Prednisone Crash

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2
Hi everyone,

This is my first time posting here but I’ve had CFS for about 5 years. I’m writing because something very disturbing happened the other day and was wondering if anyone might have some idea of what caused it? I had a hearing/balance issue and was prescribed prednisone by an urgent care doctor. I felt very wary taking the prednisone as I believe that my chronic fatigue was triggered by taking steroids 4.5 years ago but I really wanted to save my hearing and was assured by my long-time doctor that it was safe. After only taking maybe 2mg of prednisone (again I was very nervous!!) I felt within minutes that my entire body was made of cement and I couldn’t move at all. It was very similar to the crashes I’ve had with CFS but occurred within minutes. I had basically felt that the CFS wasn’t an issue anymore prior to this but now I’m back to my lowest point. Does anyone know much about prednisone or how the heck this could have happened? I’m surprised that anything could cause a full crash within minutes. Maybe it immediately threw out the HPA axis? Or directed my adrenals to produce a heck of a lot of cortisol all at once? Thanks in advance to everyone and really glad to be here.
 

ljimbo423

Senior Member
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Does anyone know much about prednisone or how the heck this could have happened? I’m surprised that anything could cause a full crash within minutes. Maybe it immediately threw out the HPA axis? Or directed my adrenals to produce a heck of a lot of cortisol all at once? Thanks in advance to everyone and really glad to be here.

Welcome to the forum! It's good to have you here.

I Really don't know why the prednisone did that. I've tried low dose hydrocortisone a few times to see if it would help my fatigue but it made me feel much worse. Although it took a few days to do that.

This is such a bizarre illness. Some people feel better with steroids. Then their are people like you and I that get much worse on them. Fortunately for me, the ill effects from the HC didn't last.

I'm sorry this gave you such a set back.

I hope you keep looking for answers. Sooner or later you are bound to find some.:)
 

Pyrrhus

Senior Member
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After only taking maybe 2mg of prednisone (again I was very nervous!!) I felt within minutes that my entire body was made of cement and I couldn’t move at all. It was very similar to the crashes I’ve had with CFS but occurred within minutes.

Wow, that seems to be an unusual experience. So sorry to hear that!

If you feel like it, you can share that in this thread about different people's experiences with corticosteroids:

Anti-inflammatories may reduce symptoms in the short-term, but may not in the long-term
https://forums.phoenixrising.me/thr...hort-term-but-may-not-in-the-long-term.80492/

Best wishes.
 

Judee

Psalm 46:1-3
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I can take the tiniest bit of hydrocortisone during times of crisis but not for more than one or two doses. By tiny, I mean like .625mgs.

Pred is much more potent. Many of us tend to get burned out on hormones like steroids. It's like rev-ing an engine too high or almost like exercising without actually doing the physical motions. For PWME (people with ME), that almost always leads to a PEM crash.

Edit: You might check with your doctor to see if you can take Meclizine (Dramamine) instead. https://guidelineshealth.com/health...it-and-how-does-it-helps-in-treating-vertigo/

It will make you drowsy. I've tried the less drowsy formula but that doesn't seem to work quite as well. But with anything you try, just start with a tiny amount. That's the safest thing to do cause you never know what is going to set something off with this awful disease.

Welcome to PR!!!!
 
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Bergkamp

Senior Member
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145
I sincerely hope that this message reaches you. I’ve had the EXACT same experience as you. Had ME/CFS for about 5 years, recovered a decent bit of my health over time and am now all the way back to square 1 after taking dexamethasone, which is also a corticosteroid. The feeling you describe is exactly the same as I’m having. It’s now been 4 weeks since I took the dexamethasone and not improving yet. Please let me know if you’re still active on here. Would be great to hear how it has been for you since you took that pill
 

kewia

Senior Member
Messages
244
I'm also taking dexamethasone currently but only low dose 0.25 mg to 0.75 mg.
I'm happy that I'm having it because I'm very much inflamed with regular spikes of my immune system inflaming my chest/neck/head tissue multiple times a day.

I'm also a bit anxious about the long term consequences.
 
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