PredniSONE and pred

Hi All - I have been off prednisone for one week and I am not doing as well as I thought I would be at this stage. My symptoms are not flaring, which is a very good thing but I am so tired and feeling very depressed and low energy. I thought I'd feel great once I was off the evil prednisone but so far I am feeling almost as bad as when I was on it. My moon face has not started to go away, which sucks, but I guess I have to be patient. I am so tired of this situation as it feels never ending. Part of the problem is I have continued to work throughout my ordeal, and it's been very hard at times to carry on like a normal person who is not sick. I have been sick since last November (with an autoimmune disorder) and I had really hoped by this time that I'd be on my way to being better :( Prednisone saved my life but the side effects are horrendous, as are the after affects of it. Good luck to all who are taking it. I share your pain and frustration.

I went on Prednisone for only 3 days as treatment to a bad allergic reaction to antibiotics. I ended up in the ER for treatment of the allergic reaction and they gave me a pred IV. They put me on 80 mg tablets, which I was supposed to take for 5 days, but there was no tapering off called for by the doc. I only took it for 3 days and started bad abdominal cramps and a bad taste in my mouth. Everything tasted extremely salty--and still does almost a week later. After I was off the drug for a day or two I started bad cramping in my chest, trouble breathing even though they said my lungs were clear, and really bad anxiety, which I've never had before. I freaked out while I was driving and had to pull into a parking lot for over an hour, and still had bad anxiety trying to drive home. I felt like I was drowning and had labored breathing. It's been almost a week and I still have muscle cramping in my chest, but it's starting to subside if I stay calm. I now have headaches and am weak generally, but am starting to come out of it, I think. I don't think the docs wanted to admit that lot of this was due to the pred; it is a serious drug that should not be taken lightly. I never knew there could be such extreme side effects to a drug. I am sorry to hear that many of you have had similar experiences, but it does give me some comfort to know that these effects were real and not due to some psychosomatic problem.

Hi everyone,

I am a 25 year old female who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease one year ago. I stumbled on this website and wanted to share my experiences to let others know they are not alone and that their side effects due to Prednisone are completely normal.

In Nov of 2007, I was in the hospital for a Crohn's flare up and was put on prednisone through IV (240mg/day). After a three days I was released, but one week later, had another flare up and was back in the hospital in December of 2007. This time, I stayed for 6 days and was on 240mg/day again through IV, along with taking Flagyl and fluids for my flare up and infection.

At first, I lost about 10 lbs due to the flare up and all of the medication I was on. However, within 3 weeks time, I gained 28 lbs and was a complete mess. I looked different, felt different and was emotionally and mentally drained.

My side effects included: Severe moon face, buffalo hump, increased appetite, hair thinning and severe hair loss, night sweats where I would have to change pajamas 3-4x a night, OCD to the point where I would have to clean my entire apartment (even if it was already clean), restlessness, anxiety, no sleep and sometimes I would go days without sleeping, increased thirst and dehydration, swollen eyes and headaches, depression and mood swings, upper and lower abdomen swelling and weight gain (28 lbs in 3 weeks), suicidal thoughts, unbearable muscle and joint swelling and aching, forgetfulness and memory loss, blurred vision and dark hair growth on my face near my sideburns and underneath my chin and on the bottom portion of my face. Bottom line: it was unbearable and nobody warned me about the harsh side effects of the drug.

When I left the hospital, I was put on 60mg/day and eventually weaned off Prednisone over the course of 2 1/2 months and took my last 5mg dose in mid- February 2008.

It is now 2 months since I have been off Prednisone and as of now, I have only lost 7 lbs, but much of the moon face has gone away and I don't seem as swollen in my chest. My appetite returned to normal the day I stopped taking the drug and my mood swings subsided one week after stopping Prednisone. I still have the buffalo hump, but it stopped hurting and I am now able to sleep through the night. The fluid retention seems to have moved south towards my legs, arms, and lower abdomen. My doctors say that within about 6 months after stopping Prednisone, most of the fluid retention should go away and they recommend walking for 45-60 minutes/day to help with the fluid/weight gain.

Overall, prednisone helped to save my life and put my Crohn's into remission, but is one of the WORST drugs I have ever taken. My heart goes out to anyone who has had to take this drug and trust that you are not alone--and the side effects are real and they are harsh. I am slowly seeing that it takes time for the prednisone to leave your system and my doctors say that every day there is less and less in my body.

