Dexamethasone User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• JBa...
• May 4, 2021

For Inflammatory Conditions "I have 4 herniated discs that cause inflammation in my back and leg. Dr. prescribed 4 mg tablets, 2 tablets every 12 hours, then 1 tablet every 12 hours. It was effective in reducing inflammation, but my God, the side effects have been HORRENDOUS. NOT WORTH IT!!!! I have the worst indigestion and heartburn I have ever experienced. The heartburn is constant from the moment I wake up, whether I have eaten or not, and is made worse by ANY amount of food. I stopped taking the medication a week ago, and I still cannot enjoy food. It feels like there is a rock stuck in my throat. I am bloated beyond belief, and the pressure in my stomach is painful. I don't ever feel hungry, and I am retaining water, I don't know how I don't burst. I broke out horribly. There was also SEVERE depression, and I already have anxiety, but that was amplified too. At least that part only lasted for about a week. As far as the heartburn, I am scared I will never go back to feeling normal. I just want to be able to eat."

• Sti...
• April 18, 2012

For Nausea/Vomiting, Chemotherapy Induced "I had tried Zofran and Ativan, to no avail. I had dreadful vomiting and nausea from the chemotherapy and was losing weight as everything I ate came back up again. But once I was prescribed the dexamethasone, I was able to get both the nausea and vomiting under control and start eating again. It worked well for me!"

• MJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I hated being on this drug. But my rheumatologist insisted. I was compliant for almost three months. During that time, I became very irritable and depressed. My appetite surged, and I gained almost 20 lbs during that time. I completely lost interest in sex. I was often weak and tired. And I did not notice much change in my RA symptoms. Simply put, I was no longer myself. I returned to the doctor with my concerns. She actually wanted to increase the dosage! She is no longer my doctor. I am off Dexamethasone for about six weeks now. I am feeling much better emotionally. I am off most of my RA meds since I contracted kidney disease because of them. I see a new doctor in August. But for now, I am trying a more holistic approach. So far, so good."

• Mai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2020

For Multiple Myeloma "I started to take this med in April as part of my chemo treatment. I was told that it would give me a lot of energy. I have been very active before taking this med. Now I am always tired, my voice goes and comes, and I have insomnia. I need to rest constantly while I do my house chores. My husband says I am not the same. I will speak to my oncologist on my next visit. Just be careful and consult with your doctor. This med has many uses. I am taking it to kill cancer cells together with Revlimid, a cancer med."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2015

Dexamethasone for Inflammatory Conditions "I was given this for a migraine, via IV. Instantly starting between my legs and moving out through my body, I felt like my entire body was set on fire. I had difficulty breathing and was screaming and sobbing. Needless to say, none of which helped the severe migraine that had landed me in the ER. Two days later, my vaginal tissue still feels inflamed. I won't be taking this one again."

• kil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2013

Dexamethasone for Multiple Sclerosis "Spent 7 days in the hospital and 6 weeks off work, but this medication got my eyesight back from complete blindness. The side effects are a bit extreme, and this was the third steroid I developed an allergy to, but for severe optic neuritis episodes, it works."

• Mbo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 12, 2015

For Inflammatory Conditions "Lots of pain in my foot due to inflammation causing pinched nerves. Took 3 shots and improved, but problems were not completely gone. Was given dexamethasone. Hasn't helped my foot at all. But I started feeling bad after a day or two, but I didn't think about this med causing the problem. Every day I have been feeling worse: irritable, agitated, heart pounding, feeling like I am coming out of my skin, headaches increasing daily, vision a little blurry now and then. Stopping this drug. Side effects are amplifying each day."

• Reg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2021

Dexamethasone for Shock "I was given this twice through IV after a nut allergy gave me anaphylaxis and put me in the ER. Within seconds of administering, my groin area, vaginal area, and armpits were burning like they were on fire. I screamed, it was so bad. At some point afterwards, I started blacking out. I ended up receiving another dose somehow. I went temporarily deaf and blind. I thought it was the end of me. I became violent and hostile. I was not my normal self. They had to strap me down and sedate me. The next day, I woke up in the ICU. I was wet, like I had peed my pants. Every time I would stand, fluid was coming out of me like when your water breaks. This kept on for 3 days. I couldn't even walk to the bathroom without it happening. I was not pregnant. By day 4, I was heavily bleeding. A few days later, it finally stopped. I didn't have another period for 5 years, and it nearly sterilized me. I haven't had a successful pregnancy since this event. I was told to never again take a steroid, especially this one."

