Prednisone Side Effects: What to Expect & Manage

Prednisone is commonly prescribed to treat decreased corticosteroid levels in the body. Corticosteroids are steroid hormones that are responsible for numerous body reactions to things such as stress and infections. It is most often prescribed for psoriasis, lupus and arthritis, per Drugs.com.

Central Nervous System Side Effects

• Reported side effects on the central nervous system include headache, dizziness, extreme tiredness, decreased libido and increased sweating.

Behavioral Side Effects

• Prednisone has been known to cause extreme changes in mood and in personality.

Skin Changes

• This medication can cause acne, thinning of skin, difficulty healing cuts and bruises, red or purple blotches or lines beneath skin, per Medline Plus.

Other side effects

• According to Medline Plus, other common side effects reported with prednisone include bulging eyes, increased hair growth, changes in fat dispersal on the body, heartburn and irregular or absent menstrual periods.

Serious side effects

• Serious side effects can include changes in vision, redness and watering, flu like symptoms including sore throat, fever, chills and cough, possible seizure activity, depression, confusion, muscle twitching and hand tremors, vomiting, lightheadedness, irregular heartbeat, sudden weight gain, shortness of breath most notably at night, swelling of any part of the body, rash and itching. Contact you prescribing doctor immediately should you experience any of these.