Stay positive, stay active & stay Healthy!!

Hi! I was diagnosed with wegener's in Dec. 2007. I was hospitalized for 6 days. When I left the hospital I was taking 80mgs of pred's. After 8 weeks I am now down to 60mgs.{per day} I found it amazing how the doctors didn't inform me on the very well on the side effects of pred's. Plus bactrim,actonel,protonix,vitamin-d and cytoxin chemo once a month for six months or more.{i have had 2 four hour infusions,getting ready for my 3rd one in a few days}.
I have severe moon face,buffalo hump. My neck and throat feel full. Almost as if I was drowning.I've gained 25 lbs.,I have severe pain in my legs and knees,my back between my shoulder blades from the massive hump that I have,which by the way makes it hard to sleep. I am puffy all over,I feel like a huge sponge in the ocean!!!!! I only hope that when the med's are over I will return to normal. I cry a lot because of all the changes to my body! I don't feel like getting out, afraid people are laughing at me, my clothes look horrible,and my memory has been fading! I sometimes feel like I'm in the "o" zone.
I am grateful for the wonderful care my doctors have given me,I just wish that they would of prepared me a little better for what I was facing for possibly a year!
For every one out there that are facing all types of effects,just remember not to forget who you are and things will get better.

Hello everyone,

My name is Tina and I am a mother of 5 children and I was diagnosed with a very rare disorder called "VKH" It is a rare eye disorder that only strikes like 1 in 1,000,000,000 people. I was put on Prednisone to help with this condition and to reduce the swelling in my eyes. I was put on 70mg initially and was tapered down to 40mg. then things did not go as well as to be expected and I was bumped back up to 60mg. I am so happy to read these stories but also saddened at the same time. I have been on Prednisone for 5 months and have gained 20 pounds and have the moon face, the acne, the hair growth and the horrible mood swings. My husband and I had our 10 year anniversary last week and I spent it all alone because of my moods.......
It has destroyed my relationships and my self esteem. I don't like leaving the house barely because I hate how I look and I am so depressed I am not the same person as before. I cry all the time because sometimes I wonder if taking this drug is worth it!!! What makes things worse is I wonder if things will ever go back to normal for me or my family 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?

Hi!
I have ulcerative Colitis. I had a bad flare up since Thanksgiving 07.I have been on Prednisone since the beginning of Dec.07. The first 3 days it was giving to me by IV every 6 hrs.I was hospitalized due to tremendous blood lost. After this my doctor put me on 60 MG a day. 6 pills of Asacol and I also was on ennama with Cortisone which totally almost killed me. The side effects were sooooooooooooo bad,let say I had them all.Right now I'm dealing with the side effects of the evil Pill " Prednisone" Moon face and this awful bloating in my upper abdomen, tiredness, no energies, heavy legs. It makes it really hard for me to get out & around.I hope my doctor will get me off this Prednisone. Not only messes it up your normal living no it also makes you look like a ugly bulldog! I hate it!

12/13/07 I took Prednisone for 5 months and now my face has finally went back down but not the weight. I got back on it again but this time I wont be on it as long, I have already notice within 3 days of taking it I can't sleep at night. I am taken 20 mg , two in the morning a day....

Addendum here to my orginal post.....dated
November 2th
2007
1:34 AM
New side effects and sufferings!!
I am at 4 mgs A Day now... In fact, I have been at 4 mgs a day for four days... (reducing by 1 mg every seven days)
I feel like I am (my brain) is dying/melting away slowly...by increments daily. It seems to get a little worse every day in fact. I dare not rest or sleep during the day. Every time I do, I wake up with complete brain fog! Actually, the brain fog comes and gets to me every morning by 9 am anyway and I feel like I'm losing my mind all morning until about 2pm when it starts clearing up a bit!!....Its scarey for me to go thru everyday here! What can I do? There's no one to help me!!??

