Moods while tapering/sadness and also so cold all the time!

[emmamom]

Have others experienced depression when lowering prednisone dose? I am so sad since I tapered to 7.0 mg prednisone. The pain is absent but I am just tired, sad, and lack energy. I am also so cold all the time! Is this normal?

[SnazzyD]

It certainly can be normal! You are in the dose zone where the adrenal glands have to start working to make cortisol for you because the Pred is not high enough to override that need. Have a read of this from the FAQ’s , the bit that patients are not normally warned about but which should improve. For me 7mg was too low to ‘survive’ happily on Pred alone but too high still to trigger the body into knowing that it needs to start producing its own natural cortisol now. I reduced very slowly with 0.5mg drops introduced in over at least 4 weeks. Once I got to about 5/6mg my body cottoned on and started to work and my good days increased. How do you know when your adrenal glands are working? You don’t feel like this!

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Not uncommon effects of a poorly functioning adrenal system. The effect should improve with time as the adrenal function slowly improves.

[Grammy80]

I picture prednisone, prednisolone, like the dial on my oven. Turn it up..turn it down... my emotions, body temperature, energy, glucose reading, and cholesterol readings...will all fluctuate depending on the dosage I'm taking. It sure doesn't help our mood when we feel we are dragging our bodies around. So, you are ok~!...your body is just reacting. (That is what I have been telling myself on and off for 3 years--it has helped) When all else fails, I would take a nap. It is all part of our wonderful shared experience. Thank heaven we have a boat big enough for all of us.💞

[Temoral in reply to Grammy80]

Wise words again...thank you....admire your approach. 🙏

[emmamom]

You guys are the BEST. I feel so much better, thanks to you all.

[anutycrixp]

Low thyroid can make you feel like that..just a thought.

[emmamom in reply to anutycrixp]

Thank you so much for that thought! I am on medication for my hypothyroidism and it seems to be managed well, but I will make sure they are monitoring closely.