PredniSONE and poison ivy

My son is suffering from psychosis because of prednisone. He had severe poison ivy and was given 10 day course of pills that tapered and a shot. Since then he has been in the psych ward for a week , released given respirdal and lithium. After 3 weeks we tried to wean him from the respidal but the psychosis came right back. ;He is 17 and never had any symptoms of psychosis or mania before. He has every symptom now. BTW his psychosis did not appear until he was finished with the prednisone for several days. Will he ever recover?????

All that I can say is anyone taking this medication, be prepared. I am 24 years old and was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I was in a severe flare up and was prescribe Prednisone. I looked like a balloon in the Macy's parade. Along with looking like I was 500 lbs in the face I was a woman on a rampage. I would blow up at the drop of a hat. I could not sleep, I was not the person to be around. Even after I was taken off of it, it took some serious time for me to be back to my normal self. This is an absolutely HORRIFIC drug and whomever invented it should be jailed for what it does to the people taking it.

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.

I have been on prednisone for one week for poison ivy and I cannot get more than one or two hours of sleep a night. I have taken sleep aids, benadryl, phenergan and nothing is working. My skin still iches like crazy even though the poison ivy is gone. I also have substantial mood changes. I am extremely laid back and nothing bothers me. My company lost their entire customer database and orders and my response was "sucks to be you" normally I would be stressed and trying to fix it. I also drank while on prednisone because the bottle didn't warn against it. I don't think I need to explain how stupid I made myself look. Does anyone know how long it takes for this stuff to wear off?

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

SORRY HAVEN'T TRIED IT YET CHECKING OUT WITH OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE TAKEN IT.COULD ANY ONE LET ME KNOW HOW IT WORKS FOR THEM? THANK YOU.WILL BE STARTING SOMETIME TOMORROW PLEASE LET ME KNOW THANK YOU

Hello EveryOne out there...OK OK....

Now Why have I been out of touch since Sept 14th.... 2007???

I have been VERY VERY ill.....

Y'See, I went to see this new Doctor (Quack) for continued pain in my chest (sternum) area....that I have been having trouble with all Summer. (Severe Costochondritis/Fibromyalgia) By Sept 14th, this Quack who claims to be a Doctor had given me this prescription for Prednisone pills (20 mg each)....with orders to take mega doses of this toxic poison in order to combat the pain I was suffering. I was so desperate to get out of pain that I went ahead and filled the prescription and started taking the pills that eventful Friday night. I made the fatal mistake of trusting this Doctor!!!

If I had any sense God gave green apples I would have researched this a little before taking this medicine!! I would have run like all heck in the opposite direction!

I had been taking these reccomended large doses for approx two weeks back then per Doctor 'Quack's' order.... I have been hooked after the first week....and now currently desperately trying to get off of it with only marginal success!!

I have been on this Prednisone crap for some 49 days, currently and desperately trying to get off of it....with terrible side effects!! I have experienced every side effect known to the Devil himself and even discovered some new ones that I never knew was possible!? Case in point! I can't sleep night after night without terrible withdrawals all night long!!! I am forced to contend with them every night here. Not to mention I fight the withdrawals all days long too. I have this inept doctor and I am sorry I even went to him in the first place...!

The withdrawals I am now getting are harder to deal with than the original chest pain itself!!! Not to mention even eating the so-called 'wrong' foods sets off even more withdrawals almost immediately. I am now extremely sensitive to light and the sun~ not to mention.....noise....and stress....

I am much sicker from this Quack Doctor's so-called "HELP" than I ever was before....

I don't mind saying his name and trying to steer everyone away from this jerk Doctor here in Las Vegas who takes advantage of people in pain when they are desperate by feeding them toxic poisons and passing the poison off as something harmless thats gonna help them??? Just ask me who he is and I will tell you. I have no qualms about it....

Bottom line is I have spent this last month trying to get off this crap and I just found out that the withdrawals may bother me up to a YEAR after I take my last dose of this crap poison!! I have been going thru H***!!! A nightmare I would LOVE to pass onto this Quack who pretends to be a doctor!