I tried to split the dose I need to take (maybe three mg in the morning and 1 mg in the afternoon) and was unable to do so because of frightening heart palpitations, nausea and dizziness this morning. I thought I was dying because my body felt like it had been beaten with a meat tenderizer all night long . (flu-like symptoms~ I wanted to die and lay there, completely exhausted until I forced myself out of my bed.)
Every day its the same thing. A NIGHTMARE that I am unable to wake up from!!
I am fairly quiet all afternoon and then all evening long until about 11 pm. I Look and 'act' completely normal in spite of symptoms boiling barely under the surface. Then the 'hot-flashes' start around 11 pm. Then, By say 0330 am the chills and cold sweats join in with the hot flashes until about 0630 am. Around that time, my head feels like its expanding from the inside like a huge balloon thats going to pop....and I feel like I can't breathe....then the 'antsiness' begins and I feel like I am vibrating all over inside like a million ants are crawling all over just under my skin and skull! Then 'That Pacing Thing' and horrible Severe Brain Fog starts up and I am unable to sit or lay down! I *must walk/pace all over the house and/or outside....for hours and hours on end ~until about noon hour when I can calm down and the cycle starts all over again. THIS is what this damned Prednisone has done to me since it was prescribed Sept 14th 2007 !! There's no guarentee that this behavior pattern will stop once I am off the drug completely either!! I feel like I am getting sicker and sicker by the day here. Anyone else out there have anything even remotely like this ?? and then get better after they stopped the prednisone?? HELP! :o(

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?

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?

Hi there... I have just found this site and I'm very grateful to everyone who has taken the time to sit down and tell us their story mine is very similar. BELIEAVE me I feel like I am pushing my family away and I'm losing my relationship with the one person who used to make me feel like I was the most beautiful woman in the world.
I'm a 40 yr female have or maybe had a great job that I loved... On April 12 I noticed a small red rash on my lower right leg no big deal went to the Dr. gave me some cream and sent me home well I went to work and by the afternoon things just seem to get bad my legs began to swell and little blisters started to pop up so I went to the E.R. they had no Idea what was wrong with me got me an appointment to see a skin DR. so I went home but the pain from the swelling was so bad I could not walk any longer went back to the E.R. they gave me some pain meds and called in some other DR. things had gone from bad to worse my feet had gotten to big I could not put on shoes and I had bruised completely across the bottoms of my feet they put me on 30mg of PRED. and it seem to be under control sent me home after 3 day in the hospital things were good for about a day or so I thought I would go back to work well that was not a very good idea.... My sister had to come and take me back to the ER where they did 2 biopsies and still have no idea what is wrong with me. so now they put me on 60mg of PRED the rash has gone, lots of scaring on my feet because of the blisters once they broke and dried out but I can live with that....
It's the side effects that they don’t tell you about,
MOON FACE I can't look at myself cause really that’s not me anymore,
WEIGHT GAIN I have always been thick but I can't handle the extra 30lbs I've gained,
MOOD SWINGS are unbearable,
PAINFUL JOINTS, CAMEL HUMP, BLOODY NOSE, BRUSING, SORE TEETH/GUMS, DRY EYES, FAITIGE, and worsted of all
I don’t have a support systems in my life so I'm fighting this by myself everyday, I have 3 kids that I have tried to explain all this to but they don't get it and well my boyfriend he tells me he understands that its the meds pushing him away but if I can't figure away to control this I will lose every thing including my job. I cant even get the energy together half the time to make it up and down the stairs which also comes with the pain of just trying to lift each leg up to climb the stairs, I also have the camel hump which I find very painful, The acne and the hair growth that I have to get wax off once a month cause I feel like a man I feel like a loser and as of the last couple of days I just want to give up I am now down to 20mg per day but I find that I am feeling so sick I cant think straight I hope and pray for each and every person out there that has to take this MED that you get better and I do hope that my symptoms wont come back. Thanks for being here and I’m glad I found this site. I know now that I’m not losing my mind completely. Elizabeth.

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 have now been on predinsone for 4 months and I started out at 102 and now I weight 120. The worst part about this is the moonface and the bloated stomach. The doctor said that once I get off the drug that my face will go down but not the weight. Also, I have really bad mood swings.

I am a 25 year old female who has been on and off prednisone for 5 years for ulcerative colitis. The first time I was on it, I was taking 30 mg for about three months and then tapered down 5 mg a week until I was done. I have always been super thin and athletic and I gained about 20 lbs in 2 months. My face used to be very defined, but I lost my cheek bones and my chin. This is what they call moonface I guess. And I wanted to eat all the time, even when I was full. I had never had bad acne before either, but I had breakouts constantly. I also had more hair growth in places hair shouldn't grow like on my chin and my nipples. I got stretch marks all over my hips and stomach area because the prednisone apparently makes your dermis lose elasticity and that was combined with the weight gain. I also became very moody and depressed and part of it was because my physical appearance had drastically changed. The next few times I was on the pred, same amount, I learned from my mistakes and exercised constantly, watched my diet and drank more water. It helped but it's hard to fight the hunger pangs and you still get moody. If you can, try to use something other than pred. In my opinion, it's poison. I'm now off it for good and I'm taking another immunosuppresant called azothioprine and so far so good. Good bye prednisone...forever!

