me about ANY side effects until I mention something. PLEASE REPLY!!!

I took prednisone for 6 days - weaned off. I took it for poison ivy. Ended up with a rash/hives worst than what the poison ivy did. I took this drug about 8 years ago with no ill effects. Now at 48, I am swollen and itchy ALL over my body. While on it, I suffered from insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. I also noticed I was in a fog, which I didn't realize was a side effect until I read these other entries. How long do these side effects go on? I would love to lose this rash!

After reading so many of everyone’s stories, I feel I got off easy, but not without some agony. I developed a double whammy of acute bronchitis and pleurisy in my left lung. If you are not familiar with pleurisy, it feels like hit with a baseball bat in your ribs each time you attempt to take a normal breath. I was completely uninformed of the condition and it is now burned in my memory forever. I was prescribed azithromycin and Prednisone for a month. I started with two 20mg (40mgtotal) tabs for 7 days and then tapered off in the following manner. 1 ½ tabs for 7 days, 1 tab for 7days and then ½ a tab for the last 7 days. I have read many of the users who have been on Prednisone for years at a time and my heart goes out to each and every one of you. I experienced a large number of side effects for being on it for such a short period. My wife was ready to attach the ole cinder block to my ankles and drop me in the lake, but she stuck through it. The first side effects began within the first week. My appetite went through the stratosphere, my heart felt like it was going to erupt out of my chest on some nights and finally, my memory just went to (for lack of a better work) shit. After coming home from the grocery store on multiple occasions, I left the house key in the key hole on the outside, only to find it the next morning on my way out the door. My short term memory was just misfiring constantly. There are too many funny stories to tell. For some odd reason, I did not gain near as much weight as I should have given the mass quantity of food I ingested. The total weight gain was only around seven or eight pounds. The most prominent side effect was my mood swings. I am a laid back person my nature, but not for that 30 day period. I had to make a conscious effort to not put myself in a position to disagree with another individual. When it did occur, it was just not a pretty site. A few of the other side effects were lack of sleep and profuse sweating. I would wake up every morning and my pillow was drenched. I live in Austin, Texas, so the AC was pegged and 67 degrees and no one was allowed to touch the thermostat without grave consequences. I broke out the winter pajamas for the kids and my wife wrapped up in multiple layers of clothing, while I was spread eagle under the ceiling fan (Highest setting of course) in my birthday suit, and was still only the in the moderate comfort range. More side effects included swelling of my ankles and hands. I was not on it long enough to get the infamous moon face or the hump on the back of the neck. The side effects after stopping the dosage were no less entertaining. I took my last dose seven days ago. The three main effects have been rashes on my ankles and under my arms, severe energy loss and heartburn. The worst of it all has been my energy level, or the lack of. My energy level crashed so hard I have had to literally peel myself out of bed each morning. If I did not have a two year old daughter and a four year old son, I would probably still be asleep right now. It has been getting a little easier each day. I have started walking each morning now and hopefully this will end soon. I have also been drinking large amounts of water. That has seemed to help me out. The heartburn was easily treatable with some Pepcid AC. I hope my experience offers some solace to those in a similar situation and fair warning to those who are about to embark on this medication.

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.

OMG!- These side effects are terrible! I 've also experienced leg cramps, insomnia, irritability, fluid retension , hands and feet swelling. But the cramps are the worst!! I thought that the decrease in dosage would relieve my side effects but they are still there. I am taking this short term for erythema nodosum caused by an antibiotic. I can't wait to get off of this medication. I don't think I want to take this medicine ever again.

I am currently on Prednisone for Minimal Change Kidney Disease. I started at 60mg a day and my symptoms from the Kidney issues (swelling in my ankles and legs) went away within about two weeks. I had a lot of energy at first on Prednisone and trouble sleeping. I actually enjoyed the added energy. I also got headaches those first couple weeks and jaw pain. I wasn't really upset about the drugs until my face started getting puffy at about 4 weeks. I was reduced to 40mg at that time. I definitely noticed an increase in appetite and have just recently started counting calories to avoid potential weight gain. My weight so far has only fluxated about 5lbs. I am currently on 30mgs of Prednisone and can not wait to be off. I do have some slight acne on my upper back and notice a little extra weight there (maybe that camel hump thing someone mentioned). I am nervous these things will only get worse so I'm hoping my doctor will reduce the meds more rapidly after my next appointment. Overall it seems the Prednisone has done its job, but I'd still like to be off. I have been on a total of about 2 months now.

While coming off I have noticed heartburn (severe at times), mild depression, loss of energy, and I've been very bloated throughout the process.

I would only take Prednisone if absolutely necessary and get off it as fast as possible. Good luck to you all.

