I received shot in my hip on 8/29 and have slept only 2 hrs, a nite since then. I cannot even work now, job is very physical. Am nervous, shaky,whole body twitches. Finally decided to take Dr. advice and take Xanax last nite ( only 1/2 pill) It did calm me down and help me rest, but now feel out of it, and still shaky. How long does this anxiety, nervousness last? This was my 1st shot. Also am afraid to drive much. Never really took any med but aleve. Just want to know how long these effects typically last.Also, don't have much appetite, just nervous eating. All my doctors tell me they have never seen this happen before. ( I really don't believe them) Also, should I go to cardiologist or neurologist ? ( having some chest pain and numbness in left arm) I don't want to take much of the Xanax, says it may be addictive, and don't need more side effects. Help
Corisone shot injection side effects, how long do they last? 9 days now?
Question posted by eice on 7 Sep 2011
Last updated on 31 August 2024
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
137 Answers Page 9
I knew already that I get ALL of these symptoms.that yall have described on oral steroids. I refuse to take those. But today, I finally, in desperate pain, conceded to steroid injections in both feet. After decades of pain related to plantar faciitis & bone spurs. Never had any reservations related to the steroid bc I've had one tiny shot in my hip b4 of steroid for bronchitis, many times, no problems. Omg. Within a couple of hours I finally pegged it, I was losing my mind bc of the steroid injections in both feet. Anxious, irritable, emotional, my forearms and thighs and chest area all tight, zinging, tingly. Welcome to the physical feelings of a full blown panic attack. It was this, or stop walking, lose my job. I am meditating, that has helped my mind relax. I've taken 75mg of benadryl (diphenhydramine) to slow the body down.
I then took a mild narcotic pain pill, which doc rx'd from the shot pain, that I don't need for that, but remembered it's a central nervous system depressant. None of that has made any impact in an hour. Which is time enough to feel a bit better. Reading all of you, I'm scared that this high level of steroid may take more than 24 hours to resolve. I agree that the natural way to resolve the steroids is HTP5, and I'll add Gaba. I heal and practice herbs and natural ways usually anyway. I suggest going online and searching natural remedies for your side effects. And call the manufacturer. I'll keep yall updated. Is the cure worth the disease? Hmmmmm
I had a cortisone shot on June 30 so fre k un sick dizzy vertigo panic attacks upset stomach swelling butterfly rash went to urgent care once going back again doc said it should last this long to take benedryl for side effects . He knew right away because he used to be an ER doc . He said I am experiencing cardiovascular systems like I am having a heart attack but I am not . He also said that I will need to do shots several more times .I wanted to scream it has put me in adrenal fatigue thyroid is berserk . Can't even drive . This is too much .
Hope you all are feeling better; I had 4 mg of Dexamethasone on May 13th for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome in my foot. I am FINALLY feeling a little better. I too experienced almost immediate dizziness, nausea, trembling, panic and anxiety. I couldn't drive- couldn't even walk into a store-had to leave church in a panic. It's horrible. I too have underlying anxiety so this shot just topped it off. In my experience things eased up at about 2.5 months after the shot- still lingering episodes but nothing like the weeks prior. It will be 3 months for me on August 13 and I can only hope this will end entirely then since the injection is only expected to last that time. I never used Benadryl but I did add magnesium. I wasn't able to have massage or acupuncture- that only stirred things up and made the symptoms worse. I tried massage this week and it was much better- just a little reaction. Hang in there... it does get better but very gradually.
I was accidentally given too much of Celestone intramuscular injection for a sinus infection in my hip. Since the injection my glucose have spiked. I'm having horrible anxiety and fatigueness. Severe headaches, thirsty all the time, weakness, stomach pain, and mood changes. I went to the ER for heart palpitations (140) and my blood pressure was 178/94. I was given Ativan, BP med and pain med. Its been 6 weeks I'm still fautigue and experiencing anxiety. I was told that the side effects should subside by week two but they didn't. How long it takes to receive relief? Should I be worry? Did you ever receive any relief?
It's been almost six weeks for me and I'm still experiencing dizziness, a little nausea and anxiety... I seem to have a good day or two and then the side effects come back in waves out of nowhere. There were days a few weeks ago when I was so tired I didn't leave the house. I had a long acting injection (3 months) but had hoped the side effects would have been gone by now. I understand how you're feeling, it's depressing and creates a lot of anxiety.
Hi wanted to see how you guys been feelin
Its Wednesday, I had injections in my back Monday, first time... yesterday I became so angry Over something silly I can't stop crying I'm so angry, ifeel so hot/sweating not thinking good thoughts in my head, and I just got off the phone with the dr. Office and they said the same thing to me, that it doesn't happen, they never had that happen and they couldn't tell me when the steroids will be out of my body, I've been doing alot of reading on the Internet and I'm not alone , this is very real. I took 2 xanex and I normally don't take meds either, but I need to calm down. I hope these feelings end quickly. ..
Hi beckybec...