• Tor...
• January 12, 2020

For Addison's Disease "After almost 3 years of anaphylaxis from hydrocortisone and prednisone, intolerance to pill form of dexamethasone that caused severe asthma attacks, acid reflux, constipation, geographic tongue, and thrush, I finally am being successfully treated with injectable dexamethasone. This is lifesaving! It’s working! I’m able to eat (been malnourished for at least 3 years), and I’m feeling like my body is trying to come back to life."

• hur...
• December 5, 2020

For Inflammatory Conditions "Dexamethasone 4 years ago for flare-up. Still moody, dizzy, argumentative, roid rage, psychosis. A mind-blowing, confusing experience. I was in such a dark place many times. A really awful drug for many who don't know what they are getting."

• amu...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 5, 2013

For Addison's Disease "Taking this medication 0.25 mg daily with 0.05 mg fludrocortisone after experimenting with other corticosteroids. It has several advantages over hydrocortisone and prednisolone: does not increase blood pressure significantly if I'm eating salty food, does not cause insomnia, requires only one single dose daily, and does not make me hungry as prednisolone does."

• Ede...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "Had used prednisone for something else and felt brand new, compared to how I normally felt after 12 years of chemo, surgeries, radiation from (ovarian cancer) OVCA. Asked doc, and she agreed to this particular steroid. I started taking it twice daily... Felt great. Strong. But after a month or so, that stopped. Then I suddenly started being unable to pull my body up if crouching down and would get stuck needing help up. Pretty soon, I couldn't get up off the toilet. Feet so heavy. Then, my ankles swelled. Then my feet and calves. I have become a cripple, every step hurts, coughing, spine condition worsened. I can't do much of anything. I have to stop and rest in between, say, my kitchen and living room. Between every room! Weaning myself off."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2012

For Inflammatory Conditions "I can walk again, sit up again, lean down to pick up something again, and reach my feet to put on shoes again! I went from bed-ridden from the pain to back to almost normal activity. It spikes my blood sugar pretty good for several days, and I have to monitor my sugar more closely, but that is worth dealing with to be pain-free."

• Joe...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 7, 2023

For Bursitis "I had bursitis in my elbow. The doctor gave me a shot of Dex. 24 hours later, the pain was gone, including my back and knees. I was on narcotic pain management for those, but I got off all pain meds and switched to Dex as needed. Doctors aren't as smart as they think they are... I can't count how many times I asked doctors about other options besides opioids and was told there was nothing else. What a lie! The downside of Dex is that I know of two issues. First, it's an adrenocortico steroid which messes with your sleep by ramping you up. The second problem is that it raises your blood sugar. This med isn't for everyone, but yes, it works extremely well. I would rate it 10 out of 10."

• aga...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2012

Dexamethasone for Inflammatory Conditions "Headache due to AVM in brain: I was given this in the hospital via IV in hopes of bringing down a severe headache caused by my AVM. Within the first minute the drip began, I started freaking out as well as developing a severe rash, so they unhooked it immediately. Even after it had been stopped, I was inconsolable and hyperventilating for about a half an hour. The morning after, I was vomiting and had diarrhea. 48 hours later, my stomach is still churning, and the rash is just beginning to fade. Safe to say Decadron is on my allergy list now."

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2020

For Plaque Psoriasis "My doctor prescribed this medication for a bad cough. The side effect was a clearing of my psoriasis. Horrible red-scaled skin on my elbows, chest, and groin has healed for a while. I took 13 pills, 2 a day for 5 days, and 1 a day for 3 days. I will ask my doctor to prescribe this every 3 months to prevent further flare-ups."

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2021

Dexamethasone "Upper respiratory infection - I went to the ER because I thought I had COVID. It appears after seeing the doc that my COVID test was negative and seemed I had an upper respiratory infection. I was asked if I have ever had a steroid injection, and I said yes, I have had so many over the years because of my arthritis in my back. She gave me the injection, and all was fine. Went home, 15 min later back in ER having sinus tachycardia, QT intervals were prolonged, T waves were out of place, pulse was 140 constantly, BP was 178/88, chest tightness, couldn't breathe, respiration was 14. They had to give me Ativan and Benadryl to lower my heart rate because Decadron caused a massive panic attack, and I had to do a breathing treatment to open my lungs back up. NEVER AGAIN WILL I TAKE THIS DRUG! Out of years of receiving steroid injections, I have never had this reaction with a steroid. Would NEVER RECOMMEND THIS FOR ANYONE!!!!!"

• Old...
• February 15, 2017

For Cerebral Edema "I had a seizure, which led to them finding a brain tumor. They put me on Dexa in the ER and I was on it for 2 months after the craniotomy to prevent brain swelling. Don't quite remember the dosing, it was a 1 mg or 2 mg pill I took 2 or 3 times a day. I had insomnia (slept maybe 3 hours a night even on two Percocet every 4 hours), painful acne all over my face and back, mood swings, crazy hunger and weight gain, erectile dysfunction, headaches, and joint pain. I suppose it did what it was supposed to, but the side effects were horrible. Even if I had another tumor, I don't think I'd ever use it again."

