Posted by Wade Morris (12.29.161.226) on August 02, 2000 at 16:36:59:
In Reply to: Prednisone side effects/CH posted by Sam on October 18, 1999 at 08:43:07:
I am 54 years old, taking Norvask and Accupril for High Blood Pressure. My doctor treated my Poison Ivy rash with Prednisone 10mg dose over 12 days, with the heavy dosage in the first three days (6 tablets) and then falling of to two tablets the last two days.
On the positive side, it did get rid of the rash.
The side effects were the following:
Day 1: Stayed up until 4:00 a.m.
Day 2: still couldn't sleep and very thirsty. Bathroom every thirty minutes due to constant thirst. Upset stomach. Craving for food switched from meat and potatoes to fruit and fruit juices. Didn't want anything fat. Also craved milk, of which I never drink. It was all I could think of.
Day 3: My hips started to get very sore. Painful to walk. Diet changes continued. Noticed that my eyeglasses didn't work. I had been 20-100 in my left and 20-30 in my right.
Day 4: Hip pain keeps me up all night. Too weak to stand on one leg. Could barely walk down stairs and even considered using my old crutches to give me support while walking. I considered this very dangerous. A week earlier, I was hiking in the mountains with my son. Now, I can't even lift a leg. Continued new diet and a half-gallon of milk, Gator Aid and endless glasses of water.
Day 5: No longer need eyeglasses. I can see things I haven't seen in years. My left eye is better than the right one now. Leg pain and immobility continues.
Day 6-10: Side effects continue.
Day 11-12: The strength in my legs is returning. I am able to go up and down stairs and left one foot off the ground. Thirsty all the time.
Day 13: Off the drug, but side effects continue. My tongue is dry all the time and I have to drink water all of the time. Can't get enough. Desire for milk is zeroing again. Still crave fruit and fruit juices by not as much. Only want water! Nightly leg cramps. The worst I've had my entire life occurring several times a night. This continues through day 18 (6 days after getting off the drug). No longer showing signs of diabetic, dry tongue and insatiable thirst. I have started adding Potassium, Calcium; Magnesium tablets to my multi-vitamins. My eyes are getting bad again, but still don't need my reading glasses.