Methylprednisolone and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2020

Methylprednisolone for Inflammatory Conditions "If I could give this drug negative stars, I would. I had the worst insomnia and loss of appetite for 2 weeks. I slept maybe 1-3 hours a night. I could not eat, I had to force myself. The heart palpitations and racing heart rate lasted MONTHS and were unbearable. I had burning sensations in my head, chest, and other parts of my body for months. I was red for months. I became paranoid. I had never felt this way before in my life. This is truly a terrible drug for me. Doctors dismissed it as being due to the pandemic we are currently going through, but I knew that wasn't it. I diagnosed myself through research and found many others who have gone through the same thing as I did. I feel doctors need to be more educated about the terrible side effects of this drug, and they need to make patients aware. This drug ruined my life for a long time."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 24, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "My experience with this drug methylprednisolone was much better than other commenters. I suffer from inflammation-related vertigo. The doctor initially prescribed meclizine, which became less effective and has its own side effects. When I took Cadista/Methylprednisolone for the first time as the directions suggested, the results were very subtle. However, months later the inflammation got so bad that I decided to refill the Cadista. This time around, I decided to take all six tablets at the same time, which via the directions is an option. I felt an immediate difference within the first 30 to 45 minutes of taking. The pain, pressure began to subside. Less than 12 hours later, I felt 80% better. Apparently, I just needed to take a higher dosage all at once. I did experience insomnia and slight stomach discomfort, but I was okay with that because I could now function. Cadista worked for me when other meds didn’t. Hopefully, my shared experience helps someone else."

• Jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2014

For Inflammatory Conditions "I got prescribed a Medrol pack after my orthopedic dr confirmed my severe leg and left buttock pain was due to a L4 L5 large herniation (10mm to be exact). At first I was very hesitant to start up on these based off of all the bad scary reviews but one night I had enough of the pain and decided to start up the next morning. My only regret is that I didn't start this medication sooner! By the end of the 1st night, my pain went from an agonizing 9 down to a manageable 3-4. By the time I had finished, my pain is down to a 1-2 and my toes are getting the feeling back in them. The only side effects I did get was upset stomach, painful bloating and gas, and insomnia for a couple nights. I've only been off the medication for 3 days and feel great!"

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

For Inflammatory Conditions "I am on day 2, the only side effect so far is a slight increased heart rate/hard time falling asleep. I have cervical disk degeneration and 2 bulging discs in my lower back, which flare up once a month. Recently, I tripped on a curb, woke up the next day, and could barely walk, I was in so much pain. Once I could walk a few days later, I went to my back doctor, and he prescribed the 6-day pack. I have some other inflammatory issues that cause me pain in my body (acute pain), and after 1 dose, my body feels amazing, I would say 90%. I can't wait to see how my body feels a few weeks afterwards, hoping it will keep all the pains away!"

• CSA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2018

Methylprednisolone for Inflammatory Conditions "DO NOT take this medicine if you are prone to depression and/or anxiety! I was given the six-day 10mg dose pack for costochondritis. Everything was fine while taking it, but a few days after it ended, I began feeling like I had the flu. Then the most awful depression set in with the worst anxiety I've ever had. Insomnia too. Five weeks after finishing, it's still with me. Having to take Xanax and Zoloft now just to survive. I pray that it will go away soon and wish I had never taken this horrible drug. I'm sure it has a place, but not for those with depression or anxiety."

• Suz...
• April 20, 2016

For Inflammatory Conditions "I've had intermittent hip pain for many years, it really picked up about three weeks ago with, at times, intolerable pain. Even with a pain pill, I had difficulty sleeping sitting, always favoring my right hip to avoid the pain. After taking the Medrol dose pack, for two days the pain began to subside. The pain is now gone, and dare I say I feel great! Hope it lasts!!!"

• Cni...
• January 23, 2015

For Inflammatory Conditions "I have had a bad back since 21. I am 35 years old now. I have suffered in pain at all times, but the occasional flare-up of throwing my back out went from once a year to every day. But then I fell flat on my butt hard a few months ago, and one of the slipped discs decided to push up against my nerve, putting me in complete bed rest. I could barely make it to the toilet, and sitting on the toilet was hell, not to mention the wonderful job of wiping! Finally went to a back doctor, she gave me this. So far, a miracle. I am only on day 3, but the pain went from an unbearable 10 to a bearable 5. I have some side effects happening: insomnia, diarrhea, but I could not sleep anyway with the pain, and I need to move around! Good luck to you all."