I am down to about 7.5 mg per day now from about 180 mg that he gave me originally Sept 14 2007. Believe me this was not easy thing for me to do. I went "Toxic" on this drug weeks ago and it has affected my ability to process, think and reason properly. I feel like part of my mind is now missing or went on permanent vacation!! Dizziness,feeling like I'm gonna pass out, Brain Fog and Mass Confusion is the order for the day~depending on the time of day???

"The side effects of prednisone include adrenal suppression, which can occur with periods of prednisone use to surpass seven days. Adrenal suppression refers to the body’s inability to synthesize natural corticosteroids, resulting in a dependency on the prednisone taken by the patient. This is why doctors do not recommend the cessation of prednisone when the patient has taken it for longer than seven days. They reduce the dose gradually over a few days in the case of short-term prednisone use, and over weeks or months in the case of long-term treatment. Stopping prednisone treatment abruptly can cause the life-threatening Addison’s disease, in which in the body no longer produces sufficient amounts of adrenal steroid hormones"

I want to SUE this Doctor for making me this sick!!!!!

SDR

GRRRRRRRRRrrrrr!!!!!!!

Was prescribed prednisone 10mg dose pack. Took my first days worth and by bedtime my heart was beating so fast it felt as if it was going to pop out of my chest and burst. I went to the hospital and per the doctors there, SVT is not a reaction to prednisone. Anyways, left hospital with a clear bill of health, heart was in good condition.
Now, If it wasn't the prednisone that caused this rapid heart beat, what was it? I really think that the prednisone was the cause but as long as I'm not sure, I fear this will happen again out of the blue.

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!!

have had most of the side effects from taking this drug for only 10 days but has anyone out there ever had an awful metalic taste in their mouth

I hope that what I'm going through is a side effect of this stuff. I'm a 31 year old, non smoking man. Almost three weeks ago I noticed a rash starting on my arms and torso, it looked exactly like poison ivy, except there is no likely way that I could have come in contact with it. I went to see my doctor as a precaution. My normal PCP was booked, so I saw another doctor at the practice. She said "we may never know what this is, but it should go away soon." She told me to wait and keep an eye onit. At this point I really had no other issues, it didn't itch too much.
Four days later, the rash had spread all over my torso and arms. I was starting to feel bad, and spent the weekend in bed with dizzyness and nausea. I called the doctor and she phoned in a prescription for Amoxicillin. I was on the Amoxicillin for 4 days before I went back to see her as my symptoms had not gotten any better. She put me on a 9day cycle of Prednisone. The prednisone cleared up the rash mostly, but throughout the cycle I felt weak, nausea, dizzy. It sucked. I read a lot about side effects online and was hopeful that this would end with the endinig of the prescription. Tuesday morning (8/14) I took my last pill. Yesterday I could barely function. I felt dizzier than normal and had a very hard time getting through the day. Now it's Thursday 48+ hours since my last pill, and I still feel dizzy, like I'm in a Fog. Does anyone know if this is possibly still due to prednisone? If I wake up tomorrow like this I'll plead for an appointment with my PCP. Any help is appreciated.

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.

had 12 days of prednisone for poison ivy starting out on 60 mg tapering down posion ivy started to spread again and was started on hexadrol x13 days have moon face shortness of breath changes in ekg did echo and chemical indused treadmill every thing good that way but i feel like i am losing what little mind i have left am a home health nurse and some times even with directions am fuzzy headed and also blew migraines into full force after finishin doseage severe joint pains fatigue very moody irritable and you know the rest never full when will this get out of my system can any one help also peri menopasal been married only 8months he is a saint

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!!

My son is 12 years old and was put on prednisone for poison ivy. He took the pills for one day(2 a day) and he woke up at 4:30am with severe eye pain. His doctor thinks we should ignore it and continue to give him the medication! I did not continue to give him the medication. This is listed as one of the SERIOUS side effects. I have an appointment with his eye doctor today and will post an update tomorrow.