I began taking prednisone in nov06 for TA. I started at 70mg daily. Side effect were minimal (moon face, problems sleeping, muscle weakness..) untill Feb07 when the weight gain averaged 2lb a day!!! and I had already began to wean off it. I started my own reduction plan because the Dr only had me going down 5mg every other week. I am on 5mg this week, 2.5 mg next week and I'm done, I hope I start to have more energy soon. I hope I never have to take this crap again! I am on methotrexate to replace the pred.
Good Luck to all!

I started on Pred in Nov of 2006 60 mg due to PMR and GCA. Although the pred has really helped the pain, I am really depressed and have gained almost 20 pounds. I have the MOON FACE> Can anyone tell me how long you have to be off this stuff before you start losing the weight. I am down to 30 mg and this sat will reduce down to 20 mg. God bless you all

I have been on Pred. for 10 days for a severe ashtma attack I was in hospital for 5days,I just tooke mt last onetoday but I have extreme pain in neck,shoulderand piyt of stmach, I have blurred vision and my tongue literally hursts when I chew, I also feel as if my lungs do not.... fit in my throrax, I am miserable due to this drug,,,

1-21-07 After 5 days of Prednisone 40mg per day (treatment for Gout), and 4 days off,

1-30-07 started back on Pred at 20mg. 1/3xday for 3 days, 1/2xday for 3 days and 1/1x for 3 days.

regular meds: Lisinipril 20mg daily, Coumadin 5mg daily (adjusted for Prednisone) and Lipitor, 20mg daily for 3 years (stopped on 1-24-07 due to Gout)

1-14-07 Symptoms: rash on lower stomach and groin area, frequent uninating (especially at night), neck and shoulder ache and
1-13-07 lab reports "liver elevated" and "irregular white blood count" (not sure if high or low).

I will appreciate any help you can offer.

The moon face and weight gain did not occur until week 4. But I started really drinking a lot of water - at least 100-120oz daily. This helped the moon face considerably, as well as start me on losing some of the extra weight. Be careful of sodium in the diet - that is the reason for the bloating. So - tons of water (try to get it in early in the day, that way you are not rushing to fit in all that water close to bedtime) and working out four times a week helps with the moon face and bloating. But I still can't get rid of obsessive thoughts - such as cleaning my house or finding a good price on lemons. I hope that goes away when I am off the Pred.

I first had prednisone for bronchitis, along with antibiotics. they seemed to cure the coughing at least for a while but I started to gain weight.I figured it was a coincidence and just let it go.
The bronchitis came back, and worried that it may be heart failure, I saw my Cardiologist who told me taht i was OK from that angle!!
I started cardiac rehab after my last heart procedure. ( a couple of stents) and coincidentally the bronchitis came back.
Same prednisone scrip but his time the weight gain was very noticeable. Ten pounds in one week!
I was stopped on the excercise machine because my face and neck was beet red after 15 mins of light excercise. Apparently the other patients were getting worried just watching me.
As the pred regimen came to its end, after 12 days, I lost 6 of the ten pounds in 3 days. thats where I am now.

I have been on pred for 6 days after takin solu medrol dose pack for 6 days for an allergic reaction. The med helped the rash and itch immediatly but as soon as i taper down the rash is back full force. I dont know what to do I cant take the steroids anymore, I am a rotten crabby person on these, i have heart palpitations and sever muscle spasms, it has to be from the steroids. If anyone knows how i can feel better please let me know. I also urinate constantly and only sleep in broke up cycles with wacky dreams..........