These drs. are really amazing! You tell them how you feel, and they deny, deny.The more I hear about this, the angrier I get, because I understand exactly how u feel. The steroids may go out of your body physically, but the cortisol lingers as your body adjusts. It's a very gradual adjustment. (the fight or flight response) . I guess if he doesn't listen, make sure it goes on your medical record that you have a reaction to it. I remember the lemon balm, l-theanine & trying to practice some deep breathing, too, did help. You could report to the drug company, but I'm sure the doctors will still prescribe it, because it is a standard treatment they use (making a few $). Good luck, it will gradually get better, but I know that doesn't really help much when you are feeling this way.What I do now also, is call the pharmacy about side effects whenever I a prescribed something, plus look it up online. I guess we might as well be the doctors!
I went to my orthopedic surgeon yesterday for knee pain. I have had two surgeries done to remove meniscus tissue, the second one was done by him did a good job considering what he had to work with. He recommends knee replacement, but I declined so he gave me a cortisone shot to alleviate the pain. I could not get to sleep last night and couldn't figure out what it was. I was having headaches and after taking a long hot bath, dozed off and had weird dreams about my head and pain. Its 5:30 in the morning now. I got done with my bath at 2 a.m. and I'm wide awake again with this stupid headache. It was by chance that I decided to do a search on cortisone side effects and found this site. thank you all for your posts; at least I now know what the heck is driving me crazy. I hope it doesn't last as long for me as it has for many of you.
I had a cortisone injection in knee on 6/6 for tendonitis. Had excrutiating pain for a week so now getting MRI as still have knee pain. However I also have had bouts of hot flashes or sweating followed by dizziness and headache that last about 5 minutes each time. It's worse if I eat certain foods. I thought I was going crazy with my emotions and anxiety but realize it has to be from the shot. I just want it to go away. The wooziness is my biggest concern since I never know when it will hit. I'm not on any meds. I will never get another shot. I've had them many years ago in my shoulder and never had this experience. Maybe the formula has changed. Thoughts anyone?
I am a Registered Nurse who has had a bad reaction to oral steroids in the past and swore I would never take oral steroids again due to anger restlessness, agitation, impatience, edginess. I recently had a knee injury and the orthopedic doctor felt a steroid injection at the site would be needed to help with the pain and ability to move it. So we did that. But it is day 3 since the injection and I have become angry and irritable and edgy, flushed, and now I am realizing that when they inject into any space that OF COURSE the general blood supply absorbs some and you actually do receive a systemic bolus of steroids. OH MY.
Well I can move and walk for now. But look out world! Don't get on my badside. I hope these effects dont last as long as many have described. I am also one not to want any of the other meds described such as Xanax etc. So I will do anything I can to be mellow and try to work thru this. But it is a testiment to fact... those injected steroids of course are accessed by the general blood supply so can absorb and be systemic. Soft lighting, nice music, a glass of wine... any other ideas?
I had the shot on Dec. 7, 2016. I have been miserable since then. Have had the following side effects: anxiety, nervousness, sadness, crying spells,anger, exhaustion, extreme appetite to no desire to eat, headache , muscle spasms, hot& cold flashes& intolerance for noise& lights
Am worse now. Have no desire to do nothing but to sit. Total exhaustion even after taking my Alive vitamin. Percocets& Motrin are not helping the pain. It actually makes me more nervous. Will not ever have this procedure again. Am glad that it helps some , but my sciatica nerve& bulging disc is worse. If you have fibromyalgia, beware!! You will have major flare ups. All I do is pray & thank God for healing my body. He is the only one that can help me.
i just got a cortisone shot for my herniated disc in my back on Monday. I was up all night long maybe got 2 hours of sleep because my heart was palpitating so bad I thought I was having a heart attack! I don't have heart problems at 60 years old. I went to work on 2 hours of sleep, still had palpitations so after work I went to a walk in clinic. They took an EKG and said there was an abnormality either from the palpitations or a small blockage and to get to the hospital for more heart tests. I went home, in the a.m. I called my Dr. to get a referral to a heart Dr. (cheaper to pay for a referral Dr. who can set up tests then walking into an ER) Still waiting for that Dr. to call. I have some palpitations and feel like something is wrong. Hopefully I can get in to see him and not the ER! I don't think I ever want Cortisone again! It's horrible but it did help the back pain. What's worse!
I have had to discontinue oral steroids after only 2 days because of hot flashes, irritability in the past. Dr said trigger point injections wouldn't have the same side effects. I was involved in a car crash last year resulting in 9 torn and/or bulging discs starting at C2. I had 4 injections two weeks ago in my neck muscles. The hot flashes, night sweats, restless legs, and insomnia was tremendous for 8 days. Finally abating but now for 6 days I have had heart pounding. The shots really did loosen the frozen muscles but I'm waiting to see how long the benefits last and how long it takes for the side effects to disappear before I have more. She wants to put some into the areas around the bulging discs but I'm terrified of extending the length of these side effects. I had three separate injections about 20 yrs ago in my elbow with none of these side effects.
