Prednisolone and depression

[Shalimar]

Does anyone else feel that Prednisolone causes depression? I seem to get depressed and anxious for no reason and it goes as quickly as it comes. It is not like anything that I have ever felt before and I am thinking thjat maybe the Prednisolone is causing it.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It may be - but it could also be part of the autoimmune disorder which is associated with depressive mood or the adjustment to being faced with a chronic illness that has led to a massive change in lifestyle and is similar to bereavement in effect.

[Shalimar in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you - that does make sense to me

[Nextoneplease in reply to Shalimar]

And to me…..

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Could be the Pred - it is listed as a side effect, but as PMRpro says could be the illness. If you are concerned please speak to your GP, there is plenty of help out there to help, so please ask…whether it’s talking therapy or medication.

Others will be along with their suggestions.

[Shalimar in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes I think I will speak to the GP

[SnazzyD]

I did, especially at higher doses. I just kept telling myself it wasn’t me and sit it out. Not easy. It got better and then when I had low adrenal function on low doses.

[Towdy]

HiI get suicidal thoughts & depression/out of sorts only at low doses(5mg&below) at high doses I’m superwoman. This was before PMR( AERD & Chronic urticaria) so not to do with the PMr Illness. So yes steroids can cause mental health issues .

[Whist in reply to Towdy]

I have been off predniso ne for a year andI have low mood and anxiety I have had cog therapy which made me realise to go out My GP said pred could cause euophoria and my pharmacist said some cases had been reported of depression and low mood It is very slowly easing i maybe have two goodish days a week.

[GerriMc]

With me, I think it’s the PMR. I was really happy on higher doses but I’m down to 2mgs a day and I often feel really down. I think sleeping badly triggers it too. I can be a bit weepy after a bad night’s sleep.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to GerriMc]

Also typical of adrenal insufficiency - or at least, adrenal function not quite keeping up with the lowered dose.

[GerriMc in reply to PMRpro]

Yeah that makes sense. I slept better at higher doses too.

[SheffieldJane]

It does cause depression and anxiety. I have been on it for over 6 years and I think your observation that it is fleeting is key. I have learned to separate myself off from the odd sinking feeling, gloomy feeling or the jitters. I recognise it as steroid related now. If it was more persistent or lasting and was interfering with my daily life, I would report it to the doctor, ie if I could get hold of one. I find that naps help me and I tend to wake up in a better frame of mind, so fatigue could be a factor.