THIS IS MY STORY AND I'M STICKIN TO IT! PREDNISONE IS A DRUG FROME HELL!!! I WAS GIVEN PREDISONE BACK IN THE LATE 90'S WHE DRUGS LIKE THAT WAS DESPENSED LIKE CANDY AND YOU DID NOT GET A PRINTOUT ON THE CAUSE AND EFFECTS THAT THIS MED COULD HAVE ON YOUR BODY AND IN YOUR AND YOUR HEAD!WELL.........I WAS ON A LARGE DOSE AND HAD A MAJOR EPISODE BUT I HAD A WONDERFUL FRIEND THAT I CALLED SEVERAL TIMES ONE DAY( 3 DAYS INTO THE PREDNISONE AND SHE WAS WAS A WORK!) SHE TOLD ME THAT MY VOICE WAS SO LOUD THAT THE OTHERS IN THE OFFICE COULD HEAR ME AND SHE ASKED EXACTLY WHAT THE DOC HAD GIVEN ME.SHE HAD ACESS TO A PDR AND WHEN SHE GOT HOME THAT DAY SHE LOOKED UP PREDNISONE CALLED ME AND TOLD ME TO FLUSH WHAT I HAD LET DOWN THE TOILET AND TO HELL WITH WHET THE DOCTOR SAYS BECAUSE THE PRED WOULD KILL ME OR MAKE ME KILL. SO DOWN THE TOILET IT WENT!!
THAT HAS BEEN AT LEAST 10 YEARS AGO OR MORE AND I HAVE REFUSED PREDNISONE AND MOST ALL STEROIDS THAT DOCTORS HAVE TRIED TO PRESCRIBE TO ME.WELL, I NOE HAVE A HEALTH CONDITION THAT REQUIRED PRED FOR IMMEDIATE RELIEF FOR THE PAIN BUT IT HAS BEEN GIVEN A MEASURED DOSE)BUT) I STILL AM HAVING THE SAME SIDE AFFECTS BUT HAVE ANTI AXNZIETY MEDS TO TAKE THE EDGE OFF.I SHARED THIS STORY WITH MY PRIMARY CARETAKER THAT I AHVE NOW AND HE SAID THAT HE WAS GLAD I TOLD HIM BEFORE HE TRIED TO GIVE IT TO ME.HE SAID THEY CALL THE SIDE AFFECT PREDNISONE PHSYCOSIS.YES.....IT HAS A NAME!!!! ALWAYS TELL YOUR DOCTOR YOUR EXPERINCE YOU HAVE HAD WITH THIS MED BECAUSE THEY DO HAVE ALTERNATIVE MEDS AND CAN ALSO GIVE MEASURED DOSES OF PREDNISONE AND IF YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT ASK ABOUT GETTING AND ANTIANXIETY MED ALONG WITH IT. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR MEDS ASK YOUR PHARMACIST FIRST FOR THAT IS WHAT THEY WAS TRAINED AND SCHOOLED FOR AND ANYONE OF THEM WORTH THEIR SALT WILL TELL YOU WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MEDS BEFORE THEY HAND THEM TO YOU AND WILL TELL YOU THAT IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR!!I HAD A GREAT PHARMACIST IN A SMALL TOWN I LIVED IN YEARS AGO AND HE WAS VERY INFORMATIVE AND WOULD EVEN TELL ME WHAT FOOD AND OR LIQUID THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE WITH THE MEDS.DOCTORS TODAY ARE NOT SCHOOLED IN MEDICATIONS AS THEY WAS YEARS AGO! ALWAYS ASK YOUR PHARMACIST IF IN DOUBT!!!! HOPE THIS INFO HELPS!!! PAMELA

I was on Pred for about 9 months(FSG Kidney Disease) and came off about 3 weeks ago. The problem that I have been having for the past three weeks is moderate to servere pain in my joints and muscles? This includes area's like my feet, shoulders, knees and chest. How long should these problems persist? The only thing gettying me by now are pain killers.

I have been put on prednisone for a nephrotic disease that I developed a few years ago. I am now in my third relapse of the condition. I did notice weight gain and insatiable appetite during my first two rounds of pred (6 and 10 months respectively). Maybe even the moodiness and a foogy brain I call "pred head".
Today I was perscribed another round of pred. This time for a year. I don't know if I'm going to do it. It's like a rollercoaster ride, once you're strapped in you can't get off til the end. I hate my disease, but I think I hate the prednisone even more. I don't know what to do.
This is a very good website. I was glad to start the pred again, forgetting all that comes along with it. I just want to get better. I'm tired of this.

I'm 17 years old, and I have Ulcerative Colitis. I was diagnosed at 15, and was put on Prednisone then for three months. I didn't gain much weight in my tummy that time, but my face swelled to huge proportions, and while ON the drug, my hair grew like crazy but was very dull and lifeless at the same time. The minute I stopped the drug, my hair started falling out. Within a month, I had lost 40% of my hair.

