Prednisone and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Oli...
• November 4, 2016

For Asthma "Prednisone is always my go-to, like many of you, I am an asthmatic as well. It seems I cannot get a simple cold without it turning into some form of bronchitis. When my albuterol pump is no longer working, that's when I know to turn to the prednisone. It makes me feel safe because I know within a few short hours I will feel normal again. As for side effects, I get jittery and speedy. Also, my face gets more plump and gives me the 'moon face' look. However, I'd rather have a fat face than not being able to breathe. Prednisone is okay in moderation, but if taken too often in big doses, it can have an effect on your bones, liver, etc. ❤️ Prednisone helps me every winter."

• TdE...
• May 20, 2017

For Sinusitis "Suffered from chronic sinusitis for over a year. Couldn't breathe through my nose and daily headaches, brain fog, and congestion plagued my life. Numerous antibiotics didn't work. Got given 5 days of this tablet (30mg) and within hours it works. The swelling reduced, I could breathe, and my sinuses cleared in 3 days! The downside is it sent my anxiety through the roof, and I didn't sleep for a week, but after a year of chronic sinus problems, it was nothing!! Try it :)"

• Dun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Prednisone has been a savior at being a quick fix in getting rid of my crippling RA symptoms. Started on 10mg a day with no side effects. Now into my 7th week on it and tapered down to 7.5mg. I'm getting terrible side effects. Agitation, anxiety, mood swings, awful insomnia which worsens the mood swings, and the lack of sleep then causes its own lot of side effects. I'm not sure what's worse right at this moment - pain in all my limb joints or these aggravating side effects?! I am writing this at a peak of a pouty mood swing though. I don't do well without sleep and 3 nights in a row with just a few hours between them is it. On a positive note, I am almost fully mobile when on the drug. So I highly recommend it for short-term use."

• Geo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2019

For Sinusitis "I was prescribed 30 mg/day for 4 days along with antibiotics for a nasty sinus infection. It has helped significantly with the headache pain and hopefully is helping drain the infection. I barely noticed any side effects, honestly, and I was quite nervous because of all the reviews online. I maybe felt a little jittery the first day, but that may have just been anticipatory anxiety."

• chi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 26, 2020

For Polymyalgia Rheumatica "I was diagnosed in January 2020 and prescribed prednisone 10 mg daily by my specialist. It took a week for me to feel 100% relief. I felt like an energetic bunny. By February, I began tapering. By April, I had a setback and became ill because I was tapering too quickly. The doctor adjusted my dose, and the symptoms went away. Yet, I developed elevated blood pressure and BPM, a tingling sensation in my left arm, constipation with bloating and gas, causing gastritis. I was prescribed Metoprolol beta blocker and Prilosec. I finally finished my prednisone regimen at the beginning of August 2020. I stopped the beta blocker a month later. I felt my adrenals take over. My old arthritis in my lower back and knee returned. Now I am recovering from pain in my mid-back area. My mood is not good. I'm feeling anxiety and depression because of these new symptoms. I do not want to ever take prednisone again."

• Pmr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 31, 2017

For Inflammatory Conditions "For my polymyalgia rheumatica, I was taking four ibuprofen three times per day, which provided only some relief from the joint and muscle pain. I had severe pain in my wrists and pain and stiffness in my shoulders, back, and legs. I started on 25 mg/day, and most of my symptoms disappeared. I have been tapering for six months now and am down to 8 mg/day. Some symptoms have returned but at a very manageable level. I have experienced some weight gain, maybe 5-7 pounds. At times, I feel a bit of anxiety and possibly a little depression that may be related to the prednisone. No other side effects at this point."

• EWA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 18, 2013

For Eczema "Currently started a prednisone treatment, and since I've used it before, I'm more aware of the side effects. My suggestion is to take this in the morning. The last time I used this, I lost a lot of sleep. Drove me to insomnia because of nervousness. Overall, the medicine was very effective."

• Ter...
• July 3, 2015

For Ulcerative Colitis "Female (23). I was diagnosed with UC in 2008 at age 15. Got horrible abdominal pain, I'd roll up in a ball and just cry, frequent bathroom trips, blood clots, and dropped down to 100 pounds. I tried several medications, none of them worked except prednisone. I agree side effects are horrible. I've had different reactions all three times I've been put on them-feeling wired, not sleeping until 6 AM, looking like a chipmunk, broke out in itchy bumps on my chest, jawline, and back, joint pains. BUT, as others said, it did stop my inflammation immediately. After that, I was put on azathioprine and it has been the only medication that has controlled my UC, thank goodness. Don't let UC control you. You control UC! Always be strong and very open-minded about your disease."