When I finally called after 7 days the Drs nurse said side effects should only last 3 days... I'm probably sticking with Chiropractor and Acupuncturist from now on.
hi joyzbeachin,
It really seems to me that Drs. either ignore or forget about when people tell them of the problem with the side effects, or they are such an important part of their business, they don't want you to know. I'm so sorry, you have all the pain from the accident, plus now dealing with this!. They do usually help, but the help is temporary. My shakiness, etc. very gradually lessened, but it was awful in the beginning. Acupuncture did help me too, even massage, L-Theanine, but didn't want to take any anti-anxiety medicine.You had 4 injections, I only had 1. Some people aren't affected or they just don't notice it. If u really want another dose, maybe he can give you a smaller one?. Chiropractor should help, too. The nurse is either lying or just ignorant!. I recently read somewhere that people who take thyroid medicine now, as opposed to years ago, have problems with it now. You mentioned that 20 years ago, you had no problems, but now you do.
They said that they believe they ( the Drug companies) have changed formulation, or it is not as pure as it used to be( maybe getting supply from somewhere else?) I would not be surprised at all! Good luck to you and maybe report to the drug company.
I had the cortisone shots a few different times but the last one about last March I was getting terrible side effects heart palpitations and all types of discomfort and it lasted a long time. I will never get it again
I had the cortisone shots a few different times but the last one about last March I was getting terrible side effects heart palpitations and all types of discomfort and it lasted a long time. I will never get it again
I had the cortisone shots a few different times but the last one about last March I was getting terrible side effects heart palpitations and all types of discomfort and it lasted a long time. I will never get it again
I am so glad I found this site! I had a Lumbar Epidural about a month ago. Since that time I have been anxious, depressed and moody. I've also had trouble sleeping and still have pain. I called the doctor and of course he said it was not from the Epidural. I have a history of anxiety so they are quick to blame it on that. I did talk to my pharmacist and she said it is very possible I am feeling this way from the Epidural, I also had a Chiropractor say the same thing. I was so scared when I started feeling this way because it is so intense some days. It makes me feel better that others can relate.
I had a cortisone injection 10 weeks ago for seasonal allergies. I have had massive anxiety,
sleep issues, and IBS like symptoms. I am now on Lexapro (5mg) and take Ativan when things get really rough. Although by any definition I still feel bad 8-10 weeks ago I was barely holding it together. I guess that is very very slow improvement.
The weekends are the worse when I have to stay busy to distract myself from the horrible anxiety. I actually feel better working most days. I look forward to getting past this and actually relaxing doing nothing. Not there yet.
Oh by the way the shot worked wonders for my seasonal allergies, but obviously steroids are poison to me so that will be my last shot.
I know exactly how you are feeling. When i first started feeling this was I was really scared. It wasn't until I spoke to my pharmacist and a chiropractor who confirmed my feelings could be from the epidural. Of course the doctor is denying it. I had the shot in my back and I will never have one again. I've been terrible anxious, depressed and have trouble sleeping.
Update to my Jan post. I am now 4 1/2 months out after my 80 mg cortisone injection for seasonal allergies. My anxiety, insomnia, and IBS like symptoms are finally improving. I notice the difference with the anxiety especially in the AM. My sleep although not 100% is slowly becoming tolerable.
Still take Ativan 1-2 X/week and a low dose 5 mg of Lexapro. Not sure if the Lexapro ever even helped.
Will never ever get a cortisone shot under any circumstances.
Hope this helps someone.
Im so sorry this is happening to you, I am now going on 8 months still having side effects ,the anxiety is still an issue I am on Ativan now this is POISON ,Reading on Mental health daily they say give it a year and your body should recover, I have under lying problems ,Immune System ones so this attacked me bad ,If you can go to an Endocrinoligist do it check your Cortisol levels,Still having sleep issues also
What kind of side effects do you have?
Are you feeling better
Still having issues almost nine months ,Im Hashimoto so thus steroid has affected my hormone system bad the tinnitus and anxiety and depression are still happening The did just do a vit blood panel my d was very low so supplementing now 3 day can take 8 weeks to see any improvement this drug is POISON
Relieved yet sorry to know that I am not alone in my discomfort/disorientation after receiving a Cortisone shot- my first - to my hip joint almost 48 hrs. ago. After reading a minimal amt. of info re: expected side effects which were for the most part glossed over and described as being minimal at worst, I am finding myself overly anxious, unable to remain asleep, nauseous, drowsy and very uncoordinated. I would e hoped by now this would dissipate however the discomfort is continuous and hasn't diminished in the least. Any recommendations from anyone out there as to how to minimize this experience. I'm considering purchasing some high grade fish oil capsules + nutritional yeast due to all the available amino acids present however at the moment feel rather lost. Any input at all would be consider as valuable to me. Thanks for any help offered. Sincerely, Robertiño
It was a great relief to read the comments because the symptoms that I am having after a cortisone injection were entirely unexpected because I had had an injection before with no ill effects. I had the injection into the joint of my right shoulder for impingement 3 weeks ago and I have not been able to sleep properly since, have no appetite, anxiety and depressive episodes all of which are uncharacteristic. I am going to start to take some herbal remedies to help me sleep because the insomnia is making me feel very disoriented.