I was in for poison ivy and was given prednisone. I was to start with 60 mg a day and taper off to 10 mg after 11 days. Well, I'm only five days into it and I have extreme acne all over my face and neck. My heart races at times and I've been moody. I'm not sure what "moon face" is. I'm just glad to know that I haven't gone nuts. Will I go back to normal after the meds are gone?

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.

I had a severe poison ivy/sumac reaction and slowly the swelling in my face reached the point of affecting my breathing, so I had an emergency treatment with Prednisone. This was my first experience with this drug. (I am not one to use allopathic medicine unless it's an emergency.) The first dose was shots, then I was put on a "med pak" of methylprednisolone, to be used for 5 or 6 days, tapering down the dosages day by day. By the third day, I began to find the side effects increasingly intense. I had had a mild headache, some chest pressure, funny bone aches, stomach/liver aches, as well as sensations of spacy-ness, floating feelings, difficulty focusing my eyes at times, and my attention, etc.; but the chest pressure was what worried me most. It was all on the left side. I eventually called the doctor because the pressure and discomfort was beginning to become severe each time I took a pill. He agreed to let me stop the prednisone. I had about 2 days left of tapering to one a day, but couldn't stand to take anymore. It was beginning to feel like a life or death situation! (My rash is flaring a little now, but not seriously. I am using alternative remedies as well, and things don't seem to be reversing to where they were, thankfully.) I had missed quite a bit of work, and did not feel like myself. Yesterday was my 2nd day off the pills, and I stayed home to work on flushing my system of the prednisone. I felt like I was going through withdrawal. Today I feel much more like myself. I know now that a lot of the "sickness" I was feeling wasn't just an allergic reaction to a plant--I was sick from the medicine as well. In fact, I think it was more the medicine than the poison ivy that kept me out of work. I appreciate the use of something like prednisone in emergency cases...it may have saved my life...but from now on, I'm going to do whatever I can to avoid having to ever use this drug again. It was clearly very damaging to my body. I hope I was able to eradicate it enough, and was not on it long enough to cause any permanent damage. I have not noticed any more pain in my chest since stopping the medicine. (I may, however, insist that my doctor run some tests to make sure there isn't damage, although the damage might not be something they could easily measure at this point. I have no history of heart problems, and a stress test a few years back came out great.) I would seriously encourage anyone who has to use prednisone more than a few days to look for alternatives, or insist (to your doctor) on alternatives (that hopefully won't be worse). This drug is VERY, VERY toxic and dangerous!! I'm very aware of how my body responds to what I put in it. A lot of people aren't as in touch with their body's responses, and may start on a roller coaster of treatments as things come up, not realizing that the problem may have to do with their medicine. I believe this is the case with a lot of the elderly who frequently end up taking pills to remedy the symptoms created by other pills! Good luck to everyone, and God bless us all!!!

I took 60mg prednisone for 4 days to relieve poison ivy. I could not continue because of the painful digestive problems, blurred vision and yes I looked like the pillsbury doughboy to top it all off. The doctor had me discontinue immediately (since I was on it for a short time), however I am still having some of the digestive problems 10 days later. My stomach is bloated and I am constipated for days. When I have a release it is accompanied with vomiting. My vision is getting better. I think my dosage was too high, when will this all go away! Oh yes, the poison ivy is gone also.

I was put on low dose prednisone 6 days ago for poison ivy. I took 8 pills first day, 6 2nd day, 4 third day, 3 5th day, 2 6th day and then one today and one tomorrow. Short-term use, but feel I would have rather suffered the itching and severe rash! My heart is racing almost all the time, breathing is rapid, feeling of excitement most of the day, however, also fatigued. Weight gain of 2# and my belly feels like it has a lead basketball in it - although I can eat continuously. Heartburn has reappeared in my life despite being on 2 different medications for this already. Yesterday I began feeling life is surreal - real clear and unusual. I feel for those of you who have to be on it for lengths of time. This is one nasty drug that I wish they could refine the side effects of SOON.

Takind a 15 day dose of prednisione for a killer batch of poison ivy. I am on day 7 and i have a huge appetite over the last few days. I also am noticing that i have had the chills for the past three days. It is averaging 97 degrees here. Not sure if anyone else has encountered the chills as well.