• Ano...
• April 20, 2017

For Inflammatory Conditions "Took one shot for a lung infection I received while doing some swimming. Fixed the lung infection, but the side effects of this drug are very harsh, so be prepared. I'm 25, do triathlons, and swim regularly. Deal with a normal amount of stress and anxiety but have never had serious problems with it. Resting heart rate is about 50 normally. After the shot, resting heart rate was easily high 60s and low 70s. Extremely agitated and irritable. Very bad insomnia. Anxiety was out the roof, and again I've never had problems with anxiety before. Chest pain mixed in with the increased anxiety that most likely made the chest pain feel worse, but still, it was a problem. This lasted for about a week as well. It's a serious drug."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2018

For Inflammatory Conditions "Terrible side effects. Told doc I refuse to take this. Seems doctors are pushing steroids over opiates to control people with legit pain. I have pain from brain tumor surgery. I smell a bug with pharma and gov involved here. I may have to change doctor if no change in my treatment is reached."

• Bul...
• February 14, 2013

For Inflammatory Conditions "They put six shots in my back, three on each side. No relief, and then nine days later, relief. It took the pain from my lower back and legs away. I had pain in my neck where I have a plate. It also took that pain away. It also took my wrist pain away. For reasons unknown to me, I do now have upper middle back pain. It blocks the chemical that makes things inflame, so therefore they cannot inflame. My neighbor gets back shots every three months and he is happy with his results."

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2022

For Inflammatory Conditions "I was given a single 10 mg/ml one ML of dexamethasone orally 7 days ago at a walk-in clinic for a possible sinus infection. The provider drew up the injection in a syringe and shot it into a cup of soda for me to drink. The last 7 days have been hell. Severe confusion, feeling like my brain is in fog, unable to concentrate, waking up in the middle of the night in panic, crying uncontrollably, fearful, scared, dizzy, zero appetite, severe headaches/migraines. This drug is long-lasting, and I’ve been suffering for this whole week with none of the doctors being able to figure out why. Well, I figured it out. I’ve almost had to go to the ER because I’ve been so upset and in absolute panic. Please, please, please do not take this drug in any form. Especially if you have a history of steroid sensitivity or anxiety. I’m praying it will wear off as the days go on."

• Han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2023

"I was given this medication when I was diagnosed with COVID. This medication should've never been prescribed to me because of my underlying hyperthyroid disease. I took this medication for 5 days in the hospital and 5 days at home. This medication gave me intense side effects such as: hoarse throat, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, insomnia, nausea, suicidal ideation, hallucinations, manic episodes, mood swings, aggression, lack of appetite, heart palpitations, and muscle spasms. After calling my doctor, he apologized and said these are rare side effects and only affect 5% of users. Clearly, these side effects affect more than 5% of users, and the FDA really should reevaluate this medication. My symptoms lasted well over 72 hours, which was what my doctor said they would last. I have no memory of everything that happened, I just know the mental trauma from thinking you’re going crazy is not worth it at all."

• bbe...
• January 21, 2011

For Inflammatory Conditions "I can say it did some pretty good things for my back (bulging disc). It wasn't a cure at all by any means, but it helped a lot. Downside. Same as others: depression, huge appetite increase, but at the same time, everything tasted horrible, bad mood swings, suicidal thoughts (not normal for me), horrible insomnia, blurred vision, cold sweats, hands and feet tingling, numb. Swollen mouth, gums, lips, almost unbearable chest pain. At one point, my wife was ready to call 911. Oh, can't forget the late night extreme skeletal pain. Every bone in my body felt like it was about to snap. If you're like I was and are in so much pain you can hardly walk, try it. Be careful."

• Ren...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "I was diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica about 2 years ago. Started on 40 mg of prednisone. Slowly reduced to 5.5 over the years. Couldn't get below 5.5 without having a flare. I gained over 20 pounds and went up 3 dress sizes. I perspire terribly just sitting in my chair, my hair looks like I just stepped out of the shower. My pain management doctor prescribed dexamethasone, 1.8 mg, 7-day dosing pack. What a wild ride! Can't sleep, got thrush in my mouth, had so much energy, but it was hard to concentrate. I am so dizzy, I can't move fast for fear of falling. While I was getting lots of things done, I was still exhausted. The doctor told me I could get off the daily dose of prednisone, which is my hope. I just finished my last pill 2 days ago, and I am praying the polymyalgia doesn't return. Is there anyone else out there that has had any experience with the dosing pack?"