I agree, it is so comforting to know that I am not alone on this journey of hell. I had 2 cortisone injections in my knees about 5 weeks ago. I am now on high blood pressure medication (which I have never had to be on), and am reaching for the xanax as needed... thank God for that drug. I am very prone to being anxious and have needed it in the past (the xanax), but have not had to use it for years. Now I can't leave the house without it. I'm also going through menopause, so I was already a hot mess. Why on earth don't the doctors inform you of the potential side effects the cortisone??? Anxiety, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, depression, no appetite, pain in my back and chest, tingling, waking up every day not knowing what the day will bring. I pray it will diminish soon. Helpful things: 1/2 xanax, yoga/deep breathing, giving yourself a break.
This is exactly what I'm experiencing now. Just had the shot, thought it was my stress level but I'm so shaky making everything worse. Does the relaxation and anti anxiety med help?
I've had terrible arthritis and bursitis and back pain and knee pain. I've had quite a lot of Cortizone injections over the last few years. Just this year I've developed weird symptoms to the shots right hip swelling at the site, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and loss of potassium. We just connected that I am allergic to The preservative that is in the Cortizone injection. Has anyone else had this happen? And any advice on how to read myself of the preservative in my body?
ksvan identified every single one of my symptoms... i thought i was going crazy.
Just an update: So it's been almost 3 months since my 2 cortisone shots in my knees. My knees felt pain-free for about 6 weeks, but I'm still dealing with the aftermath of anxiety. Just because the cortisone is out of my system, does not mean the anxiety has left. It's like it triggered something in me, which I am still working on. I'm still on high blood pressure medicine form this (due to the anxiety), I am seeing a therapist (for the anxiety) and I am still on xanax, unfortunately, on a regular basis. After waiting a long period of time to get into a psychologist (it can take months), I will hopefully get on something that can even out my anxiousness (and now depression after dealing with this for 3 months). It is better than it was, but it is still there and has affected my quality of life. If you want to help others who probably won't read these blogs until after the fact (like most of us), write your physician who injected the cortisone. I did.
I also printed of pages of this website with these testimonies so he wouldn't think I was imagining this or overreacting. I want him to know this can happen, and don't want it to happen to anyone else. He actually called me and we talked about what had happened to me. He said I was the first person with this type of reaction. (or maybe there are others who have, but haven't reported it). Prayer has helped me through this.
I had two cortisone injections in my shoulder last Monday, ten days ago and spent the week with horribly strange depression and anxiety of some nebulous kind of doom feeling. I had a shot in the hand over a year ago but do not remember feeling like this but maybe I didn't notice it as much then... The past week I felt like I was going to just sink into a big hole and never come out or face anything. I am glad I am not alone. So, it must just be the cortisone. I am very tall and underweight so it makes sense that it could be this since I had two shots the same day. It is good to know it probably was the drug... Thank you everyone...
I have had horrible emotional reactions to my recent cervical facet injections. I have had these before, and this is the first time I have had this reaction. I am very irritable, angry, teary, and depressed. It's awful. Does anyone know if there are any herbal or natural concoctions to help purge the steroid out of your system? The pain was terrible, but this is MUCH worse!
I came upon this forum and wanted to add yet issues with cortisone injections that we find out about only after the injection is administered. I recently had severe pain in my shoulder and after being X-rayed turned out to be calcified tendonitis. The day after I was feeling very unwell... dizzy, weak, and had a stiff neck.. half my siblings are diabetics but I have been spared, so far; so my first thought was to check my glucose.. it was high, 188. I watched, very closely what I consumed for the next few days and monitored by glucose. This was a side affect I wasn't aware of. About a week after I started getting sudden blurry vision, feeling tired eyes, and waking up with headaches.. went to the optometrist to check my eyes... I was due a checkup anyway. My IOP (intra-ocular pressure) was very high (26, normal is 14-21), optometrist sent me to an ophthalmologist to check for glaucoma.
After three visits with the pressure creeping all the way to 30 on the last visit, I was diagnosed with mild glaucoma (corticoid-steroid induced).. Now I have to put drops daily which also have negative effects - Worst part is, I don't know if will ever go away, I read the injections take a long time to dissipate from the body. Nowhere can I find how long they stay; I'm trying to find a natural way to flush it out.. Any information would be appreciated.
I was wondering how everyone came out. I too had a knee injection a little over a month ago. I'm extremely anxious, can't sleep well, have vivid dreams, and my hands shake. I have an underlying anxiety disorder, but it's been under control for awhile now. I told the doctor what steroids do to me & he said that it would stay localized. Exactly 7 days after the injection, BAM! When will this go away?
took all most a month for me
Well, it's been a month. Maybe my metabolism is slower?
It took me about 2-1/2 mo. to totally subside, but it does gradually lessen as each day goes on. Skip the caffeine, of course. and I was helped by taking L-Theanine pills or lemon balm oil. Both are great with calming, not sleepy, just calming.Also, relaxing music can help and taking slow, deep breaths & relaxation exercises. I really wish these doctors had to experience these symptoms to know what many people go through.
The shot was localized, the Dr. said? My Dr. said that, too! When you get a flu shot, does that just stay in your arm? Maybe depends on the person, but the effects go throughout you body!
Omg this is my story... I just had epidural and they said no side effect as such. I feel like I'm on a rocket ship. Bad enough i can't walk that's why i did shot. Now I'm panicking, racy, sweating, sortie loss and an too thin. Hope this stops
How are you now?
