Steroids nightmare

[RonnieB]

Hi, this is my first post! Lifetime asthmatic and recent COPDer. Never smoked. I have had a horrible two weeks with a cold that turned into a chest infection. Prescribed antibiotic (fine) and prednisone which was far from fine. No sleep and severe low mood. Has anyone experienced this? I've stopped taking it, just couldn't bear it anymore.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

I hate taking steroids,they make me feel so down.xxx

[joyce74]

When I take them they give me extra energy while keeping me awake. I get a downer at the end. please consult with you GP or nurse before abandoning them . The good they do must outway the misery of the side effects.

[RonnieB in reply to joyce74]

Hi joyce74! I have read some very concerning things re prednisone and the rapidity of the side effects really alarmed me. I didn't feel any benefit and lying awake with a pounding heart and huge panic is just not worth it to me. There has to be an alternative out there?

[Toci]

We are all different and whilst steroids are a Godsend for many of us some just cannot tolerate them. I am one who can't, as I became so low in mood whilst on them that I became suicidal for the first and only time in my life. I suggest you go back to your GP and explain your problems, as I did before I refused to take any more.

[Nottobad]

T he side effects aren't nice for some. But I wouldn't stop taking them. Please see your GP about this.

[Watfordgirl]

Toci's right - it's called learning the hard way. Some people feel better with them. There isn't an alternative drug, but there is the alternative of not taking them. Talk to your GP about it. Hope you feel better soon. x

[Hidden]

When I take them I can't sleep!

[Watfordgirl in reply to Hidden]

Not good is it. Wide awake and ready to take on the world, until morning!

[bayleyray-uk in reply to Watfordgirl]

Then suddenly you can sleep for team GB if they make it an Olympic event.

Sue

[MoyB]

I can identify with the lack of sleep and low mood. I found it's better to come off the steroid gradually - ask your GP about this - as otherwise you may have another infection just around the corner. I do find that the steroid reaction can be different each time, although sleeplessness is almost always a factor. I would discuss it with your doctor.

[soulsaver]

You could try lowering the dose - you'll be on 6x5mg pd for 7 days? taper them down 5 next day; 4 day after; 3 day after etc - you'll still get some/enough benefit and less sides. They sometimes prescribe them that way in the US. And better than taking none.

[RonnieB in reply to soulsaver]

I was prescribed them because I got a chest infection and for the first time in ages felt asthmatic. It is a short term dose but 8 tabs of 5mg a day for five days seems a big dose. I didn't take them yesterday, and slept better than I have in two weeks. I already take Seratide twice a day. I will see how things go though!

[Nottobad]

8 tablets 5mg over 5 days is uselly given by most doctors for an infection. But you shouldn't stop taking them or the infection will not l clear up. Even if you are feeling better you should finish the course

[RonnieB in reply to Nottobad]

I was also prescribed Doxycycline which the doc said was for the infection and that the steroids were for opening up my airways and to treat any discomfort.

[soulsaver in reply to RonnieB]

Correct. Steroids reduce inflammation and hence reduce mucous production which in turn opens your airways. Doxycycline is antibiotic and helps fight the infection and the full dose should be taken to end of the course to try to ensure all addressed and avoid AB (Doxy in this case) resistant bugs left to breed.

PS 8 pd for 5 days maybe - Our surgery prescribes 6x5mg pd for 7 days

[Nottobad]

I have always been told to finish the course of any medication. Only stop if advised by GP