Prednisone Side Effects: My Ups and Downs Taking Prednisone

In 1996 I was introduced into the world in intramuscular Prednisone injections for a sciatic nerve problem. As my pain progressed, so did the number of shots. When I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, I learned this was the drug of choice to battle extreme "flares" that wouldn't leave with my everyday drugs or anti-inflammatories.

The use of Prednisone has many side effects-some I endured, some eluded me. The worst and the best were the same-the prednisone made me develop cataracts before the age of 40. I know, you're probably thinking-how could anyone think this side effect has anything positive? I can-still do.

I like to start off with the positive. I was legally blind, even before the cataracts. I wore contacts and even with them, my vision was 20/150. I had to wear reading glasses over them to read, work my beloved crossword puzzles or write an article. Driving at night, was something I simply put in the back of my mind. Watching my kids play at a sporting event, sing in the school choir or watching a movie was an effort in futility. Once I had the cataract surgery, I became part of their extracurricular lives again! Now, I still need reading glasses, but otherwise I can see 20/20! I don't think I could ever describe what I felt the very first morning after the first surgery when I could see the time on a digital clock 25 feet away-without any help. The thought still brings tears to my eyes.

So that's one of the good things about Prednisone. Another is the relief of severe pain for about 2-4 weeks after the injection. Or the continuous lessening of pain if you are given the pills.

Now, on to the really rotten side effects as listed by www.drugs.com, Wikipedia and WebMD.com. Some of the less serious but pesky side effects may include:

Sleep problems-I learned to take the dose (pills) early in the morning, or I'd be pacing the halls all night.

Lots of skin problems-I looked like a teenager who wasn't only riddled with acne, but bruises and sores that wouldn't heal.

I was very cranky-so moodiness

Prednisone is known as one of the premier drugs that make you gain weight-and in the least attractive places. My face rounded out and so did my backside.

Headaches, vertigo and increased sweating. I personally have never had a problem with the sweating or body odor, but it was one of the side effects my hairdresser complained about. As for the headaches and vertigo-just call me "one dizzy dame".

Just think-the above were the non-serious side effects!

Now to let you in on the more serious ones that any pharmacist will tell you to go straight to an emergency room for-do not wait, just go FAST!

Hives, breathing problems, swelling-these signal a severe allergic reaction and could actually lead to death-call 911.

Other severe reactions to call a medical doctor at once for are: vision problems (not of gradual cataract growth kind), rapid weight gain, thoughts of suicide or other psychotic thoughts, seizures, bloody stools or coughing up blood. As if those aren't scary enough, Prednisone can also cause pancreatitus, throwing up, accelerated heart rate and increased trips to the bathroom. There's also a severe loss of potassium which may cause muscle weakness, extreme thirst and leg discomfort. Blood pressure rates may soar causing buzzing in your ears, chest pain and some of the other already mentioned problem.

Yes, Prednisone can help decrease painful inflammation and allow you to move freely or stop an allergic drug interaction, but it can also be a very dangerous substance. Make sure you question your medical professional about all the pluses and minuses of using a steroid before accepting the injection or filling your prescription.