It took 2 months to go away completely. Right now, I'm recovering from ankle surgery. Other than pain, boredom, and a little "new" anxiety from this situation, I'm doing fine. Thanks for asking!
I'm 6 weeks out from my injection and still having side effects like dizziness, anxiety, a bit of nausea. They go away for a day or two and then come back- is this what others are describing as going away gradually? I get my hopes up that I'm ok and then out of nowhere it hits me again. Seems like a lot of you are dealing with this for at least 2 months - injection is long acting at 3 months so I guess that lines up.
I had two steroid shots on September 21 for a chronic cough due to asthma and a type of reflux. The cough had lasted for three months and I was getting really desperate. Two weeks following the shots and way after the cough subsided I began Experiencing anxiety. I would much rather be coughing than dealing with this miserable feeling. A naturopath is the professional that diagnosed my condition. Seeing this site and all your reactions has validated her diagnosis. And now I'm more hopeful that the steroid shots are the cause and I'm not loosing my mind. I was more afraid of rage or irritability following the shots since that was the case before from oral steroids. Accupuncture, aromatherapy , exercising, deep breathing, emotional freedom techniques, and 5HTP have all
helped. I too have Xanax when I can't take it any more Was told the effects of the shots could last 3 months.
Hang tight is all
I can say I'm 13 weeks in still having the anxiety attacks go get xanax or ativan from your doc this is a rough ride and you will never have this shot again
17 weeks since shot still sick
How are you now?
still sick almost 8 months I have Hashimotos and a bad immune system so the steroid stomped on me i still have anxiety depression and real bad tinnitus
How are you feeling now
LostinAZ I'd like to know if you're still having your symptoms? I got a steroid injection for allergies 3 months ago and it has been awful. I've been getting migraines every day, extreme anxiety and shakiness, bad insomnia, and unexplained depression as well as feeling disconnected. I am hoping my symptoms would have subsided by now but they haven't. I am panicking and wondering how much longer this is going to last. Since your last post was over a year ago I'd like to know if your symptoms have gone away since then, and within what time frame? Thank you
Oh, I see that you posted in March. Are you still experiencing your symptoms since then?
Im still having side effects mostly Anxiety and the steroid pushed my system so hard it destroyed my left ear i will forever have ringing 24/7 high pitched for the rest of my life Its now been 13 months post shot I have to take Ativan, Kenelog destroyed life as i knew it .but im still fighting
Did the ringing in ur ear jst began or was it a side effect
It had to be a side effect because i never had it before and tinnitus causes anxiety and anxiety causes Tinnitus ,its a double edge sword
Moon did you ever recover? How long did it take?
am so glad i found this site i took one of those shots on aug 25 2015 if i only knew i wouldnt took it sure enough fews days after until now as i write this i been feeling not right really stress emotional knee having sharper pain i went to er tonight and doc told me its side effect from that shot never again i will take that shot i thought i was having pms
I vowed not to take cortisone again & even put it on my list of allergies when going to a doctor. I remember taking lemon balm and also l-theanine serene to help combat the anxiety, especially at nite. I was also pacing, and depressed and shaky. this did subside, little by little, as my body got used to it, but it took awhile.I guess everbody is different, plus I am petite, so it probably hit me harder.
I had a hysterectomy like 7 years ago and I am 43 now. I thought my sweating and hunger was menopause or something. I have been having cortisone injections for like 2 months now. The last one was a week ago. I will not get another one. This one was a higher dose too. I am very moody and hot flashes, sweating and soooooooooooo hungry!!! I wonder how long till this one will be out of my system. I put ice packs on my neck and chest.
Please dont i took one in sept and i had the same symptoms i still have a lttle sweats i think my doctor say it can last for six weeks but i only had one
Thanks for your reply. I'm sorry you had to go through this, too.I did ask the pharmacist after awhile, and they did say it would get better, they just didn't know how long (mine took 2-1/2 months, very gradually) Now I put it on my list of allergies when I see a doctor. Maybe if more people let the doctors know how they reacted, they will be aware how horrible it can be for some people. Maybe not enough people tell them, so there is no record of it, and that's why they don't believe us. I also notified the drug company.They just seem to prescribe medicines, following protocol, so now I have learned to research everything before I take it. Such a shame, what happened to "Do no harm?"
Hi, over the past 4 years I have had many oral and 4 epidural courses of steroids. Seems like the side effects are cumulative. Oral Prednisone and methylprednisolone cause oral sores, depression, anxiety, extreme hunger and the resultant weight gain. Epidural corticosteroids have much the same effects but not the oral sores and hunger. My last epidural was 4 weeks ago, the pain came back in a week and a half, and the anxiety and depression linger on. I am a 69 year old male and am being treated for ongoing back pain and depression and anxiety are not my normal state. Hope this helps somebody understand that they didn't suddenly have a personality change right afer starting steroid treatment.
