Anxiety hard to deal with.

[Bubble56]

Hi,

Needing yet more advice please. I’m tapering down to 3.25 mg prednisolone and what I’d like to know is if increased anxiety is normal at this stage or not? Physically I’m coping well and no huge life issues to deal with at the moment! I am bipolar so anxiety can be an issue anyway but I’m finding it it is nearly crippling and it has definitely increased since I got below 4 mg. If it is prednisolone related then I’ll just have to deal with it but I’m thinking maybe I should ring my psychiatrist for more help. I just don’t know what to do🤷‍♀️🤪.

[SnazzyD]

I found at low doses I easily felt anxious and overwhelmed until my adrenal function got better. I had to keep life as simple as possible for some months so I could keep that dose low enough for my adrenal glands to keep getting the message they needed to work. They did get back to better function thank goodness. That said, I would still seek advice as you may need some extra help.

[Bubble56 in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you, I wouldn’t wish this on anyone but it’s a relief to know that others feel the anxiety too. I am taking adrenal support supplements and trying to keep life uncomplicated 🤞.

[SnazzyD in reply to Bubble56]

what sort of supplements are they?

[Bubble56 in reply to SnazzyD]

The box says- Adrenal Support complex formula from “Supplements To You”. It contains vitamins A&B and all sorts of different root extracts🤷🏼‍♀️.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Not helped by adrenals no doubt, see this link -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

But as SnazzyD says you may well need extra help from your doctor

[SheffieldJane]

I agree with Snazzy. I have noticed a return of anxiety as I try to get below 5 mgs. If I had access to my own psychiatrist I would definitely seek their professional opinion. It is a very unpleasant feeling. I hid in my bedroom and left my husband to it, whilst the builders were here to deal with some issues arising from our recent bathroom refurb. this is not me at all. Good luck! X

[Bubble56 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you everyone. Luckily I do have access to a psychiatrist at a private mental health hospital ( the NHS has let me down throughout my life so I gave up on them years ago!!!). However it is very reassuring to know that it is probably a physiological reason and not that I’m going crazy- again!

I fully understand why you hid in the bedroom SheffieldJane- great having an understanding husband as do I. 😍

[Poshdog in reply to Bubble56]

I am on 3.5. Feel like a dish cloth and worry/anxiety are quite pronounced as is apathy and tiredness. For me it is those adrenal glands but if I had a psychiatrist I would have a word. Good luck

[piglette]

At that dose I would have thought it would be more likely to be your adrenal glands acting up than the pred causung problems.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It does seem to be a factor as you get to the low doses where you are likely to be suffering from adrenal insufficiency. Do speak to your doctor, they may be able to help.

What sort of adrenal supplements are you taking?

[Appledore6]

Yes I have become very anxious when tapering down and the lower the dose the worse it became. For myself I had to stay there for quite a long time for the anxiety to reduce. Good Luck x

[Bubble56 in reply to Appledore6]

Thank you. You just have to hang in there to come off the steroids.🙈

[Sharitone]

I should ask for all the help you can get!

I haven't had anxiety with a reducing dose, but I have had lots of nightmares, which I guess is part of the same thing.

All the best: being bipolar is a lot to deal with and some of the bravest people I know were those with bipolar disorder.🙂

[Bubble56]

Thank you Sharitone, such very kind and reassuring words.🥲