Want some anecdotal advice about depression from steroid inhalers

[Lks12]

I have tried two steroid inhalers both give me anger, depression and insomnia. Is there any hope that another brand won't ? These effects are steroid effects generally so I'm reluctant to believe another type of steroid inhaler will make a difference. Does anyone else have any experience reguarding this?

My most troublesome side effect is depression. I can live with the rest

[Homely2 Administrator]

I would ring the asthma UK helpline on 0300 2225800. You need to talk to someone who can help you with ideas for different inhalers.

Personally I have always been fortunate with my inhalers.

[Lks12 in reply to Homely2]

Thanks for the number. The nurse on the phone thought it might be what the specific additives are in the inhaler the lactose or alcohol. Absolutely ridiculous!

[JumpJiving in reply to Lks12]

Lks12 Whilst it could be additives, it could also be related to the relative glucocorticoid receptor binding affinity of the steroid in the inhaler. The document at bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley... contains a table with some of the values for different inhaler types. If it is the steroid causing the effects that you are having then changing to another with a different binding affinity could make a difference, but it would still have to have the desired effect on your asthma. At my local hospital, this is the territory of the respiratory consultant rather than the asthma nurse - mine moved me from Seretide to Fostair to Alvesco because of the effect that the more potent steroids had on me. I suggest contacting your respiratory team and asking for advice from the respiratory consultant.

[Lks12 in reply to JumpJiving]

Thanks for information. Very helpful. I had infact decided to ask for alvesco when I finally see Asta nurse in a few weekss. As I read about how it works and is less likely for side effects. The asthma helpline I actually rang back again today explained I might need to see a consultant if I keep getting side effects. Just as you stated!

[Pebblybeach]

I’ve had 7 years of this, constantly told by GPs that it’s not possible to get the side effects you’ve listed. I had almost given up hope, then found that acupuncture helped me to gradually reduce my use of the steroid inhaler. I was doing the MART method and maxing out on the dose and now I’m on only one inhale of my Fostair nethaler a day and feeling so much better. Hope this helps.

[Poobah]

Unfortunately, some doctors have a blindspot when it comes to side effects. Given that steroids are the primary treatment for asthma, with other treatments only add ons, it is challenging to find the right treatment at GP level for anyone who can't tolerate steroids.I agree that talking this over with the Asthma UK helpline can help you navigate a way through this and access care that is more tailored to you.

We know that steroids can be detrimental for a small percentage of asthmatics, but research is patchy and slow, as it doesn't affect the majority. Finding a respiratory consultant that specialises in this area is probably the way forward.