- Mood Swings on Prednisone

[Guest guest]

I am 44 and was diagnosed with RA 4 years ago. The initial flare was only 4 months or so but I have a lot of residual hand and arm soreness and stiffness, especially after I had my last baby. I'm holding off on taking anything strong as well. My pain is under control with MSM supplements.

Recently I was treated with oral prednisone with a 6-day Medrol dose pack for tendonitis (maybe or maybe not related to the RA). My mood swings were HORRIBLE! I was upset and yelling at my family. I slept for 12 hours at a shot, waking up crying because I was so SAD. I even at times felt I'd be better off if my life was over (not suicidal but thinking life was hopeless).

Fortunately, someone shared with me that her DH went through a similar experience after being on oral prednisone. His experience lasted two weeks after the medicine had stopped. Mine lasted at least that long too. Some days I was completely OK and then the next day I was a wreck. It is now maybe 6 weeks. Emotionally I am back to normal. I still get the extreme exhaustion and want to lay down but I don't know if that is related or not. I will at all cost avoid taking prednisone again. I know that is what caused my mood swings. I am normally pretty stable (except for maybe a moderate amount of PMS one day a month - LOL).

Stay focused and try to remember the meds are causing this but still you are responsible for what comes out of your mouth. Try to be nicer to your family than I was - LOL

Lucy T.