Prednisone

[Grizzly]

i have a GWI rash that's formed all of the way around both elbows. They gave me prednisone to help it. I have been taking it as prescribed: day 1, 6 pills. Day 2, 5. Day 3, 4...etc...etc.

It's starting to cause me major panic attack and anxiety like sensations. Last night I couldn't sleep. Finally I discovered my 100 lb service dog sitting on my lap helps alleviate some of the panic and anxiety.

I am on day 4. The rash is gone. What's the harm in stopping this cold turkey? It's literally going to drive me mad. I feel like my heart is going to explode. Had a dentist appt. today and they took my BP of 167/110. 120 PR.

 

[Woodman]

griz in my humble opinion do not take that shit. taper off and stop. not a doc but i did some research and if you can think you don't need that shit

 

[Grizzly]

Well it did help the rash. But now I'm having some horrible reaction. I'm to the point I don't even want to taper off. Just stop now with 6 pills and 3 days or so left.

 

[Grizzly]

So is did a lot of reading one this. Seems it boosts your cortisol levels. Well, people with PTSD can understand the impact cortisol has on the body.

So a quit it cold turkey. Took some left over prasozin last nigh to slow my HR which was steady at 130 at rest @0200. I was able to sleep and this morning I feel normal.

I'm gonna mark that pill off my list.

 

[Friday]

No harm. Pred is a corticosteroid. Asthmatic kids go on and off of huge (oral) doses all the time. Day on, week on, month on, 12 months on... And then just stop.

You may consider Dex (deximethisone) next time something flares up. They're used pretty interchangeably. They're both known for causing mood reactions, but while people often freak the f*ck out on one, the other is fine.

Really. They can cause some wicked freak outs. My kid is fine with both... As long as you consider a 36 hour day "fine". Cheerful as all get out, but OMFG Mama needs to sleep here, kiddo! >.< Aieeee. LOL.

Also to note... Pred is notorious for weight gain. If you slathered on 10lbs this week? Don't stress it. Meds. Will come off on its own now that you're off em.

 

[Friday]

I think the more interesting Q though... Is what the f*ck did you lean on? Both elbows?

 

[vikingr24]

Do not quit taking cortisone cold turkey. It causes depression.

The whole reason your were given what's called a medpack - 6 one day, 5 the next and so on is to 1) treat the rash, and 2) get you off cortisone safely without going into a deep dive depression.

It is certainly not advisable to give someone with PTSD cortisone in high dosage. A medpack is not a high dosage. Taking 2 pills 3 times a day for a month is high dosage or intramuscular which is rare. But that's a doctor's call. If you have eczema (which I suspect is the problem) then a medpack is probably right. Or a cortisone cream that is prescribed.

Cortisone will affect your adrenalin levels since that is the way it works, But it will only affect cortisol if you take it for a long time. Cortisol itself takes a while to be created in the body.

Long term cortisone use will affect glaucoma and especially your sugar level.

But one medpack should not cause great concern. Two should.

Parajumper, OR tech, EMT tech. Waiver: Not a doctor. Good luck with it.

 

[Grizzly]

Good info. All I know since I've quit taking it, my heart has quit jumping. My BP is coming back to normal ranges and I feel do Look much better.

The rash...no idea. It shows up occasionally. It shows up symmetrically on my body. If I get it on top of my right hand it is also on my left. Looks like a shingles outbreak. But isn't. Doctors say it is nerve related and "No known etiology". More likely than not due to environmental exposure.

 

[vikingr24]

Based on your reaction, ask the doc about a cream that has more cortisone that what's on the market (.10%).

 

[Grizzly]

Based on your reaction, ask the doc about a cream that has more cortisone that what's on the market (.10%).

The Doc is useless I am convinced. Performing malpractice on vets is simply supplementing his retirement.

I have had all kinds of creams and ointments. None of that worked. This guy wanted to do this Prednisone pack rather than refer me to a dermatologist.

 

[JarHed]

I've had experience with prednisone. It's important to taper off of that med. Immediately quitting can cause some other nasty reactions. Good advice above, as well. It's often prescribed for rashes. Sometimes, if possible, try to determine the root cause of the rash. Fractionated coconut oil can be a help. It's a natural healing oil. Look online for a good source like Dotera, for instance.

Oh, yes and prednisone is a steroid so I'm not surprise at the reaction you've had. Sometimes doctors do the most simple thing possible, prescribe a drug that works for many rather than looking a bit deeper for the problem. Best of luck.

Jar

 

[Grizzly]

Appreciate the insight. I didn't taper it off. I tried. But I couldn't. The absolute lack of sleep because my constant racing heart was killing me slowly.

Course, I still can't sleep. 72 hrs now with 4 of sleep. But I do feel much better. The rash has left my hands and migrated to my feet. It'll go away soon on its own I guess. It always does.