• You...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2018

Methylprednisolone for Allergic Rhinitis "I took this for one day only and experienced far worse symptoms. My heart was racing the entire night; I felt like I was having a heart attack. I had severe anxiety; I was sweaty, yet had the chills. I slept maybe 1 hour the entire night and tossed and turned hundreds of times. I felt sick to my stomach with overbearing nausea. I experienced abdominal pain the next day. I am discontinuing taking this. I would not recommend it to anyone."

• Sol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2013

Methylprednisolone for Inflammatory Conditions "I was diagnosed with acute laryngopharyngitis which inflamed my throat, tonsils, and mouth. My body didn't react to amoxicillin, so I spent a whole weekend in severe pain. Went to my doctor's office at 10 am on Monday, was hospitalized by 1 pm, received Solu-Medrol by 2 pm, and was pain-free by 7 pm. Over the course of three days, I was very moody, experienced stomach and chest pain, constipation, and couldn't sleep, but once discharged after 3 days of treatment, I was back to my old self within 48 hours. The side effects are bad, but the effects are heaven-sent for pain and inflammation. I have heard the same about Multiple Sclerosis and gout sufferers. God bless you all!"

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2019

For Allergic Rhinitis "I am on the methylprednisolone 21-pill dose pack, and on day 1 it cured my sinus infection that would not go away after 2 long weeks. The side effects will hit you. I have experienced sleepless nights, racing heartbeat, and nausea, but tbh I’ll take that over the unrelenting sinus pressure and headaches I was experiencing. The aftertaste is not fun either, but again I can function now, so I’ll take it."

• Jes...
• April 24, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "I figured I'd share my somewhat neutral experience with this drug after reading mostly negative reviews. The reviews about the side effects alone made me cringe and not even want to give it a chance. Rarely will you find a positive review when the drug actually works. It's always when it doesn't work that you end up reading the horror stories. I understand everyone is different, so this is just my experience. I was originally given this medication for heel bursitis and plantar fasciitis. Although at the same time, I had a terrible reaction to poison ivy and sumac. I was told it would treat both. I followed the regimen exactly. I didn't notice any side effects at all. Nothing. I was waiting for the panic attacks and anxiety I read about from other reviews. No insomnia either. Nothing happened. Saying that, the medication didn't work for me either. My ivy and sumac stayed the same. Same with my foot. I was kind of disappointed. I gave it a shot, though."

• Amp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2023

Methylprednisolone for Inflammatory Conditions "This medication causes me to be jittery, I can't sleep, have mood changes, have not been able to lose weight, be angry, fast heart rate, have blurry vision, can't think straight, and have high blood sugar. I have zero health conditions, only an injured knee. This stuff is poison."

• Blu...
• August 14, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "After reading many other reviews on here, I would ascertain that if you have any tendency of depression, anxiety, mood disorder, this medication should be avoided. I’m on my second day, and I’ve been seriously blue, depressed, and unable to sleep at night. I’m frustrated because I do think it’s doing wonders for my joints and double plantar fasciitis, which were so painful a couple of days ago I walked difficultly. That alone made my life depressing... but now, this feels very different. Not sure what to do at this point, but will definitely weigh the pros and cons and grab a couple of Xanax before bed for sure. UGH."

• AJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "Methylprednisolone caused me to go from a normal mental state to extreme panic. I took my pills up until day 5, and then I had to stop due to the side effects making me sicker. A week later, with anti-anxiety medications to counteract these effects, and I’m still not sleeping through the night. The risks for me certainly outweighed the benefits. Do NOT take if you have any form of anxiety disorder."

• JMB...
• August 17, 2016

For Inflammatory Conditions "I had L4 minimal evasive surgery on a Tuesday, went home Wednesday, and Wednesday night my sciatica was killing me, which was what the surgery was to correct. Called the Dr. on Friday and was prescribed to take all the 1st day's dosage at once and to continue with the regular dosage. By Saturday evening I was feeling 90% better, by Monday I was still doing well with a bit of an ache. My biggest issue was no sleep. I was awake until 3 and 4 a.m. during those days. I will trade the not sleeping for the reduced pain."

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2021

For Inflammatory Conditions "I have multiple herniated discs, and I was given the 6-day pack. I followed the instructions, but I've had no improvements. All it did was cause nausea at night, heartburn, insomnia, and had my anxiety through the roof if I tried to fall back to sleep."