• Fff...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 15, 2016

For Inflammatory Conditions "Terrible pain in hip and shoulder, two hours after first 60 mg dose completely pain-free. Everywhere in my body. Side effects started immediately: severe anxiety, dry mouth, could not sleep, paranoia. By day five, severe rectal bleeding from being constipated. Doctor lowered the dose, still had side effects. I stopped the meds, pain is all back with a vengeance 24 hours after last dose. Side effects scary as hell."

• Dor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 12, 2017

For Sinusitis "Went to the Little Clinic in Fry's. I went in with severe sinus pressure. I hadn't had any fever or body aches, so they prescribed me prednisone 30 mg once a day for 5 days. I did feel anxious, but it only lasted about an hour. They also prescribed Advil & Sinus and Mucinex. Within an hour and a half of taking the first dose, I felt relief. It has been 8 days since I finished my last dose, the sinus pressure did not return, but I have post-nasal drip, which is causing a sore throat and coughing. This is my first time taking prednisone. For the most part, it did its job."

• Apr...
• October 13, 2011

For Ulcerative Colitis "10 out of 10 for controlling the colitis and getting the healing process going, but 0 out of 10 for the side effects. Thus, a 5/10 average. Been on prednisone for about 4 months at a variety of doses (40 mg to start, then 30, 20, 15, 10, 5). Has alleviated many of the colitis symptoms and allowed for semi-normal bathroom habits. Used in conjunction with mesalamine, Canasa, and vancomycin for a stubborn C. diff infection. Side effects: stimulant effects at first (like too much coffee), elevated mood and MASSIVE appetite, puffy face. During the taper process: insomnia, anxiety, depression, rapid heartbeat. NOT FUN."

• Whe...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 14, 2020

For Asthma "On prednisone at 20 mg for 10 days fixes my wheezing every time! My side effects are enlarged pupils, anxiousness, and cloudy-headed. But I love the fact I can breathe clearly again after I take it! I've been taking prednisone 2 to 3 times a year for 10 years."

• Flo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2016

For Inflammatory Conditions "I had a choking/allergic reaction where my throat swelled as well as my vocal cords. It was scary, but I'm glad it happened because I was living with a lot of pain that the prednisone helped from a bike accident, as well as other issues. I just took it for 5 days, and I did take a 5 mg about 3 weeks later as a maintenance dose. As far as the anxiety goes, my body adjusted to that after a couple of days, then it dissipated once I stopped taking it. I did gain 6 lbs, and it kept me awake the first couple of nights. The positive outweighs the side effects for me, especially with a short-term dosage."

• Pen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2016

For Sinusitis "I have had back-to-back sinus infections several times per year for the past few years. I have taken too many antibiotics and the ENT prescribed prednisone 30 mg for 3 days, then 20 for 2 days, then 10, then done. Sounded simple enough, even though I had been putting off prednisone for a year. I also take Klonopin, low dose, for an anxiety condition. I know my hypersensitivity to meds, so the first night I took half the initial dosage. I woke up early the next morning with a racing mind and high anxiety. The racing mind scared me. It dissipated within a few hours but still made me feel on edge for the remainder of the day. I called the pharmacist as it was a weekend and I could not get the doctor and explain. She told me to stop the prednisone."

• Ice...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2018

For Sinusitis "I was prescribed this for sinus inflammation. While it did get rid of the inflammation within a day, the side effects made it not worth it. This is the worst drug I have ever taken in my life. Unless it's life or death, I do NOT recommend taking this. It initially gave me a sense of euphoria, which only lasted a few days, and then I experienced the worst anxiety/depression in my life. I had no appetite. Couldn't function. Was scared to be alone, was so depressed. The worst part was that the nurse who prescribed it to me didn't inform me of these possible side effects. Many people say they take it and have no adverse reactions, but I was lucky enough to be prone to the adverse reactions, and they are AWFUL."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 30, 2018

For Sinusitis "This helps tremendously with sinusitis - only good side. I was given several times over the past couple of years, but side effects are horrible. There is weight gain, hair loss and thinning, swollen feet, anxiety, sleeplessness, mood change, pain in hands and feet, joint pain, blurred vision, etc. I do not recommend taking this drug unless absolutely necessary, and if so, proceed with EXTREME caution."

• Anonymous
• December 10, 2011

For Inflammatory Conditions "Really cheap. I am a classical singer and had two concerts coming up and almost no voice because my vocal cords were swollen. Tried tea, water, sleep, vocal rest... a week later and I'm still unable to make sound come out of my mouth after a middle C (for non-musicians that's not very high!). I was prescribed 20 mg in the morning for three days and then 10 mg for three more. I'm still on day 1, but it already seems to be making a difference in my voice. I'm feeling the side effects though- 8 hours after my first dose I was jittery (no involuntary movements, but I felt nervous and needed to move around a lot). Hard to sleep and felt a little out of it- like I was on a mild dose of Vicodin."