I'm going thru the same thing it's been 2 months now when will this stop my mornings are the worse is it because the cortisol has built up from the sleep or what please help me
I am so grateful to your post. My husband had a steroid injection in November and a week after that started having flushing, anxiety, depression, sense of doom and no appetite. He was put in the hospital and underwent multiple tests such as a heart cath, CT scan and blood work and they couldn't find anything wrong. They felt he was just depressed and was sent home. He felt as though no one believed he was having these symptoms and couldn't control them. After I read all of these comments and showed them to him he broke down in tears and is more hopeful about getting better. His physician put him on Zoloft to help with the depression and he takes Amitriptyline at night to help him sleep. It is a good feeling to know we are not the only ones who had this problem and we hope everyone will get better in time.
Have your symptoms improved
Hi I had been feeling really shaky n can't really sleep I got a steroid injection on Sunday on my thigh n next day felt really bad anyone know how long it will take for this steroid injection to last in body n how can I control my shaky Ness
Eice, when you say you got over the side effects gradually do you mean better every day? I am having such crazy side effects at 7 weeks- I even feel a little worse at times in waves. I'll have a good day then a horrible day with nausea, dizziness and crying. I'm hoping that this ends soon. Your experience was 2 1/2 months which makes sense since the injection is meant to last 3 months. I'm literally crossing the days off my calendar.
I received 3 injections over a month ago, I always get the anxiety, but this was the worst. I've also been having trouble with my blood pressure and heart rate. I will be glad when this gets out of my system. It helps the pain, but I wonder if its worth the side effects. Have a lot of strokes in my family, so don't want to take a chance on that. Wish everyone good luck.
Could others post how long it took for the side effects to subside? Are others experiencing shakiness, waves of heat, anxiety?
im still having residuals ,I,m Coming to think i will forever have to live with , It destroyed my central nervous system and also it destroyed my tmj joint from. it pushing my system for 6 months This drug is POISON I Pray all of you recover ,Because i will never be the same ,and the Doctor never gave me any idea what this drug could do She just said here you go this can get rid of your allergies ,MY ear was also destroyed
How is everyone doing now? I've just crossed the 100 day mark and the symptoms are getting slightly better. I think some of it now may be caused by the anti anxiety the dr prescribed after the shot. I'm trying to slowly wean off that. No fun, anyone have some encouraging words to wean off of clonazepam?
I ended up on Ativan after my cortisone. That didn’t work out well!!! Made me worse in many ways!!! Off it now and no more injections!!!
I get cortisone shots and I also have panic disorder. Doctors don't always think to tell you it can cause anxiety but it does. Nothing to worry about. No reason to go to the er. If you need reassurance talk to your pharmacist about it. They will tell you that yes, that reaction can happen.
I do not know why a Dr would tell you that A cortisone shot would not cause nervousness and other symptoms. Everytime I take one I have shakiness, headaches and weird feelings and can't sleep. Sometimes I dream weird things when I do dose off. I have to ask for a lesser dose and that isn't as bad. I can not take a full dose. I just had one today for sinus inflammation, they gave me a small dose and all day off and on I have had shakiness a keyed up anxious feeling like I'm going to go crazy. But my experience is it does subside each day.
I'm so sorry that you had to go through this, too. My Dr. denied it, of course, but other Drs. I spoke to said it could happen. I guess they keep lying to patients , so they believe that it's not from the shot, so they can continue to give to other patients and make more money. It took over 2 months to subside, but it was the worst experience ever. (Also, may be some people are just more prone to the reaction.) I have also found that Drs. lie about antibiotics not giving people reactions, because I recently had a severe reaction to Cipro. (I am 100% sure of this!). The only thing, I guess ,we can do as patients is to do much research before taking any medicine, although I know this is sometimes very difficult, because we are sick and we trust them... (Maybe ask for lowest dose possible). They don't seem to have knowledge of side effects and they just go with the standard protocol when they prescribe something. By the way, the Cipro reaction is 9 months and counting.
This is a very strong, and potentially debilitating medicine if you have sensitivity to it. Read side effects on this one, scary. There are many websites on this of people trying to recover. And the Dr. who prescribed it, would not admit to the side effects. Best of luck to you.
I had multiple cortisone injections within 5 days. The next few months felt like a living hell. Constant anxiety, panic attacks, negative ruminations and depression which I had never experienced before in my life. I couldn't sleep or eat for a few months without forcing myself. It has been a year now and I am functional and the anxiety has subsided. Dr's also told me that it was Not the steroids. But I've never experienced this before and I had no major life change at this time. I feel a little better every month, I just can't wait until this is a distant memory...
What medication was it?
I had poisons sumac and was given over the course of two weeks: prednisone 20 mg, #18 for 9 days; methylated NA Succinate 125 mg IM; ken along 3 mg IM; solumedrol Im 80 over something... It was from urgent care and it was a larger dose than the ER gives. This last injection put me in the ER! Severe anxiety , muscle tightness, I felt like I was going to have a seizure. It's been 5 months and I'm still a mess. Anyone know why? And how much longer ? They put me in lorazepam 1 mg and I'm trying to get off it because it makes me tremble. Im discouraged. I was fine until that last shot.