• Mik...
• December 22, 2016

For Inflammatory Conditions "I strained my back and was in pain every time I moved the wrong way or changed positions after working too hard on an outdoor project. My PCP prescribed a methylprednisolone steroid pack. The medication started working the first day and has loosened my back muscles and reduced the pain considerably. I have 1 day left of the medication and feel pretty good. I have a history of depression and did feel a little jittery and have trouble getting to sleep, but nothing too bad that I would stop taking the medicine. Also having gas and the medicine is making me hungry. For me, benefits definitely outweigh the side effects."

• sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 13, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "I had bronchitis or respiratory infection, and I was given the 6-day pack, 4 mg of methylprednisolone, and it did make me jittery and have energy for the first day. I do have anxiety, but this set me off in panic attacks! I went to the ER twice, once on the last day of the meds and again 2 weeks later, and they say it should be out of my system as I only took it for 6 days, but I’ve been off the meds for 3 weeks now and still have insomnia, where I can’t sleep and wake up every two hours or so when I do. I’ve never taken this medicine before, and after reading about it, I see if you have anxiety it’s something you really shouldn’t take, but the insomnia is insane!"

• Lia...
• January 27, 2015

For Inflammatory Conditions "I am currently on this medicine for an inflamed sinus cavity, with 2 more days left. I have been experiencing horrible backaches to the point of wearing a heating pad on my back the past 3 days, the stomach cramps, constipation, fatigue, extreme thirst, UTI-like symptoms, and insomnia I've been experiencing! I didn't know this would happen, my pharmacist didn't really mention all of these side effects to me when I got this pill. Anyway, though, I have not been able to breathe out of one nostril, and the other was barely open too, which makes for a very difficult night of sleep. However, this pill has done wonders! Within the second day, I was able to breathe and lay on my one side, which is something I haven't been able to do in a long time!"

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2019

For Allergic Rhinitis "Having sinus drainage issues. 60+. Began coughing up a small amount of phlegm from chest cough, and doc says Medrol pack - 21 tabs. After 3 days, no phlegm, still coughing at night or when laughing, but have not slept for 3 days. That hurts. Symptoms are disappearing as I type. On 2nd and 3rd day, I was short of breath and dizzy playing golf. In 2.5 more days, I hope it's done, cough gone, and I can sleep again. PS take in the morning is supposed to stop the insomnia."

• Dam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2018

For Inflammatory Conditions "Was prescribed the 2 mg Medrol pack for tendinitis in my wrist, thumb, and middle finger of my left hand. My side effects are insomnia, mood swings, stomach issues, heart rate changes (rabbit heartbeat upon standing), excessive sweating, and the meds did very little for swelling and pain. I finished 2 days ago and am still lingering issues. The doctor that prescribed wasn't my normal doctor. I will never take it again."

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2015

For Inflammatory Conditions "Day 4 on the 6-day pack (4 mg each) and I feel awful. Insomnia, doctor gave me Valium to sleep, only slept 3 hours each day. Shakiness and nausea, and my sinus infection doesn't feel much better. Had I known about the side effects, I never would have started."

• Don...
• October 29, 2015

For Inflammatory Conditions "Got this for chronic sinus infection, works great! Took it because I couldn't breathe, which in turn means I couldn't sleep. But now I can't sleep because of insomnia, chest pain, and heavy chest. Not sure I would have started this had I known."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2024

Methylprednisolone for Inflammatory Conditions "Prescribed today, 7/23/24, for shoulder pain for 3 weeks. I took the 6 pills today, and I can't believe I'm not feeling any pain. How can that be so quick? I have 4 more days to take the medication, but I'm wide awake at 1 a.m."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 20, 2018

For Inflammatory Conditions "The 6-day pack of methylprednisolone worked to relieve inflammation from sciatica, but I wish I had not taken it. I felt thirsty all the time, really dry face and hands. On days 3 and 4, my heart rate would spike above 140 without me moving at all shortly after dosing. I also had terrible insomnia, still do a little. The worst part, though, was the joint pain in my leg and knee. It felt like pain down to the bone, but was isolated to the leg with sciatica. It seemed like maybe it amplified the pain tenfold! Oh, and now my knee and toes crack louder than ever before. I've been off the pack for 24 hours, and the side effects seem to be tapering away. Not sure if not taking the pack would have been worse, but overall it sucked pretty bad."