Prednisone: Some Answers

Having received conflicting information about the type and extent of side-effects of Prednisone, I decided to do some serious hunting around. Turns out there is a lot of conflicting information on the Web, as well. 

Eventually, I found this site: MedlinePlus - The U.S. Library of Medicine of the NIH (National Institutes of Health) which seems to cover just about all of the important ones.  Many could also be caused by other medications, IF one was taking them as well. It's good to check out how Prednisone interacts with other prescribed medications, and herbal supplements. Yes, they can cause problems, too.

**My current symptoms highlighted in red.**

What side effects can this medication cause?Prednisone may cause these side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

headache

dizziness

difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

inappropriate happiness

extreme changes in mood

changes in personality

acne

bulging eyes

thin, fragile skin

red or purple blotches or lines under the skin

slowed healing of cuts and bruises

increased hair growth

changes in the way fat is spread around the body

extreme tiredness

weak muscles

irregular or absent menstrual periods

decreased sexual desire

heartburn

increased sweating

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

vision problems: eye pain, redness, or tearing

sore throat, fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection

seizures

depression

loss of contact with reality

confusion

muscle twitching or tightening

shaking of the hands that you cannot control

numbness, burning, or tingling in the face, arms, legs, feet, or hands

upset stomach

vomiting

lightheadedness

irregular heartbeat

sudden weight gain

shortness of breath, especially during the night

dry, hacking cough

swelling or pain in the stomach

swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

difficulty breathing or swallowing

rash

hives

itching

Had enough?  

This is my second go-round with this lethal little drug and it is mystifying that such an inexpensive little pill can wreak such havoc on the body and mind. 

So far, any positive results of taking this drug over these last 4 weeks have been minimal at best. 

I hate to miss attending the Bloggerpalooza going on here this weekend, but I think it best that I not be involved. 

And so it goes.

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