I had poisons sumac and was given over the course of two weeks: prednisone 20 mg, #18 for 9 days; methylated NA Succinate 125 mg IM; ken along 3 mg IM; solumedrol Im 80 over something... It was from urgent care and it was a larger dose than the ER gives. This last injection put me in the ER! Severe anxiety , muscle tightness, I felt like I was going to have a seizure. It's been 5 months and I'm still a mess. Anyone know why? And how much longer ? They put me in lorazepam 1 mg and I'm trying to get off it because it makes me tremble. Im discouraged. I was fine until that last shot.
I had an injection on May 13th of 4mg Dexamethasone for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome in my foot. The doctor said that's a low dose and didn't mention side effects. With an hour I was dizzy and nauseous - these symptoms came in waves over the next few days- I called the doctor who administered the injection- he said he never heard of this before. I saw my Internist a week later who said this can in fact be related to the injection and that since it was a long acting injection it may last a while. So far it's almost 6 weeks. I have good days and bad days... Just hoping it goes away soon. Anyone have a similar experience? It certainly has created anxiety...
Hi Cece1,
I know yours is an old post, but I also had a dexamethasone injection - 10 mg. It has now been three months, and though better, I still have anxiety (never had it before) and heart palpitations. My doctor wanted me to take Klonopin for the anxiety, but so far I have resisted. How long did it take for you to feel like yourself again? Did you find anything that helped you get through this?
Bjj777 can you text me sometime! 704-675-4972
I had the injection 6 days ago, I'm experiencing severe anxiety, kidney pain, sleeplessness, find it hard to be in control of my own emotions, and having muscle spasms. My doctor said this is not side effects of the steroid however everyone I have talked to (including other doctors) have told me that yes indeed the injections have this type of side effect. I don't understand why some doctors will not tell the whole truth about certain medications it's frustrating.
I had my first cortisone injection (shoulder) 5 days ago and have hardly slept at all since. My restless legs syndrome has been in full effect. I'm usually anxious and taking medication for it so I haven't noticed an increase in that, but I LOVE to sleep and when I couldn't sleep at night or get my much-loved naps in over the weekend, I started to wonder. I called my MD today and he said the drug would be out of my system by now and wouldn't be causing insomnia, that soomething else must be going on. I call B.S. Nothing else has changed for me. He recommended cutting my Wellbutrin in half "because it can cause insomnia" but it's not a new RX, I take it in the mornings, AND, he's not the prescribing doctor for it so I am not going to do that. I agree - frustrating! :-(
I just had a cortisone shot on Monday. Woke up flushed on Tuesday, then started getting emotional thought out the day (tearing up/depressed). It got worse as the day went on, then Wednesday I was balling in the morning and was having over the top emotions. I was never told of any side affects from this drug. I called the doctor only to have him leave a message that alot of people who are biopolar have these side affects. First of all I am not biopolar, however I do have some anxeity (have been taking those meds, they seem to help. So I guess I have to wait it out. Not too great dealing with this around the holidays.
I have all of the above. When will it go away
I have all these symptoms too... the heart palpitations, sweating, flushing, feeling extra emotional. My coworker said something to me that normally would not upset me and I started to have tears in my eyes and I couldn't help it at all I had to walk away. I thought it was probably all due to my anxiety but I've never experienced it like this before. I got 8 trigger point injections in my thoracic area on Friday, so it's almost been a week for me now. I am also wondering when my back pain should feel better?? My doctor also never told me any of this, I can't believe how common it seems to be!!
Doctors don't tell you because they get a kick back from the drug companies. I'm pre diabetic and should have never had the shot for my knee pain. I have heart palpitations, and a prema headache. Nothing will make it go away. I work in a hospital, and I need my facilities to get through the day. Ugh.
Hi jjjjjjjjjj10,I'm right in the process of having the horrible side effects from an Epidural Steroid Injection in my spine.Had it done on Friday afternoon,it's now Sunday p.m.The anxiety is horrendous&I've only slept for 2hrs.since Friday.My Dr.did prescribe Zanax&I'm already on Valium.She is very supportive& believes in the nasty side effects. I noticed that you mentioned reacting to Cipro.I have the same side effects&will never take Cipro again!I've previously had(8yrs. ago-spinal injury)Epidural Injections&dealt with the paralyzing anxiety.Once I got as far as laying on the table&said I can't do it,the anxiety is too bad. This time my Neurologist cut back on the steroid,hoping it would help,no luck.My pain is getting better,thank GOD!I was bedridden before the injection.It's a no win situation!On top of this I have numerous chronic health issues.Lupus,Narcolepsy,Chronic Migraines,Fibro.Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficientcy,etc.We need to have our voices be heard!!TAKE CARE-
I had a steroid shot 3 weeks ago, along with an oral steroid pack for 6 days, then another shot a week ago for nerve pain in my neck, shoulder, and arm. The pain was intolerable for months, until my first steroid shot and oral steroid pack. It worked. My Doc told me I can have another shot if the pain comes back, which it did about a week and a half later. So I went in for the second shot. For the next 6 days I experienced an all out panic attack. Slept maybe 3 hours each night because I thought I might die if I wasn’t actively monitoring my body, just like a panic attack. I had heart palpitations, arrhythmia, waking up profusely sweating, fever, too hot, too cold, zero appetite, swelling in my neck to the point where my ear could hear my heart beat, intense head pressure that made my eyes bulge out like hanging upside down for too long might feel, some difficulty breathing, dizziness, blurred vision... I’d also wake up to myself coughing and trying to breathe.