I noticed some definite puffiness in my face and soreness in my breasts, as well as a bit of an acne outbreak on my face. My breast size actually increased a whole cup size...and I'm past the age at which you hit puberty.

The puffiness in my face started a day AFTER I finished the prednisone. (I was on it to control poison ivy...I then had an allergic reaction to the topical medicine given to me and was put on prednisone again to counteract the allergic reaction. I had the 6 day dosage pack (4mg?) 3 times and finished the pack this past Sunday.

The breast stuff occured after my 2nd pack. I'm assuming that may be the "fat redistribution" I've read about.... My stomach had a little bit of fat added to it...nothing major, however the weird thing is that my weight has been about the same.

The thing I'm majorly stressing about is the "moon face" thing and I want to know how long this will last and/or what I can do to counteract it!

Any help/information would be greatly appreciated.

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 just finished up a 5 day course of Prednisone for a rash (poison ivy???) I noticed about 2 hours ago that my calves, ankles, and feet are huge. The drug info says that "I should check with my doctor asap". Also Im glad that my severe moodiness this weekend was the drug.

I had poison ivy and was prescribed a 10 day step down dose of prednisone. I stopped taking it on 10/17. I am a diabetic. I noticed lower fasting blood levels while I was taking the prednisone. I have been off of it for 15 days. Since I've stopped the medication I have higher fasting blood levels, headaches, increased heart rate, dry mouth in the a.m. I want to feel like myself again. My fasting blood levels ranged from 95- 106, now they are 120 - 130!

On my 5th day of Prednisone for poison ivy I realized that it must be the drug affecting my mood. I became anxious, extremely irritiable, and unable to concentrate. I also experienced stomach upset and vision problems.

I began taking prednisone a week ago for a severe case of poison ivy. prior to taking it, i did a little research and heard all of the horror stories, so i was very anxious. the doctor prescribed 20 mg three times a day to start, with a taper-off beginning three days later. my wife, who is a nurse, was shocked at the high dose, consulted with a friend who is a nurse practitioner and we all agreed to cut the dosage by 60%. I began to take the drug, and relief was almost immediate. My hand was so swollen with the ivy, i couldn't make a fist. in 24 hours, the swelling had gone down, in a few days, the itching was gone and the ivy was drying up. In addition, i have had zero negative side effects. Contrary to what I have read, I actually have a decrease in appetite and a bit of weight loss. I have more energy and feel wide awake until about midnight every night. It takes a bit longer than usual to fall asleep, but I feel great upon waking up in the morning. All in all, I have had a very positive experience with prednisone, and that is a lot for me to say, as I despise pharmaceutical companies, and take no prescription drugs at all (well, except for an occasional prescription decongestant when allergies flare up.) But I shudder to think of what would have happened if I had started on the massive dose the doctor originally prescribed.

I myself am recovering from poison ivy. Wondered if the prednisone was causing the night sweats. Knew about the other side effects listed because I had a similar rash flare up last summer where prednisone was prescribed for one month. If the side effect was on the bottle, I had it. No more gardening for me. I'm on for ten days this time...but think I'm gonna give the doc a call because it seems to be reflaring now that I'm cutting back on the prednisone. Similar to you IvyGirl I only have about 2 days left and the poison ivy is resurfacing. Read somewhere online this evening that if you try taking your dosages earlier in the day it may ease the night sweats and possibly the insomnia too. Good Luck IvyGirl.

I have been taking Prednisone for 26 days now. I started out with Poison Ivy. My DR put me on 60mg for 2 days, 50mg for 2day, etc. At about day 5, my poison ivy started to resurface & spread. I ended up in the ER on my last day of the original prescription. During those days I didn't really experience many side effects. However, after my ER visit they put me on 60mg for 10days, 50mg for 5 days, 40mg for 3 days, 30mg for 3 days, 20mg for 3 days, 10mg for 3days. Now I have experienced really bad acne on my chest, back, & now my face. (I've never had a problem w/acne before) I understand that is a side effect of the drug and figure it will go away next Saturday when I'm done with all of this. I've also had the insomnia, dizziness, blurred vision, manic episodes, and mood swings. The question I do have is that I have extreme swelling in both of my knees. It gets so bad at times I can hardly walk because I can't bend my legs. Has anyone else experience that?

