Prednisone users- pressure in your head, neck, shoulders NORMAL??

Unfortunately what you're feeling is normal. I think the 10mg drop from 20 to 10 may also cause withdrawl symptoms. Normally it's safer to go down in 5mg intervals. Then after 5mg you can go to 2.5mg.

I was on 40mg for almost 2 years and was on 20mg for a few months recently and I started my taper last Wednesday. I now am at 15mg and will go to 10mg this upcoming Wednesday. In the past if I had difficulty tapering I would maintain the same dosage for an additional week or two until the effects subsided. Isn't Prednisone the best yet the worst medication ever?! I too am extremely swollen and ucky looking. During the summer I was miserable and had horribly swollen ankles and joints. At least when I had the swelling during pregnancy I knew it was for a good cause, but when the steriods cause it and I still wasn't in remission, it was very hard to maintain a positive attitude.

Prednisone also causes emotional difficulties. I was stressed and super sensitive before starting Paxil. Of course each medication effects everyone a little different, but my experiences with Prednisone have not been pleasant and I am looking forward to never being on it again. In fact, once I'm cured and if my doctor EVER suggests prednisone for poison ivy or any other reason I will run screaming from his office. Never again will I consume those little white pills!!!!

I hope you start feeling better soon!!!

: ) Robin

OK, i just tapered to 25mg yesterday, and I've been walking around today like my head is going to just fall off. I don't know why, I didn't put it together with the pred, since I've been having a bit of vertigo lately too (which my dr. thinks MIGHT be related to the pred as well). I bet that is it...so yes, pressure in my neck and head are probably the pred. You're not alone.

Good times.

     I know prednisone made my blood pressure soar.  As a matter of fact while in the hospital, and one of the reasons I was admitted to the hospital, it was 210/110.  I was on three BP meds and still had a problem lowering it.  Even when I got home.  So I called a cardiologist and he put me on a water pill in addition to the BP meds.  That finally did the trick.  So...get your blood pressure checked if you are having headaches.   That is the first sign that I get when my blood pressure goes up...headaches.