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Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,947
Registered: ‎04-25-2010

Prednisone, What is your experience?

I have severe COPD. The Dr. just put me on this drug and I hate it. am gaining weight and it is affecting my eyes and mood. I am going to stop taking it. What is your experience with this drug Prednisone? Thank you.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 54,410
Registered: ‎03-29-2012

Re: Prednisone, What is your experience?

I've taken it over the years for numerous allergic reactions. It usually does the trick, but I would not want to be on it long term.

It makes me hungry, tired, and bloated.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 28,707
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Prednisone, What is your experience?

Everything from feeling really great to blurry vision.

Super Contributor
Posts: 5,837
Registered: ‎03-01-2013

Re: Prednisone, What is your experience?

dangerous long term.... doctors dole it out like candy and do not tell patients the awful side effects.

Regular Contributor
Posts: 217
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: Prednisone, What is your experience?

I've only taken it twice years apart for two bouts of bronchitis. It really helped me, and I was lucky, I guess. I didn't have any side effects.

Super Contributor
Posts: 631
Registered: ‎12-30-2010

Re: Prednisone, What is your experience?

I just had a long reply but it didn't post. Took it at a high dose for an extended period and it was awful. I will always have the horrendous stretch marks on my thighs from the overnight 30 lb weight gain. I developed moon face, insatiable appetite and thirst, got pneumonia and broke ribs because it affects your bones. Became borderline diabetic and developed high cholesterol. Awful, will never take it for an extended period again.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,755
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

Re: Prednisone, What is your experience?

It does have long term effects but so does your COPD. How are you breathing and how severe is your COPD? What physical limitations does your COPD put on you? Are you any better off respiratory wise on the Prednisone? I do think you need to discuss the benefits and side effects against the severity of your COPD.
Super Contributor
Posts: 1,245
Registered: ‎03-04-2012

Re: Prednisone, What is your experience?

It is a very potent and dangerous drug. I would find out if there are any alternatives for your medical issue. I always research drugs that I have been prescribed before taking them (even prescription vitamin D, which I started a thread about!) then if I have questions, I go back to my doctor or pharmacist and ASK.

You cannot stop prednisone cold turkey so make sure if you decide to stop, to check with your doctor about how to be weaned off of it. It can have devastating effects if you just stop it.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,181
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Prednisone, What is your experience?

it could increase your blood sugar

Super Contributor
Posts: 880
Registered: ‎07-09-2012

Re: Prednisone, What is your experience?

Since you're a former nurse, I'm sure you know not to stop prednisone suddenly. There needs to be a gradual taper, hopefully under your doctor's supervision. I took prednisone twice,once for pneumonia and once when I had a bad throat and needed to sing at church our choir director was behind that, lol. My doc reluctantly went along on a. 3 day course. It works very, very well, gave me an incredible euphoria and I remember staying up all night cleaning my house. The downside is that long term use will cause puffiness, increased blood sugar levels, fragile skin and other side effects. I have asthma and breathing problems. There are other treatments. Was this prescribed by a lung doc or your PCP. Maybe you need a specialist's opinion.