I was taking the Prednisone pack for a servere case of Poison Ivy. This stuff works EXCELLENT to kill of the posion. I was covered in it, from my face and eyes to my feet. Along side of clearing up the posion ivy, the side effects sucked. Felt very weak. Couldnt maintain an erection. I didnt have an appitiete and lost weight. After i was off the Prednisone, i broke out with acne on my face and back. I gained my appitite back but have been drinking alot more water. I feel like i have my strength back also.

I was perscribed Prednisone after getting a monster case of poison ivy. As I was finishing the course at the end of one month, I got poison ivy again (stupid!) and started a second month. Dosage started at 60 mg and dropped 10 mg every five days.

The first symptoms were insomnia and anxiety. Then heartburn and pressure in my chest. In the second month. I began feeling pain in my knees and tingling in my arms. After 6 weeks, I got the facial hair, moon face, and mild acne.

As the dosage has decreased, the heartburn has gone away. The anxiety has also improved.

If there's a next time for the poison ivy (Heaven forbid), I think I'll suffer through the skin rash. It was all over my face and my eyes were swollen almost shut, but it would have gone away on its own.

Have been taking Prednisone for Poison Ivy and it has been one of the most miserable two weeks of my life. Constant urination, very moody, loss of athletic muscle coordination in particular to my golf game. I've gained 8 pounds in a week, can't stop eating. I would not reccomend this drug to anyone who has something as minor as Poison Ivy. Not worth the side effects for minor medical problems. I recommed seeking alternative medications and treatments.

Hi Everyone:
Thanks for all of your entries. I am comforted knowing that I am not alone in my side effects. I have been taking 20 mg of Prednisone for a very severe poison ivy inflammation. I put off taking it for two weeks, trying every other remedy I could find, but to no avail. The first few days of taking it I noticed immediately relief from the itching, BUT I also was not sleeping and I felt a euphoria. I was invincible. Then, I crashed. I have been hostile, weepy, anxious, unable to sleep more than four hours, and almost unbearable to live with. I cannot believe how powerful this drug is.

I have four days left, I will cut the dose down and start weaning off it since it makes sense to cut down slowly. Wow, I feel so badly for people who have to take this on a long term basis. Do you have any alternatives that you know of? I help people with chronic pain and would love to know what else works.

Thanks everyone!

I have been on Prednisone for 3 weeks for poison ivy. It was not until after being off for 1 week did I start to see the side effects. I have acne on my neck, chest and back, like a pimpled faced 15 year old. It just will not go away after 3 weeks. In addition, I would each a 1/2 gallon of ice cream every night. I am very athletic, so I thought it was a result of my hard training and the body needing sugar...guess again.

Dr. prescribed prednisone for poison ivy. I have had a pain like a tooth ache going up my spine. Headaches and my knees are killing me. This is only my third day of taking pills and my last.

I got a bad case of poison ivy & was put on prednisone--50 mg for 2 days, 40 mg. for 2 days (no improvement) so went back to the doctor and he put me on 80 mg for a day then 50 mg for 3 days then 40 mg., and I was so crazy I went to 20 mg then quit it altogether. The poison ivy never went away. I was very depressed, no energy, bloated, hungy, lethargic (which no one seems to have mentioned), no initiative, and everything I do is a total effort on my part. I could just sit and stare at nothing, and this is NOT me! I have severe itching, burning, bruises, weight gain, and I just don't feel like myself at all. I was never so glad to get off any drug in my life, and I hope I don't ever have to take it again as I did not sleep, felt "out of it", couldn't think straight, and felt so discouraged and helpless--the helpless is gone after I'm off, but I just don't have any energy and am so mad about that and the weight gain! I could eat everything that is not tied down. Also, night sweats terribly and lots of hot flashes where I break out in sweat and am about to ruin my clothing. Having to do laundry constantly of sheets, clothing, towels, etc. I would recommend no one take this drug unless it is a last resort.