Hello- I was Dx with Sarcoidosis in February, 2007. My lung specialist put me on 20mg Prednisone, increasing to 40mg within two weeks. My Sarcoid symptoms were from enlarged lymph- extreme trouble breathing, middle and lower back pain, kidney pain. Within a week of being at the 40mg level my heart rate and BP became so erratic that he had to start weaning me down. Initially I had extreme energy which felt good after suffering from fatigue but was short lived due to the cardiac problems.

The Prednisone has resolved much of my inflammation for the Sarcoid but I will not go on this again. I have been weaning now for over three weeks. Down under 5mg of Prednisone and it is almost unbearable. Each time I took a drop my mental symptoms became intolerable. Anxiety, extreme fatigue with extreme weakness, irrational thoughts, blurred vision. Within the last couple of days I could hardly get myself out of bed. My weight has increased steadily, bloating stomach, stiff joints, skin rash.

My biggest complaint is that doctors are not giving us enough information as to how this will affect from a negative side. Yes, it takes care of the inflammation but no one prepared me for these awful side effects and withdrawal symptoms. I feel like a nut case most of the time with no coping skills.

I was on Prednisone for a month. The sleeplessness , yet being so sleepy was awful but not nearly as awful as the weight gain and depression. I am curious how long this stuff stays in your system? I am a week and a half off and I feel a little better but I am wondering about when the headaches and weight gain will disappear? Thanks

i was on predisone twice within the last six months because of a flare with chrons disease. i got really sick and was put on 40mg of prednisone twice a day. it made me feel much better, but the side effects sucked.

i had extreme moodiness and overreact to everything. i found myself constantly crying over nothing and got depressed very easily. i had alot of trouble sleeping, got really bad leg cramps. my appitite was insane. im constantly hungry and just feel like i need to eat and eat. i gained 15 pounds both times i was on it. my face gets so puffy. the fat that i gained is in my stomach and a weird texture. i also gained weight in my legs and have strech marks at the top. it took me about 3 months to get back to my normal weight. and then i got sick again and am currently dealing with it all again.

i hate predisone and to anyone going on it i recomend caring ALOT about what you eat because gaining that much weight sucks. also drink alot of water.

drinking water after you go off prednisone is supposed to drain your system of it and make the side effects go away quicker.

Hello,

I am writing for my mother who has been taking prednisone for the last 2-3 months. She was prescribed prednisone for kidney failure. Well I don't think I can possibly name all the side effects she has had but I will try. She has experienced the moon face, contracted diabetes, loss of muscle coordination, vision imparment, insomnia, loss of appetite, purple rashes throughout her body, muscle pain, fainting, and the latest which was the worst of all, she is in the hospital because the doctors are saying she had a mild infarct(heart attack) my mom is no longer the person I knew, I also have a feeling that the doctor who prescribed it to her, overdosed her with 6 pills a day, I feel he should have started her with a much lower dose. My mom never had any of the above problems before. If you are going through something similar you will be in my prayers.

I have MS and was put on this medication for an episode I was having, severe vertigo. The veritgo would hit while driving on the freeway or at any other time of the day or night; therefore, the doctor felt the best action would be to take massive doses of Prednisone in hopes it would stop the vertigo. With all the side-effects I had from taking this drug it may have been better dealing with the vertigo!

I was NOT informed to check my blood sugars, I am a Type-2 diabetic, but was instructed to eat every 4 hours with each dose I took. I ended up in the emergency room with blood sugars over 600. My vision was effected to the point I didn't need my prescription lenses to see. I had insomnia. Couldn't stop drinking water, nor going to the bathroom (not sure if that was blood suger related, the drug, or both). I was delusional (and not normally so). I had the acid/reflux so bad that it was difficult to swallow food every 4 hours which lead to early tappering off the drug. I developed acne over my face and chest. I ached everywhere and felt like I would die.

The positive experiences I got from my Prednisone was the bond I developed through sharing my side-effects with another person who had also had bad experiences with the drug. I could see the leaves on the trees yards away without my glasses. My sight returned to "normal" about 2 weeks to a month after the treatment ended. The vertigo stopped and the loss of the use in my right hand and arm (MS related) came back 100%. I appreciate the life I have been given and am greatful for my health.

I've been on and off Prednisone since I was a little girl. I'm 23 now and have been off of the terrible stuff for 10 months. Prednisone and I have a love/hate relationship. It did save my life several times when I was having chronic, lethal asthma attacks. I almost died several times.

I suffered much when taking the drug. I had every side effect known to man: sleeplessness though moderate fatigue, depression, anxiety, fast heart rate, increase blood sugar levels (I was even given insulin), moon face (didn't recognise myself), increased weight gain (20+ lbs), horrendous abdominal strechmarks, heartburn/acid relux (which I had to be medicated for in order to continue taking Prednisone), mood swings, muscle pain, bone pain (I now have osteoperosis), muscle weakness, hot flashes, increased sweating, pale yellow-ish skin, bad acne, and water retension. There may have been more side effects, I just can't recall all of them right now. Thank God I'm not on this stuff right now!

