Side Effects Of Prednisone

Weight Gain

A common adverse side effect of taking prednisone for extended periods is unexpected weight gain. Corticosteroids like prednisone can influence the way an individual's body naturally uses up calories and the way it manages fat deposition. These interferences have been known to cause a patient taking prednisone for an extended period to have an increased appetite. With an increased appetite, someone taking prednisone is inclined to consume more calories than they would otherwise. The consumption of a greater number of calories than the number of calories the body is burning off is referred to as a positive energy balance. When an individual has a positive energy balance, the excess calories not being burned off are stored in the body as fat tissue. Over time, the fat tissue accumulates in the individual's body and causes weight gain or a net increase in total body mass. Prednisone can also result in weight gain because of its tendency to cause the body to hold onto more sodium and fluid that would otherwise be eliminated through sweat, urine, and stool.

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Mood Changes

Many patients experience mood changes during treatment with prednisone. One patient's mood swings may vary considerably compared to another. For example, some individuals report feelings of euphoria while on the medication, and others have experienced depression, anxiety, and anger. Patients might have very quick shifts in mood during prednisone use, and mood changes often develop without provocation and for no apparent reason. Individuals who use prednisone could feel extremely sad or angry without knowing why. Prednisone is sometimes associated with more severe mental health changes, including the development of psychosis, delusions, and dementia. Mood changes are more likely to occur when prednisone is taken in higher dosages, and reducing the dose could reduce or eliminate mood swings. Patients often find their mood returns to normal once they stop taking prednisone. If mood changes are disruptive, patients should check with their doctor about switching to a different medication.

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