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Prednisolone side-effects

Posted , 4 users are following.

Guest
Guest

Hello,

Just coming to the end of a two-week stint on this stuff. I went down with a severe chest infection (felt like 'pneumonia lite' - had the real thing just over 2 yrs ago). The Dr put me on antibiotics for the 1st week, then 6 x 5 mg tablets of Prednisolone (every day, in one go, for a week), then gradually reducing, 5 tablets, 4, 3 2 1, stop for the 3rd week.

It helped to clear my chest congestion, but I have been suffering from bouts of terrible fatigue, as if my mind has shut down, light-headedness and unsteadiness. Blood pressure was up a bit (I also take perindropril for controlling BP) Very worrying - feels as if your whole world is caving in. I'll be taking 1 tablet later on, then I'll stop. If the Prednisolone has been responsible for the way I feel, I should start feeling better, soon.

H E

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • mariannie
    mariannie

    Posted

    Glad you are feeling better. I know you have had a short sharp dose of steroid and side effects will have kicked in. Don't be surprised (or upset) if you get to feel quite emotional and tearful even, after stopping. I've not been as high as 30 mg but have spent two years coming down from 15mg, and every half mg has caused an over emotional reaction! I promise it does go, but makes you feel pretty horrible while you have it. My only lasts 3-6 days but I guess it depends on what type of person you are anyway!! I don't know of anyone who is paricularly happy taking steroids but it certainly knows how to get rid of infection and inflammation. all the best and good luck
  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Thanks for that reply.

    I am now back at work and the side effects are reducing since stopping taking the stuff, but I still get bouts of unsteadiness particulary after getting up in the morning and occasionally feel as if I have aged ten years - I'm somewhat slower doing things, but I have got back to regulary swimming and am gradually building up to my pre-illness distances.

  • Dafydd_ap_Gwilym
    Dafydd_ap_Gwilym

    Posted

    Getting a bit worried. I'm still feeling slightly off-balance and easily fatigued. Also feel a bit slower doing things.I had a 'turn' last week - BP suddenly shot up, (185/135) feeling light headed and irregular pulse. I admitted myself into a local hospital and they kept me in for 3 days. They checked blood - OK and pulse returned to normal. Kept normal for the 3 days I was in. But now I am out of hospital, I still feel fatigued and unsteady. I can't think of anything else but the Prednisolone I was on when I had my chest infection. I hardly think it was the amoxycylin antibiotic as I've had that several times in the past with no lingering after-effects.

    Does anyone have any experience of extended after effects of prednisolone even long after they have finished taking it ?

  • Dafydd_ap_Gwilym
    Dafydd_ap_Gwilym

    Posted

    Sorry for some funny reason, I've logged on above as dafydd ap Gwilym - not the intended user name !

    Howard Edwards

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