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can you get anxiety/mild depression from tapering off prednisone

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Posted 11/11/2014 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on prednisone for the better part of the year and just finally have been able to taper off, thank God! Since I dropped down to 5 mg, I've been having a lot of anxiety and some mild depression. Is it possible that this is from withdrawal from the prednisone, and if so, how long should I expect to experience this? I feel like I should be so happy that I'm feeling much better physically, so I feel somewhat guilty for not feeling mentally 100%. Any suggestions on how to help, or do I just need to ride this out? I've been prone to anxiety and depression in the past, but hadn't really dealt with it much since I changed my diet years ago.
Posted 11/11/2014 9:25 PM (GMT 0)
Yes. Yes. Without a doubt yes. Mental instability is one of the most common side effects of pred tapering. Please do not feel guilty, depression can be just as devastating, if not more so, than physical sickness. I'm sorry you're experiencing it; it normally goes away when you're off the pred.
Posted 11/11/2014 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, it can.

I find a slow taper helps. Consider getting 1 mg tablets of Pred and going down 1 mg at a time very slowly.
Posted 11/12/2014 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
Absolutely yes. Can't help with how long you will suffer it as it is quite individual. It helps I find to just accept this is the Pred, not blame yourself and wait to feel better. I get quite severe depression from Pred tapering.
Posted 11/12/2014 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hell yes
Posted 11/12/2014 10:30 PM (GMT 0)
yes, as n of e so eloquently pointed out - it can bring about many enjoyable moments for you, your friends, people on the freeway, etc !
Posted 11/12/2014 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
Yes this happens to a lot of people. Me included. Anxiety about everything goes through the roof.

If it gets bad (impedes on your ability to function) go see a doctor or find a professional you can talk to who has experience dealing with people coming off prednisone.
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