It was 6 days of hell. I told my chiropractor about this today and he said the steroids affect your sympathetic nervous system in a way that it could recognize the steroids as almost a poison to it’s normal functioning, which would send that system into fight or flight, or survival mode. Panic is designed to help you get you away from some threat in your surroundings, just like how earlier man would be freaked out when they saw a leopard in the jungle. That’s survival. For some people, the steroids can be an INTERNAL threat. Their bodies perceive it as a threat to the normal functioning of its nervous system. From the body’s point of view, that is also survival, which creates panic to get you out of that situation. But the situation is within you, not something you see, hear, feel, taste, or touch. It’s panic from within your body’s sympathetic nervous system because that’s where the threat is at. And we’re left confused by what’s happeneing because we can’t use our senses to tell us what is happening. Your body is telling you. Yes, it relieves the pain, but I will never put that drug in me again. I knew nothing of these “side effects” until I searched the internet. Nothing against doctors, but more against most doctors not truly understanding how a body operates, and what to give it when it needs it. That’s true health-care.
I can tell you I have the same as you my doctor I had to call him he told me yes you can get these side effects it sucks
Hi! I can maybe try and help you. What are the reasons for your injections? I have had two of them and the side effects are everything you mentioned, but I didn't have the kidney pain. The first one worked with my muscle spasms and inflammation, but the second one didn't. Without knowing what your pain is coming from, I will tell you that if you feel terrible and you don't think that you are healing the way you should, seek another opinion. I had to do just that. I have two herniated discs and a pinched nerve. The pain Specialists that I went to different offer any ideas, except for meds. I started going to a chiropractor after being told I shouldn't, and he's the one person who is able to help me!! Our health care system is all about $$, I'm learning and sorry to say, it's true. Let me know how you are!
That happened to me too I take meds for depression and anxiety but my first epidural cortisone shots didn’t affect me I went last Friday and the next day Saturday I was binging off the walls with anxiety depression sleeplessness wierd thoughts dry mouth horrible it’s 1 week and 1 day I’m so scared it won’t go away I heard from my doctors the steroids can do this to you and if you have depression your susceptible to it more I’ve been taking more xanax to get me through this but I’m freaked out also I’ve had cortisone shots in my knee and shoulder before I never had this happen I know I’m def not good with meds but does anyone know how long these symptoms last ?? Thank
Because they don’t want to be responsible for the mistakes they make
This is an old post, so I'm curious what your outcome was. I've had injections that caused horrible muscle spasms and a lot of nerve pain.
Although the shot did help my hip pain (he didn't say it was arthritis, just muscle pain), the effects ( shakiness, heart palpitations, anxiety, etc) did last about 21/2 months before they slowly subsided, little, by little. Maybe I am hyper-sensitive to it. I also definitely did not have heart attack, my arm numbness is from cervical radiculopathy, which I also have. Good luck to you, I didn't have nerve pain from it, symptoms were mostly due to anxiety caused by cortisone.
I had a tapering dose of oral cortisone and spent the week depressed and anxious.
Got a shot in my hip two days ago. Can't sleep. Anxious. Grumpy. Had not had a panic attack in years and I'm having them now.
I had two cortisone injections last week. One in my left wrist(carpel tunnel) and the other in my left shoulder (rotator's cuff). Both from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Although I have had cortisone shots since my Rheumatoid diagnosis I have never ever experienced the horrible effects from the injections that I received last week. Previously, I would experience my hair falling out slightly. I asked my Rheumatologist and he seemed surprised almost in awe that I affiliated hair loss with the cortisone injection. Last week after my injection and as the day went on, say approx 5 hours later I started getting a different kind of headache. Anxiety, depression, weird thoughts of hopelessness, hyperactive, bruising, purple blood spots on my arms, much more hair loss and my glucose shot up to 250. I am not diabetic, I am pre-diabetic. This went on approx four days. Terrible feeling. I feel 100% better now but will not get anymore of the injections.
I resorted to the cortisone injections because I also had bad reactions to methotrexate and other Rheumatoid medicines. I am just happy to be feeling better now.
Everyone experiences bad reactions. I have found best doctors injection the cortisone and have had no reactions. It has helped me 100%. I'm out of pain. Seek out best doctors to apply cortisone. It must only be done every 6 months. To specific areas. Be cautious.
I wanted to respond to your posting, that steroid injections will only help so much. I have been in your shoes all Summer. I went to many pain Specialists..I have two herniated discs and a pinched nerve. The first injection helped, but not the second one. They all also told me not to see a chiropractor. I finally went to one because I wasn't getting any better. So, I put my foot down and started seeing one! It's been about a month and I can only go two times a week due to my schedule. It is helping, but it will take time. I also have to take different kinds of OTC to help manage the pain and swelling. My chiropractor believes I should be healed around December, to give my discs time to heal. If not, we will have to look at surgery options, which I thought I was fond of, but I'm really not. I hope this information helps you and you're feeling better!
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