Side effects of prednisone

[Bentley23]

Hi I am on 5mg maintenance dose or prednisone and have been for 4 years. I am suffering with mood swings feeling high then very low moods. Is this to do with long term use. I suffer from a lung condition

[Badbessie]

There could be a number of possible reasons for this. I would keep a record of when you have your highs and lows and see if there is a pattern. Steroids can affect mood but personally I would discuss this with my GP so that other causes can be eliminated. I have had some quite horrible times due to steroids and can sympathize.

[Bentley23 in reply to Badbessie]

Thank you. I am going to try and get to speak to my dr easier said than done

[Aingeful]

Not sure if it's the Prednisolone (I've been on them a year) but I have extreme mood swings too.I was actually crying yesterday. I don't think lockdown has helped either!

[Bentley23 in reply to Aingeful]

I’m convinced it’s the preds

[Caspiana]

Hello Bentley, 👋

It's hard to say. 5mg is not a very big dose and five is usually considered enough not to cause weight gain and the rest of the unpleasant side effects. Having said that, almost every medication had some kind of side effect. I am on seven mg maintainance dose. One important consideration is does Predisone help your lung condition? Unfortunately I don't believe there is a substitute steroid. At least I've never heard if it. And do you take it religiously everyday? Stopping and starting would cause some unpleasant feelings I am sure. I hope you get to talk with your doctor soon.

Best wishes,

Cas xx 🌿

[Bentley23 in reply to Caspiana]

Hi casYes I take everyday and have done for over four years. When bad infections I increase to 40mg. My adrenal gland isn’t working properly now so I have to take religiously or I could go into adrenal failure. I just need to know I’m not cracking up crying so much. I’ve come to terms I’ve got a terminal lung disease but it’s the highs and lows it feels hormonal but I’m 65 and went through the change when I was 40 so to me it’s the only explanation. Thank you

[Caspiana in reply to Bentley23]

Hello Bentley. Do they ask you to taper down from your 40mg when you take it? xx 👋😃

[BP135]

Hi BentleyI recently requested a change from pred because I believe it was the cause of me feeling so low. The GP said the only alternative steroid is the one they are using at the moment to treat Covid (can't think of the name of it!) but that it's so similar it would have the same side effects.

I told her I had just started counselling to try and help (and it has) she suggested I give that a good go first, because not having pred probably isn't an option. I only take mine when I have an infection luckily, so I'm very low, snappy and emotional all through autumn and winter where i have constant infections, and happier in the spring/summer.

I hope you find a way of getting some balance xx

[Bentley23 in reply to BP135]

Thank you so much. Just someone else saying it affects them makes me realise I’m not going crazy. Got a feeling my dr won’t agree it’s the steroids but I know it is but have to be on them. Thanks

[skipwork]

You are very unfortunate. I have been on Prednisolone for 40 years with a lung condition called Sarcoidosis and my only complaint is thin skin, bruising and bleeding easily.

[Bentley23 in reply to skipwork]

Hi I’ve only been on them 4 years with my lung condition but need to stay on them as my adrenal gland no longer works. Thanks for your reply

[SarahEG]

Hi Bentley - I didn't react well to Pred and have it on my records that I should only have it in extreme emergency. I think it depends on the person. I was told there aren't big side effects but it makes me weep, very bad dreams and self harm thoughts. I have severe emphysema and it's managed with inhalers. A chest infection is dealt with antibiotics. Kindest Sarah 😀

[Bentley23 in reply to SarahEG]

Hi SarahThanks for your reply. I’m crying loads and mood swings awful. I can’t come off them but need something to help. So sorry to hear your reaction to them. Take care. Lyn

[shouty]

have you had your thyroid checked at all just a thought 🤔

[MoyB in reply to shouty]

You beat me to it - I was just going to say the same thing!

An overactive or underactive thyroid can certainly affect a person's mood in the way described.

I would check it out with the GP - ask for a blood test. xx Moy