• Anonymous
• December 10, 2011

For Inflammatory Conditions "Really cheap. I am a classical singer and had two concerts coming up and almost no voice because my vocal cords were swollen. Tried tea, water, sleep, vocal rest... a week later and I'm still unable to make sound come out of my mouth after a middle C (for non-musicians that's not very high!). I was prescribed 20 mg in the morning for three days and then 10 mg for three more. I'm still on day 1, but it already seems to be making a difference in my voice. I'm feeling the side effects though- 8 hours after my first dose I was jittery (no involuntary movements, but I felt nervous and needed to move around a lot). Hard to sleep and felt a little out of it- like I was on a mild dose of Vicodin."

• ASB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2023

For Sinusitis "This drug was horrible for me. I have been having horrible sinus symptoms for a month and a half now, face throbbing daily, feeling dizzy and exhausted, etc. Got prescribed prednisone 60 mg for 5 days, then tapering down for 10 days. I only took it for 3 days, and it made my condition 10 times worse. I already have intense anxiety disorder problems that I occasionally take hydroxyzine for. After taking prednisone, my life became a nightmare. Worst anxiety of my life, no sleep for days, seeing and hearing things that aren't there, waking up drenched in sweat, elevated blood pressure, 2 ER visits, etc. My symptoms were so bad that I was too terrified to take it again and stopped taking it with no tapering. It's been 2 days since then, and I am still experiencing insomnia. Maybe it's because I didn't taper, but oh well. I would rather suffer through the withdrawal symptoms for a few days than continue to introduce this drug into my system. I will never take steroids again!"

• Ali...
• August 12, 2016

For Sinusitis "Got prescribed this with an antibiotic for sinusitis. Felt better the first day, but as I continued the meds, I noticed severe anxiety, moodiness, and sweating. My brother also says I've been talking excessively, so the racing mind is probably a side effect. I have 5 more days to go with the prednisone. The prescription was for 10 days."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2017

For Allergic Reactions "I was prescribed prednisone for an allergic reaction from taking antibiotics. It did an amazing job at taking away the rash I had, and I would give it a 10.... but the extreme anxiety it gave me was the worst thing I've ever had in my life. The first day taking it, I was prescribed 50 mg, and my heart felt like it was pounding out of my chest for 2 hours straight. I decided to cut the dose in half and only take 25 mg, and it stopped the pounding heart, but I still had terrible anxiety. I wouldn't recommend taking this if you have any type of anxiety or panic disorder because this will just make it worse. Oh, and the nausea was terrible as well."

• Air...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2016

For Inflammatory Conditions "My experience was awful! I took this for an ear infection. I have suffered with anxiety in the past. Let me tell you, after 2 days of taking this, I was so anxious. I stopped taking it, and the next day I had to go to the doctor to get Ativan for my anxiety. It was awful, like the worst anxiety ever. I am still having anxiety from this drug a week later. It's an awful drug. Don't take it!"

• Aan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 15, 2019

For Allergic Reactions "I think my hives were from a new laundry detergent or viral infection. Not sure which one, but my doctor doesn’t know either... I was prescribed prednisone, and it hasn’t seemed to help. It makes me feel so uncomfortable and jittery, I am in tears. The worst part is it messes up my sleep and isn’t working!!! I’ve taken Benadryl and hydroxyzine, and that doesn’t help much either. I guess my point of this review is to say prednisone hasn’t helped me and makes me feel like a crackhead. Zero stars for this med."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "I was given a heavy 15-day supply of this drug after being given Solumedrol (another steroid) intravenously in the hospital after an episode of optic neuritis. After I began taking this, I have had migraine headaches every single day, pressure and tingling in my head, pressure behind my eyes and ears, ringing in my ears, sinus issues, anxiety through the roof, dry eyes, dry skin, blurred vision, insomnia, crazy acne, weight loss, and frequent urination. This drug is awful, and I would not be taking it if I didn't absolutely have to."

• Val...
• October 14, 2018

For Sinusitis "I have been a long-time sufferer of allergies since childhood and was diagnosed with chronic obstructive polyps as an adult. My allergy specialist recommended taking prednisone because I am at extreme risk for sinus surgery. I took this medication in hopes that I could be able to breathe again through my nose, but alas, to my dismay, the medication had no effect whatsoever on shrinking my polyps in both nasal cavities, and my nasal passages remain inflamed. The first round of doses of prednisone I took for one week straight at 20 mg and tapered off, and the second round started at 60 mg per week, tapered down to 20 mg for the fifth week. Still no change, no shrinkage of nasal polyps, and inflammation remains so bad that I am unable to get any sleep. When I am forced to mouth breathe to sleep, I stop breathing altogether and wake up. I'm tired, frustrated, and anxious because I'm unable to breathe through my nose."