These include insomnia, changes in mood, weight gain, and irregular menstrual periods.
Prednisone is typically prescribed at the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time.
This reduces the risk of side effects and severe complications likeosteoporosis, glaucoma, and diabetes.
Verywell / Britney Willson
This article explores common side effects of prednisone and strategies to help prevent them.
It also looks at how to safely discontinue prednisone when it is no longer needed.
Verywell / Britney Willson
Prednisone Side Effects
Prednisone is known to cause many side effects.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
In some cases, the dose can be reduced or the treatment changed.
However, you shouldneverstop without first talking with your healthcare provider as doing so can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Don’t miss or alter the dose without first speaking with your healthcare provider.
Other strategies may be used to reduce the risk or severity of some prednisone side effects.
Osteoporosis
Anyone taking prednisone for a long time can experience some level of bone density loss.
Apersonal trainercan also help you build an effective but appropriate workout plan.
After one year, the additional average weight gain is around 4%.
The higher the dose, the higher the risk of side effects.
The longer you are treated, the greater the risk of complications.
Prednisone is generally intended for short-term use to rein in inflammation and bring a disease under control.
When that is achieved, the dose is gradually reduced until the treatment is finally stopped.
With some conditions, likeautoimmune diseases, other drugs likebiologicscan then be prescribed to maintain control of the condition.
However, for some conditions, this is not possible, and higher doses are needed.
If this is the case, your healthcare provider will weigh the benefits and risks of treatment.
They can closely monitor for any increases in eye pressure or any worsening of glaucoma symptoms.
How Fast Is Prednisone Eliminated?
Your body becomes increasingly more dependent on the drug the longer you take it.
Summary
Prednisone is a corticosteroid drug used to treat many inflammatory conditions.
However, it can cause side effects, especially at high doses or with long use.
Prednisone should never be stopped suddenly as this could lead to withdrawal symptoms.
2013;9(1):30. doi:10.1186/1710-1492-9-30
Compston JE, Mcclung MR, Leslie WD.Osteoporosis.Lancet.
