Does anyone else find that prednisone causes a very high heart rate?

[WheezyZebra]

Hi, I’m just wondering if it’s normal for prednisone to cause tachycardia? I’m on my first day of another course (only finished the last course last week) and I find that every time I’m on steroids my heart rate is very high, even at rest. It never seems to drop below 120bpm from the afternoon after I take the first dose. It seems to mostly sit around 130-140bpm where I’m normally below 80. It also causes *extreme* muscle weakness, is this normal too?

[CRP386]

According to the list of side effects, changes in heart rate (including increased heart rate) do occur. I am not sure if that heat rate range you mention is the typically an ok increase for the side effect (seems a bit high) - perhaps you should check with your doctor? I've heard about the muscle weakness side effect - but mainly in those who take steroids over a long time. Maybe ask your Dr about that too. From my own experience of taking predisone, I just get the crazy insomonia and tired but wired feeling.

[chrissy5747 in reply to CRP386]

take the prednisone before you go to bed at night an you sleep fine .I use to take mine in morning an awake till all hours was terrible only downside the 1st night you dont take when finished cant sleep too well .

[PattyT22]

I think that’s common but check with GP/asthma nurse. I’m on a course now and I can’t sleep more than 3 hours a night, very restless, nosebleeds, flushed hot face! However it’s doing the trick so worth persevering for me! Good luck!

[WheezyZebra in reply to PattyT22]

I’ve been getting loads of nosebleeds too but I couldn’t find it listed on the known side effects for oral pred. I’m finding the side effects to be more severe and troublesome with each course but it’s a necessary evil unfortunately!

[Poobah]

I've always tolerated prednisone very well but my last course, not having any for a few years, had to be reduced as it felt like I was having a stroke (I wasn't). I think I had that bad reaction after the first dose as I now have high blood pressure (controlled by meds). I reduced dose to 25mg pd but took it for longer until course finished. GP was happy with this.

I would definitely tell your GP as you're putting strain on your heart if the heart rate is constantly high.

[WheezyZebra]

Thank you for your replies! I spoke to my doctor and they suspect its causing my potassium to drastically drop (in combination with the other meds I’m on) and that is causing tachycardia and muscle cramps/weakness. I’ve to eat a very high potassium diet and take supplements but persevere with the steroids as otherwise I’d risk a bad attack and hospital which wouldn’t be ideal in the current situation!