High Dose Prednisone and Panic Attacks???

Hello,

Last October, my wife was prescribed 60mg of prednisone daily for 7 days for an nagging arthritic condition with no taper.  While on the therapy, she had an incredible steroid high for three days and then what I'd describe as a crash with all kinds of emotional effects, anger, panic, anxiety.  Since stopping her regimen, she is still experiencing panic attacks many times during the day and at night. She's never had them before. Our physician has prescribed lorazepam and this helps and he said it may take awhile to clear up.  She is an otherwise healthy, well adjusted 40 year old life's companion!

My question is, could this prednisone cause this much trouble and if so, will it clear up???

Thanks!

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Yes it can cause this much trouble, and yes it will clear up. Your doctor is giving you good advice and a good medication. It shouldn't take too long.

But there is another possibility to consider. Being forty, and having an arthritic condition, may have set off some midlife fears. If so, some short term counseling would be useful.