I am on it now - usually I use the quick dose pack where I take 6 pills the 1st day, then 5 etc etc (I don't notice any side effects on that). This time I was on 40 mg a day for 2 weeks, then 30 for 1 week, I go to 20 tomorrow, etc. I take it first thing in the morning but still have disrupted sleep (I have a 5 month old who still eats at night and it takes me forever to fall back asleep after his feedings, etc), I wake up a night a lo because I am thirsty, I am starving...bu I have lost a few pounds (?).
I was on it for 16 weeks for my Crohn's flare, started at 40mg/day and dropped 2.5mg/week. Hard to tell if I gained weight because of them or because I was pregnant. It does race your heart a bit and increase our appetite.
Post by drloretta on Sept 14, 2012 20:13:27 GMT -5
I've been on it every time I get an allergic skin reaction. Similar protocol--X number X number of days, decrease over the course of 10-14 days, done. In that case side effects have been pretty minimal, and mostly included being hungry as hell. I really had to rein it in.
My mom was on high-dose steroids for 13 months. Not fun. Massive weight gain, mood swings, so much fun to live with...
I had to take Prednisone earlier this year for eight weeks for scleritis. During that time, I joined a gym, my entire house got clean, and I was more productive at work than I've ever been, all thanks to extra energy.
I did notice that my weight didn't drop like I expected when I was working out six days a week. After I finished the meds, it started to come off. Had I not been exercising, I am guessing I would have gained weight.
I was on it for a couple of months straight (and a few months off and on before that) for chronic sinus issues. It kept me awake, made me hungry and gain weight, gave me HORRIBLE mood swings and rage, and eventually I got the dreaded "moon face." It sucked!
My H had it for the first time a few months back for like 3 days, and for him it was like he was on speed. He felt like he could do anything and everything and that he should, and he made himself all busy and weird.
I'm on day 2 and I was up at 7 on a Sunday. Insane for me. The dr did offer ambien if I get insomnia. Since I already have sleeping issues, I should have taken it. Oh well, I'll get it on Tuesday.
I also did a lot of reading on my condition. Apparently 2 months is a starting point. 50% of patients have rebound when they taper. One case study had someone on it trying to taper for 8 years! Prednisone is the only thing that works for everyone, after that it's trial and error to find something that keeps it under control.
Oh, and I'm on 100mg right now. I hope I get to taper to 60 after 2 weeks, but I could be there for a long time. Ugh!
Leave it to me to get crazy immune reactions from stress. Mono. Hodgkins. Orbital Pseudotumor. Why can't I just get the flu?!