Anxiety and Prednisone? Anyone? PLEASE

[Autumnx1003]

Hey all,

After having a severe allergic reaction this weekend to an unknown substance, I am currently in the midst of a taper of the drug Prednisone.  The docs had to give it to me thru an IV at the ER, and then they told me I had to taper off it for hte next 15 days (I didnt have much choice in matter considering the shape I was in).  The first 5 days I had to take 20mg 5 times per day (this ended yesterday); the next 5 days (starting today) I take 40mg, and finally the last 5 days I take 20mg.  To be honest, I have been exceptionally anxious since I had the allergic reaction, because I don't know why it happened.  But, I'm wondering, is the Prednisone making my anxiety even worse?  See...just last week (9 days ago) I upped my dosage of fluoxetine to 10mg.  Then I had the allergic reaction on Friday (7 days ago)...my docs DID not think it was my medication, however, and I have continued taking it since the allergy.  Anyway, today, I am stepping down the prednisone, and my anxiety is OUT THE ROOF!  It is worse than it has been in a long time.  I am shaky, my heart feels racy, I feel just tense and tight all over, and I absolutely cannot relax!  I'm also having some muscle stiffness, but nothing severe.  

So..I guess my question out of all of this is do you think the Prednisone is contributing to my severe anxiety?  Or is it the Fluoxetine increase (which I was expecting extra anxiety from anwya, but not this bad)?  Or is it just the fact that I am so paranoid about my new buddy..the allergy?  Or is it a combo of everything together (I realize this is probably the real answer, but I just want to hear what you all have to say)?  

Also, if you could share some of your experiences about Prednisone I would love to hear it.  I have been reading that this drug can cause all kinds of psychiatric side effects, and I'm thinking that's why my anxiety is so much worse.  Also, can I expect to feel better when I stop taking it next week...or will I suffer from withdrawal (even though I've only taken it for 15 days)?  

Oh--and could I take klonopin with this to help ease the anxiety?
PLEASE...HELP!  

[Jikan]

Namaste,

Prednisone is in a class of drugs called steroids. Prednisone prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Prednisone is used to treat many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or breathing disorders.

Prednisone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

One of the serious side effects of prednisone is severe depression, unusual thoughts or behavior,  and seizures (convulsions). and if you experience any of these you should contact your provider for guidance.

Some of the lesser side effects of prednisone are sleep problems (insomnia), and mood changes, which will often dissipate after taking the medication for a short period of time.

Fluoxetine is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Fluoxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Fluoxetine is used to treat major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder) obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

It's anti-anxiety properties are however, minimal, and will not handle a major anxiety attack.

If you're feeling extremely agitated and anxious, I recommend you contact your psychiatrist for an appropriate medication, to get you through this period while you're coming off the prednisone.

I also feel that you are creating some undo anxiety by worrying so much about all that is going on in your life right now. I know it's easy to tell you to relax, but unfortunately, that's exactly what you need to do. Try deep breathing exercises or meditation, both of which are extremely uselful in relaxation therapy. The basics of both can be found on the Internet.

Michael(Jikan)

[sumihari]

Hi Autumn,

Prednisone as Jikan has pointed out is a steroid. It does cause agitation, but it reduces inflammation. A few years back I had to go on some steroid medication and I was anxious like anything. It increases heart rates and blood pressure only if used long term and this is the long term effects I believe and it affects some people worse than others.

It is interesting that you mention you felt more anxious coming off the prednisone, which I think could mean 2 things. Since you upped the fluoxetine dose, it may have caused an inital agitation . This is one possibility . The second could be that whatever allergic reaction you have, your body must still be fighting it off and that is why you are agitated still.

My understanding about fluoxetine is that it is very agitating out of all the SSRI's , Zoloft is the other.

So what do you do now. I guess you need to see your doctor and see whether he can prescribe you something short term to ease your anxiety. Personally, I did not like Xanax . Whenever I get very anxious I just take a 2mg Valium, it seems to help. But this is me.

You might just need something to help you with the prednisone and fuoxetine transition. Try to eat a healthy diet and perhaps not a good idea to take any herbal preparation until you are better. I used to take chamomile tea to relax and every time i took  it I couldn't breathe, like I had a mini asthma attack. Later on I found out I was indeed allergic to chamomile tea.

I think it is still a good idea to go and get that allergy test done.

Sumi