What People Wish They Knew When They Started Prednisone

Mighty readers share what they wish they knew about prednisone before they started.

Read the full transcript:

“It was a quick fix, not long term, and you have to decide if the side effects are worth the benefits, especially with other conditions.”

“I have anxiety and it increases my anxiety for me, so during my prednisone courses I get frequent panic attacks.”

“I wish I knew exactly what moon face was — that my whole face would look super swollen and puffy for a really long time.”

“I wish I knew how serious it was to go up on a dose because it’s so hard to lower the dose. It’s the drug we love to hate.”

“It makes me so ravenously hungry.”

“The weight gain, how it affects your nerves, destroys your bones long term, but nothing else works like it if you need it.”

“I didn’t expect my teeth to get so sensitive or the insomnia that accompanies taking it.”

“I wish they’d shown me the three pages of common side effects before prescribing me it so I could make an informed decision.”

“While many people have terrible side effects it’s not guaranteed you will experience all of them.”

“I wish I knew that I would still be on it 20 years later!”

This video is based on the experience of individuals. Please see a doctor before starting or stopping a medication.