Lingering Side Effects Of Methylprednisolone
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I ended up at the ER thinking I was having a heart attack. So I didn't take the last two pills of my dose pack. It has now been a full week after my last dose, and I am still struggling with insomnia, nausea, dizziness, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, heart pounding and high bp. I feel better in the evenings, but then it starts over in the mornings. Does anyone know how much longer these side effects will last? Does anyone have a similar story?

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I took a Medrol dose pak for chronic foot pain. On the 2nd day after my run I started to get leg pains. It worsened on the 3rd day and I called a nurse, who told me to keep taking it and make an appt. I saw a provider 2 days later and was told to finish it because by then I only had 2 pills left. The pain was in my leg and knee and over the next couple of days and it was hard to even walk and go up stairs. However, after about a week I thought it was getting better. As soon as I started working out and running again after about another week or two the pain is coming back in my leg and groin and it's been well over a month since I finished it. I've been reading online about osteonecrosis of the hip with steroids and stuff but I understand its more from long term usage. Stuff the dr who prescribed it to me didn't know or think to even tell me about. I guess because it's not common but Should I be really worried???? Could I have a just a muscle strain or something and is it pure coincidence it happened while on the steroids or could be it more serious. I'm planning to get some testing done here soon but I'm just worried because I really enjoy running. Avascular Necrosis is really bad so I hope it's nothing of that nature.

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I would like to spread the word be very very careful when you have been prescribed this ..i was give....drug...it is very strong and the side effects are with you for months...read and don't take it

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Re: Hypochondriacattack (# 33)

I just finished the dose pak and am also taking amoxicillin. I have two inner ear infections with fluid that cause dizziness. About2 hours after taking the last pill. My heart was racing for hours i felt sick to my stomach and now o have a burn in my chest and feel light headed and just all together weak like i haven't eaten or moved in a month. Im so scared. Ive been to 3 different hospitals 7 times and was diagnosed with something different each time. Im ready to give up. Did things get better for you?

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I recently tarted having dizziness and severe panic and anxiety attacks, pressure in head and ears and a buzzing sensation (no sound just a sensation). My doctor decided it was an ear/sinus infection causing tinnitus (I think that's what he called it). I'm on day 3 now of methylprednisolone 4 mg 6-day treatment with amoxicillin. I was prepared for most of the side effects but am feeling off balance and having problems standing up straight. Is this a common side effect?

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Re: Fed Up (# 20)

Why do Drs give people these drugs without warning them of these horrible side effects and withdrawal? I had a terrible withdrawal from prednisone 5 yrs ago and when my Dr talked me into taking Medrol in May, he assured me I wouldn't have any bad side effects! He was WRONG! It's been 5 months since I took a 6 day pack, and I'm still dealing with awful side effects. Never again.

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Re: Eliane (# 22)

I have that from taking Medrol which is in the predisone family.

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Re: Craig (# 15)

Yes. I, too, had a personality change,
depression, anger, impatient, anxiety... I went from being outgoing, and happy, to not wanting to do anything I used to enjoy. It took 6 to 7 months for me to 'feel' normal again... all that from just taking 4 days of the dose pack.

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I'm going on 4 months. These side effects come in waves...

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Re: Craig (# 13)

This drug affects you both physically & mentally. I've experienced a big personality change since taking a Medrol 6 day pack. Depression, edgy, angry, etc.. Praying it'll subside along with the physical effects. Bad drug.

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Re: Craig (# 15)

What you are feeling is REAL and known side affcts of the med pack. I'm sorry to say it can take months to years to get better. But most do get better. Seek out natural health dr and others damaged by these drugs. There are MANY of us. I wish you health and strength.

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Re: sickNtired (# 25)

It's been 11 long months since I took the steroid pack.... couldn't finish it due to side effects. After 11 months, I am finally having days of NO side effects!! 11 LONG MONTHS!! I had almost all the side effects, except the psychosis. The 1 1/2 months of insomnia, high bp, fast heart rate, anxiety, depression, and the food/ food additives allergies and sensitivities were the worst. My doctors also had no answers. I had only one doctor who believed the pred was the cause. Explained it to me like a tornado destroying everything in its path and leaving. Then, taking months to rebuild. Prednisone is now on my allergy list! So, yes. It is possible for the side effects to last this long. If the docs can't find anything, be patient (which is hard), and know you will get better. The hardest part is not knowing when that will be. It's been 11+ months for me. I was lucky that I work from home.... and work was slow.

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I got an 80mg methylprednisolone injection for a possible palsy in my face following a respiratory infection almost 8 weeks ago. 2 days after the shot my left hand locked/cramped up and I have had extreme muscle fatigue, soreness and spasms since 3 days after the shot. Prior to the shot i had no issues with my muscles. I've been to numerous doctors / specialist and had several blood tests that have all came back with nothing except elevated WBC for 2 week's but have returned to normal. The doctors don't think it's due to the steroid shot. After reading your stories I am wondering if it is possible to still have side effects from that shot. I am barely holding on to my job at this point but the weakness is constant. Has anyone else's symptoms lasted this long after steroid use.

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It's now been almost 4 months since my last dose of Medrol, and I am still dealing with lingering side effects. Insomnia, dry eyes&skin. Indigestion, rapid heart beat, anxiety, joint pain, mood swings,etc..... They seem to come and go in waves. Good days, bad days. Things are slowly improving.It's very frustating. Will never take any kind of steroid again....

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Going on 4 months now. Took a 6 day pak of Medrol in May and still having trouble with insomnia, anxiety, dry eyes,mood swings. Taking 400mg of magisum for the anxiety, eye drops 3 times a day, melatonin for sleep.

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I took prednisone pack 5 or 6 weeks ago and I still am suffering from burning feet. Does anyone have this problem?

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Try taking a B complex supplement , that helped me.

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Craig. It had been 10 months now, since my last dose. My biggest issues after taking the MEDROL pack has been food/food additives sensitivities, depression, anxiety, fast heartbeat with chest pressure, and inability to exercise, nausea, dizziness, insomnia lasting months, and the list goes on... it took 6 months for my food sensitivities to improve. About 7 months for my depression and anxiety to lessen, and I am just now getting over the chest pain/pressure. I have been exercising for about 2 months now.... starting slowly, and just now getting to were I was before this all started. Right now, I am not quite 100%; but am close. Very little chest pressure, and depression is gone. My insomnia was so bad, that I didn't sleep for 1 1/2 months! It took over 6 months before I started sleeping normal again. Plus... it through me into complete, full menopause. I feel this may be my new normal. My doctor explained it to me like this: "steroids are like a tornado. They come, tear things up, and leave. It can take months to repair and rebuild what has been destroyed by the storm." Don't be discouraged. I prayed to God daily for healing, and after 10 months (even though I'm not 100% yet, but close!) I am feeling like myself again. I pray that you will improve 100%, much faster than I did. (My heart issues were so bad, that I had a stress test, echocardiogram, and several ekg's... all normal)

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Thank you , does anyone else get these chest feelings ?

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PT is physical therapy, exercise and massage to stretch muscles that cause pain in my back, neck and arms. Good luck with your new doctor!

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I'm sorry but I don't know what POS or PT means .. although I think my chest problems are definently from the Medrol .. I had asthma prior but these are not asmtha pains... I have a very irregular heart beat now it feels like and it sometimes it beats really fast and I have trouble breathing 24/7.. am going to a third doctor tmmrw hopefully she can help me. The only reason I get anxiety is about this. I just am wishing to get better. I wish you the best too.

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