Well, I'm on it again, and this time it's worse. I started out at 40mg back in October, and am down to 20mg now, but it's just as bad as when I started. I'm VERY moody and snap at my best friends, who I am usually the calmest around. I often find myself just wanting to hit and yell at something. Before I started Pred, I weighed 138. I weighed myself yesterday... 150.2. This is very disheartening. I have a moon face, the makings of a double chin, unhealthy hair, I wake up about 5 times every night because I'm restless or I have to pee, I can't focus in school, my knees hurt, etcetera. I'm miserable.

I work out 6-7 times a week because I'm so concerned about my weight. I do 30-45 minutes of the treadmill and/or elliptical, and do all the happy little toning machines, in hopes that my tummy can be a bit more toned. But no. It's a useless blob. None of my favorite jeans or shirts fit me anymore, and this - not the drug itself, but the side effects - make me very, very unhappy.

Hi, I'm taking prednisone for 2 months already. I am not sure anymore if this pred is doing me more good than harm. I gained 20 pounds with a moon face filled with acne... It is so depressing because I never had problems with my skin and with my weight until I start taking pred for allergies. If I stop or wean down the dosage, then my allergies (hives) breaks out .Now, I feel so miserable and just want to stay home specially now that my students are noticing these horrible changes. I don't know how will I ever get back to normal again.

I was put on 1 gram of solumedral a day for 3 days and I am now doing the whole taper down thing for the next 18 days starting at 80 mg a day of prednisone. My knees and lower back were extremely painful the first 4 days. I'm now at 50 mg and the joint pain isnt too bad anymore but i did catch a cold, pink eye, and I feel very spacey. I am taking natural supplements along with the pred, I think they are helping a little. I'm also drinking ALOT of fluid and really fighting the cravings to eat. I hope there are no serious side effects as the doses get lower. I hope everyone that doesnt NEED to take this medicine can some how flush their system of it or for those who must take it, hopefully you can counter balance the negative side effects...Good luck and please share any knowledge you may have...we all need it!

i have been on pred for 3yrs. following surgery for retro peritoneal fibrosis. started at 30mg twice a day experienced over appetite, excess energy. weight gain after 2 1/2 yrs i had a full hip replacement, due to effects of prednisone. i am now on 05mg i should mention that the rpf caused renal failure. kidney function was reduced & pred was the only drug that stabilized my condition. would be interested in any help finding another drug in place of pred. i am 69 yrs. old & in fairly good health otherwise.

I've been tapering for 7 months since my last infusion of pred, I started in June 2005 with 1000mg a day for 3-5 days in a row, I've had about 4 of them at 1000mg for 3-5 days afterwards I tapered from 180mg a day each time and am now down to 3mg's daily, my total since this eye disease started is about 30,000mg of prednisone, it's the only thing that gets my vision back and eye pain to go away. the sleepless nights, extreme hunger, hump on my neck, swollen legs...I hate this stuff but even with taking methotrexate, I still need it. visit my site www.daicompacific.com/thyroid.htm to see what I've been through. Thanks Steve Duran

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.

Alright well ive been on pred for about 2 months now started out at 40mg / daily but now am at 30mg. I've experienced facial swelling, minor weight gain, severe acne on face back and shoulders, my hands now slightly shake, and ive had mood swings. I have never had any problems with sleeping or night sweats if anything im getting more sleep than i have before.

I have been on 10mg eoday prednisone for years to counter my psoriatic arthritis. I guess I'm the lucky one because I've had no side effects. Psoriatic arthritis is like rheumatoid, but has skin problems associated. A round of arava kicked the arthritis into remission and the pred kept it there, and I've been pretty happy. I decided to try to get off of it, but now all of my joints ache again, so I'm deciding to go back on--although, you-all are scaring me! Maybe I'll rethink this!

i have been on prednisone for over a year now for ITP. i started taking 150mg then 140 then 130 etc. i hate it so badly. i am not the same person. the doctors are trying to wean me off it but then something happens and i get bumped up to taking more again. at first my face swelled up like a balloon and i put on weight. i now go to the gym almost everyday and have lost it. i could not drive at night because i couldnt see properly. i had just given birth to my first child so i was extreemly emotional and cranky. i used to be a happy person now im irritable and have no patience. i used to get 'the wobblys' i couldnt walk straight and fell into walls. i experienced so many side effencts i cant remember them all. now they are apart of my life im so used to it. i dont even know whats real with my body and whats the pred. i hate it. but i cant be on it forever so if i dont get better real soon its chemotherapy for me. woo frickin hoo. good luck everyone.

