Prednisolone and Headaches: What Users Say

• Zig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2016

For Inflammatory Conditions "First time taking pred and was on 40 mg for ulcerative colitis. Had the expected side effects: - Moon face - Weight gain - Swelling and joint pain - Bad headaches - Brain fog and confusion - Dizziness - Increased appetite - Irritability and mood swings. Overall, it did control my symptoms effectively for a while, but I do believe the side effects from this medication are worse than the actual condition."

• Jen...
• May 4, 2020

For Inflammatory Conditions "I was put on prednisolone for an inner ear problem caused by a hormonal imbalance. I'm very sensitive to medication, and I knew this when taking the full dose prescribed. I took 20 mg three times the first day and found that I could not sleep that night and had anxiety and a headache. I dropped down to 40 mg at 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. the next day and slept very well. No anxiety and no headache. I do take the pills with food. It has greatly decreased the inflammation I felt in the back of my head near my ear. I'm feeling better. Although, I'm on an antibiotic too. I was scared to take this after reading many poor reviews, but I'm so glad I did. I suffered for a long time before knowing it was my ear causing the problem, and I'm so glad I was prescribed this medication. I'm only taking them for 5 days though."

• Rob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2017

For Asthma, acute "I suffered severe side effects and seemingly withdrawal symptoms after only 9 days of use for pneumonia. Main symptoms experienced: hypertension, headache, nausea, abdominal discomfort, rapid pounding heartbeat/pulse, lethargy, mental confusion - trouble thinking, foggy brain, bad taste in mouth, general feeling of unwell - felt like I was being poisoned. Day 1: 2x 25mg, Day 2-5: 1x 25mg, Day 6-9: 1/2 25mg."

• Anonymous
• July 23, 2009

For Inflammatory Conditions "Prescribed to help with rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Takes some of the joint swelling down, but only after sleeping (i.e., not doing ANYTHING with my body). Doesn't help with pain management unless taken with an opiate analgesic. So far, only side effects experienced are moderate headache (especially if I don't eat), insomnia (only 4-5 hours sleep instead of 7-8), and excruciating shoulder pain about 5 hours after dose. Ironic, considering I'm trying to stop the joint pain. Still, much better."

• TDE...
• March 26, 2017

For Inflammatory Conditions "I have had a very stubborn sinus infection that just won't clear (6 months +). The doctor prescribed 7 days - 30 mg of Prednisolone. The first three days, I felt great. A lot of energy, clearer breathing, better sleep, however, after then it went downhill fast. My anxiety and panic skyrocketed after a year of being fine. I was shaking, weak-legged, dizzy constantly, my heart rate was through the roof (felt like I had drunk 10 coffees). I had worst sinus pressure and headaches as well. About day 5, it made my sinus problems worse as well, congestion and mucus production were in overdrive! Three days off them now and still haven't calmed down. Back to the GP we go :("

• Bub...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 19, 2021

For Immunosuppression "I took prednisone when I had Bell's palsy at a dose of 60 mg. I had side effects, but the way I see it, you put up with the side effects because of the benefits of the medication. Now I've been given them again for sarcoidosis, which affects my eyes: uveitis, glaucoma. I'm taking 40 mg for 7 days, then reducing to 30 mg for 7 days, and so on. I don't like taking them, but I have to. The eye clinic tried drops but it’s in the back of my eye. So, first day today, I got a headache, etc., but I think I need them to get better. Best wishes."