What side effects come with taking Prednisone?

Question

I have just finished taking Prednisone for the last day today. I started out with three a day for two days, then two a day for four days, and then one a day for four days. I had to come home from work today with symptoms of the flu, and when I went to bed, I woke up sweating all over. I am also concerned, because last time my back flared up with sciatic pain, the doctor did not give me near as much Prednisone. I was done like in 3 or 4 days, and my sciatic pain eased up significantly. Now my pain is still alive and kicking, even after all that Prednisone. Any thoughts?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

With steroid therapy you get minimal side effects when you use a low dose for a short period of time.  This is the case with you.  Long term side effects would occur if you were on treatment for at least 3 months.  In your case the most comon side effects would be dyspepsia (indigestion).  Prolonged courses of steroids can increase your susceptibility to infections however,  you were taking just a short course.

Anonymous · Answer

unfortunately, prednisone is not a magic bullet. if you are being treated for sciatica, it usually means a bulging disc involving the L-4 & L-5 vertibrea,  the usual culprits. a 10 day course of prednisone is a usual dosage.  if oral streroids are not helping you at this time, your doctor may consider administering injections at the sight of injury....i had 3 courses of oral, and 2 series of 3 injections each for my sciatic situation, that was 8 years ago and i feel wonderful, am able to be very active, and so glad that all that pain is behind me.  the flu-like symptoms you described may have been just that, a flu bug.  prednisone lowers your resistance to ward off all thoses bugs that surround us, and we are entering cold and flu season. (yippee!)  let your doctor know how you are feeling.  i have a lot of empathy for you in your situation, i dealt with it for several years before i found relief.  please know that it CAN happen, and your life CAN return to normal.  best of luck!!  (p.s.- have you had an mri to determine or rule out the cause of pain?)

Kit · Answer

My symptoms were:

increased appetite i gained 12 lbs!
indigestion 
nervousness 
dizziness and  lightheadedness 
flushing of face and cheeks 
increased sweating 
sensation of spinning  - but the spinning was only when I first started to take it and when I was weening back off of it

ironlady42 · Answer

i think you have to make sure the time taking is correct and u need  lots of rest. The side effects is you will be sleepy. You been advised not to drive after taking this pills. And take lots of rest meaning sleep.

DENISE · Answer

i know some people that takes this and they gained weight with it,but the side affects could be sick at your stomach and head  hurting.

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What side effects come with taking Prednisone?

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