I have been on pred for 11 days. 20mg twice a day for cough-variant asthma. I can tell the coughing is getting better but I am in a lot of pain that just started in my (both) knees. I am not sure why this is happening, it is almost like I can not walk with out fear of falling. I am 50 years old. I plan to call my doctor first thing in the am and try to get off this as soon as I can. My knees are killing me, has anyone else ever had this happen and if so does it go away with pain medication?

Sweating at night. On prednisone I was awakened every night w/severe swating episodes requiring me to change night-clothes 3 times or so each night. Have been on pred 3 times and this happens each time. Causes me to lose much sleep.

I've been taking prednisone for about a year, started with solu-medrol infusions of 1000mg for 3 days with a prednisone taper of 180mg a day for 7 and down from there, I have had 4 of these this year and now am taking 20mg a day, I've had many symptoms of taking so much pred, but it helps keep my vision normal and keeps the headaches away, weight gain, sleepless nights, now acne and just feeling bloated all the time are my main complaints, I am going to see another specialist to get me off prednisone, and will try another immunosupressant drug that dosent have near the side effects of pred, but all I can say is it works, but who knows what will happen to me down the road, I'm a 37 yr old male who feels like I've aged twice that.

My sister inlaw was taking prednisone - 100 mg per day, she had severe swelling, red face - she was hospitalized when her
doctor reduced her dose, kidneys were not working. she had
her dose increased and was under an outpatient program with
other drugs to be weaned off pred. She is now dead, her husband woke upbeside her and she was gone. Note she had
a history of high blood pressure.

Vision distortions, blurriness, perma-red eyes. Intense sweatting at night, soaking sheets and not getting enough sleep! Face rounding out & swelling.

Given pred. to shrink glands in throat after severe strep infection.

Medication is a burden and I feel "off"

I've been reading the past postings and so far have seen nothing about adrenal gland failure. My husband was on 60 mg a day since Nov. 05 (for GVHD) and they have been weening him off since. He was down to 5 mg and he just seemed to crash, no energy, panting when going upstairs, just plain tired. They tested his adrenal glands and I have read that prednisone can atrophy them so now they have upped the pred to 7.5mg which is what these glands put out usually.
Has anyone had this or know what drugs they use to kickstart the glands?
He also has the moon face, buffalo hump and budda belly but he exercises every day because of the osteo and muscle wasting.

I have been on prednisone for over 15 years now, I have SLE (LUPUS). Some of you have said that you have burning of the skin, well you are NOT supposed to be in the sun while on Prednisone, you will become more and more sensative to the sun while on pred. As far as the weight gain goes, you do have to watch what you eat and exercise. The insomnia, well that is just part of the drug too. Believe me I have been on it for so long that I have discovered everything there is about this drug. For those of us who depend on it to live as "normal" a life as possible, the side effects are far out weighed by the benefits. I have been on as much as 100 mg a day, and not until recently when I injured my back have I had significant weight gain. Just do be careful of the sun.

Hello Everybody,
I have been on Prednisone for a month and a half, and now I am off it for almost one month. After two weeks on Pred I experienced sharp poking pains in my head that lasted for a few seconds--coming and going. Now, I still feel these sharp poking pains in my head and I would like to know if anybody has had this side effect. Please let me know if anybody has had this effect. I appreciate it.

My physician prescribed Prednisone for a sinus infection..has anyone been give pred for this before? I have been experiencing symptoms such as my heart racing like mad and hearing/feeling my pulse in my ears? Has anyone ever had this before on the pred?

My daughter has been on Prednisone for 16 months because of a blood platelet disorder (ITP). She started with 100 mg and has gradually been weaned down to 2 mg. Yesterday, her platelet count dropped quite a bit, so they took her back up to 3 mg. to get the count back up. I have several questions--because she is scared to check for herself. 1st, she has had a "sore" or achey spot on the side of one of her breasts--not a premenstrual sore, just a deep sort of ache. Could this be related to the prednisone? Also, she has had breakthrough bleeding between cycles. Also the pred??? Are there side effects even on this lower dose? She is 25 years old, and this has been a horrific ordeal for her and her new husband (who is incredibly understanding and patient). She is constantly anxious and deals with irrational fears. Frequent mood swings are common. I am sure this is all a result of the long term use of pred., but she so much wants to return to normal again. Has anyone experienced any of these or been on pred for this long? Thank you!

