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Shortness of breath after prednisolone oral

akosime profile image
14 Replies

Hi, I know many people may have already asked this but, for those who have taken prednisolone on short course therapy, 5mgx6 tabs, did anyone get any shortness of breath after? More like very hard to take in a deep breath. Feelings of anxiousness? Fatigue and sleepiness? I noticed it day 1. Took it in the morning and only felt better late pm. The same thing again today. I am taking it for my asthma. I keep reading that it gives you energy boost. I don’t know if i should keep taking it. I still have 3 doses to go.

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akosime
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14 Replies
knitter profile image
knitter

Hi, I would ring and check with your pharmacist tomorrow, or / and your health professional .

If you feel you can’t wait until tomorrow, I suggest ringing 111.

Do you have any other symptoms, temperature for instance....tell them about the fatigue and anxiety.

akosime profile image
akosime in reply to knitter

Thanks for replying. Except for the sob, i haven’t got cough and or fever. The fatigue i notice is after taking the prednisolone like it makes me feel sleepy. I am also using a brown inhaler plus the blue one. I have finished the doxycline antibiotics given by my gp. I do clear my throat from time to time as i feel i have mucus stuck in the throat and in my lungs. But nothing much is coming out and it is whitish.

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana

Hello akosime , 👋

As Knitter says, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist. You are on 30mg of Pred, that's a considerable dose. And yes, it hypes you up and makes you anxious. I know I was bouncing off the walls on high doses of Pred and barely slept. Also, you cannot simply stop taking steroids, please ask for advise about this. Usually we have to taper off it. Take care. xx 🙋

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to Caspiana

Cas,in the Uk 30mg of steroids(prednisolone) for 5 days is the standard issue alongside antibiotics for non steroidal users and complete withdrawal after the 5 day period brings no complications,but as you say GP/pharmacological advise is best taken as one of the associated side effects for some people who don't normally take steroids can be breathlessness.

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana in reply to skischool

I see. Here we taper, it is still inadmissable in Japan to just stop steroids. Thanks for the information. 👋👍

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to Caspiana

I think they work on the assumption that the adrenal glands continue to function normaly up to approx 2 weeks after first taking steroids then as you say a gradual step down procedure has to be observed.:)

P.s as a non steroid user i actually enjoy the increased energy and appetite during a short course and the very vivid dreams but i know long term use can be a horror for a lot of people,hence the devils tic tac analogy associated with them :)

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply to skischool

For me it is Long Term Tic Tac analogy. ( 2 pred every Morning) forever. The adrenal Glands work overtime during sleep, awful feeling, But I have to put up with it. Hope your Coping Carino. Stay Safe. XXX C.

Sharp5Flat13 profile image
Sharp5Flat13 in reply to skischool

Right. It’s short term therapy.

Sparkywoo profile image
Sparkywoo

Yes, that’s exactly what I experience. I usually need 5 days at 40mg then tapered down by 5mg a day. By the last few days I really notice how much shorter of breath I am after I take it. I find I end up sighing a lot if that makes sense. Not so much before then as my breathing isn’t right at that point anyway. Likewise it takes until the evening to wear off. They definitely make me really anxious but I don’t know how much of that is linked to the fact my breathing is bad enough to have to take them. I defy anyone whose every waking thought is “I can’t breathe” not to feel anxious. However, it’s important you finish the course.

pepparuby1 profile image
pepparuby1

I do have anxiety and sleeplessness when on this medication normally give for 7 days 6 tablets I think. I know when I have to taken what symptoms I’ll get.

Do check with Gp definitely.

akosime profile image
akosime

Thank you everyone for the replies, it is quite comforting to know i am not just imagining the side effects of the pred. I will try to contact GP today. Day 3 of these tablets, i am getting quite worked up already.

Wishing all a good day for our symptoms!

music profile image
music

Prednisolone was good for me when had bad chest infection BUT could not sleep also could not stop eating lol

Music

O2Trees profile image
O2Trees

When Im on steroids I clean the whole house and loads more - that's if Im well enough not to be hospitalised. On the basis that everyone is different I would reduce by 5mg a day but that's is what I would do and your GP may not agree so essential to get in touch with him/her. Steroids are very strong and not something to mess about with on your own.

Hope you get this sorted Akosimi. :)

akosime profile image
akosime in reply to O2Trees

Thank you, i know most people who are/were on oral steroids are mostly saying it gives them energy boost! That must be such a high!

Anyway, i have spoken with my GP this morning and it is first she has heard of my reaction to the steroids and has advised me if it is still the same and i still cannot tolerate it, then she is quite happy for me to stop at day 3 (today). Although today after taking the tablets, i did not get that much shortness of breath from it so i am hoping my body is already getting used to it. I do pray so.

I am very happy to have found this forum. Sharing one’s roubles makes it all so bearable, like i have found so many people who cares about my wellbeing and who will guide me to the right and sound advise. Thank you all 💞.

P.S. because i still have chest tightness with the sob, i was given an xray request. Although i think i read it here as well that other hospitals do not do it as out-patients? I have phoned my local hospital and on the automated voice machine it is saying they do walk-in. Any experience?

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