Hi - I have been on prednisone now for 4 weeks due to a rash from an allergic reaction to sulfa. I started on the paks of 6/5/4/3/2/1 which I was on twice. That didn't work so my dr increased me to 60 mg for 2 days/50 mg for days etc. That didn't work so now I'm on 40 mg for 4 days/ 30 mg for 4 days etc. I'm not feeling confident that this will work either. The only side effects I had until this last dosage was the excessive sweating, increased thirst and urinating. However since I started taking this last dosage of 40 mg for 4 days I have developed the "moon face" which is horrible and insomnia. I haven't slept in 4 days. When I do fall asleep I wake up with the sweats. Also my vision has started getting blurry at times too. This stuff is scary. My dr didn't tell me about any of this - I have learned it from reading the drug effects and this website. I appreciate knowing I'm not alone. I hate being on this drug but it when I'm on the higher dose it does stop my itching which is driving me crazy too. I have been having mood swings too but I'm not sure if that is the drug or just from the stress of all of this. If this dosage doesn't work I don't know what else they can do but I don't want to have to go back on Prednisone again. I'm afraid what side effects will happen next and I worry about the long-term effects too. And please tell me the moon face will go away after I stop Prednisone... Thanks for listening.

I was prescribed prednisone for a severe case of poison ivy. 60mg for 10 days, then tapering over 2 more weeks. Side effects were dizziness, sleeplessness, hunger, thirst, slow healing, pent up energy, acne, etc. My doctor also prescribed Ranitidine 300mg 2x day because it's a histamine blocker, and that helped with the all-over itching. Ranitidine is normally prescribed as a stomach aid (for ulcers/acid reflux I think), so that may have helped prevent any of the stomach/digestive side effects. I also tried to follow the recommended dietary suggestions that I learned about. I focused on potassium, calcium, protein, zinc rich foods, lots of healthy vegetables, vitamin E, etc. Try searching the internet for "prednisone diet" or "prednisone nutrition". I think all that helped! Good luck.

Hello all,
I have been on the Medrol dosing pack that is a six day taper. I am on day three and I am a maniac. I have insomnia, total body aches, headache and feel bloated. Does anyone know something I can take to help me sleep that is over the counter? I tried Tylenol PM and Benedryl as that is what the pharmicist suggested. I have tried melatonin in the past without seeing any benefit of the herbal drug. Please help:(

I was on a prednisone pack for only 6 days. You taper highest dosage to lowest, with the first day at 6 pills and end with 1. I have had alot of side effects as well. Insomnia, bloating. Hungry as heck, thirsty.
I'm eating like I normally do and work out 4 days a week, but noticed a 4 lb. weight gain in less than a week. I won't use this drug again. It's hard enough to lose weight, especially when your doing every thing right. It's got to be the prednisone. I know I just want to eat all the time. And go to bed with my stomach growling every night stinks.

i have been on 60 mg for 3 months and before that 20 mg since sept 05.. i have moon face, swollen tummy stretch marks all over my body, horrible heart burn, rapid heart beat, night sweats, insomnia, crazy hunger pains but cant seem to eat, mood swings, depression, fatigue, weak muscles, shaky, severe hot flashes, flushed face and i constantly feel sick to my tummy... you name it i got.. this drug is horrible, cant wait to be off which seems like an eternity :( and the worst is yet to come because i hear that your body becomes addicted to it and the side effects off being weaned off are just terrible and you end up being kept on just to flush out your system

Insomnia, skin rashes and intense itching, but much less pain and stiffness of Fibromyalgia CFSm possibly Lyme Disease. Took 20 mg. twice daily for eight days. I, too, would like to know if one can take in intervals depending how long he relief lasts.

I was prescribed Prednisone for 10 days initially and then degreasing dosage for a long time. 9mg daily for 14 days, then 8mg for 14 days, then 7mg for 14 days and so on until I was off the stuff. This seems to be a long time for me. I have night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, lack of concentration, and lack of ambition. I am a 70 year old male prostate cancer survivor. I am also taking Toprol 50mg daily.
Will all of the side effects go away eventually?
Very tired old man.

I have been on prednisone for 8 weeks for an eye disease at 25mg. I have had insomnia, tremors to hands, sore mouth, terrible taste in mouth, weight loss and the moon face. I will start decreasing the prednisone in 5 days and eventually off in 2 months. How long does it generally take for the moon face to start decrasing even just a little ? Jo

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?

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 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.

extreme lower back pain
insomnia
mood swing
extreme head ache
fluid retention
darkening of skin
skin rashes