I was given a prescrip for 60mg a day of pred from a hospital ER in NYC. No tapering instructions were given, either. 4 days in I developed severe joint pain in wrists, knees, shoulder, etc. Day 6 I stopped cold turkey. Saw an allergist specialtist on Day 10 because this all started as a reaction I had to something still unknown. Yesterday on day 12 with no decrease in joint pain I started the pred again at 10mg at the doc's request. Pain got better a few hours later but then started again in my wrist which had previously cleared up. Took another 10mg before bed last night. Still lots of wrist pain. Today it's unbearable. Doc says to only take 5mg next time in am and 10 at night. I can't stand this pain! Advil won't make it decrease at all. Seems like I got relief when I started up the pred again but seems like I have a reaction to taking it again.

Hello everyone and let me say I am SO GLAD I found this site. It is good to read what people who've gotten off the Pred. have to say and that hopefully someday I will maybe be somewhat the person I once was. It's been really hard feeling like I will never be the same again and even forgetting what I was like before! I've been on Pred. since July, started at 40 for a month then had to go up to 60 for like 5-6 weeks during which time I totally had my worst effects. This has been for a pseudo-tumor in the apex of my right eye which causes double-vision due to interfering with the movement of the eye. At my worst I had terrible insomnia, moon face, dowagers hump, extremely swollen legs feet and joints, constant pain, and general paranoia and anger and frustration. I've been decreasing since then and am now down to 5mg/day, but even though the feet/leg swelling is better and the dowagers hump is not as bad, it is still there plus moon face and acne continue, plus psychological effects just seem to get worse and worse even though the dose is down. Another thing which just started is I AM LOSING MY HAIR. It is coming out in clumps every day and my Dr. says I won't be all the way off Pred. till the end of January and I am afraid I won't have any hair at all left by then! (Except the dang hair on my face which is extra thick and dark compared to "before.") I have to say it is just the worst when you are already ill and then the "medicine" you have to take makes you feel like a joke of yourself in such a very public way!!! Anyways, just wanted to add the thing about the hair loss since I can't find it mentioned anywhere. Thanks again for your words of encouragement, looks like I won't be all the way better till next fall but at least that's something to hang onto in having some belief that these things are not permanent!

Emily

To 14642,

First of all, I want to tell you that you must be a very sweet man. My boyfriend never even care to do research about Prednisone to understand what I was going through. I had to do the research myself and explain to him the side-effects so that he could understand me, aweful! But the positive outcome was that I educated myself about my treatment and that helped me to be tough.
To answer your question, it is said that for every month one is on Pred., add 1 month to it. For example, your wife is on Pred. for 1 month, then it'll take 2 months to get close to be normal again, including the weight gain. I was on Prednisone for 4 months and had just completed my 8th month steroid-free life, and let me tell you I am back to be myself again! Good luck to both of you. Hope this helped you!

Gypsi

To 14597,

I also experienced blurred vision but after 2 months of being on Prednisone at 80 mgs. Consider that everybody reacts differently to medications and you probably just got that side-effect right the way. The good news is that It went away after getting off of Pred. so hang in there.

Gypsi

i have rha,sle lupus and thyroid disease. i'm 51 yrs old and took a break from the prednisone hoping i'd be on a new med soon but, i can't get it done . So, it will be back to the pred..because it's the only thing that works for me so far. i don't know alot about it and would like to know how others handled taking it long term . i had the moon face, and weight gain and seemed was always angry and tired. anyhow, thanks .
Debbie

God Bless u Guest 14258
I'm so very sorry u r going thru this. I was on pred. for 4 yrs. and was taken off of pred. on June 10th of this year and it was cold turkey. I was not advised of the emotional trauma I would suffer nor did they tell me of the physical withdrawal. Many times I could have easily packed a suitcase and run away, didn't matter that I had been marrred for 23 yrs. I never did that. although u go thru many feelings of despair. Find a doctor, anyone that will help u deal with the withdrawal of pred. and get your husband to listen to u or both of u go and talk to someone. This is not your fault and it is the pred. How long had he been on pred.? How many milligrams did he take a day? Print out some articles , anything and let him read them. I've never heard of such a dramatic change, but with pred., anything is pssible. I got to the point I didn't care about anything, couldn't get interested in anything. Now, things r so much better and I'm getting back to my old self. Did your husband gain alot of weight? I sure did. It's coming off now. Please don't wait too long to get him some help, anyway u can. Take care of yourself in the mean time. God Bless