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Are withdrawal symptoms likey after 5 day course of prednisolone

Posted , 3 users are following.

libralady13
libralady13

Hello My husband has just come out of hospital and has had a 5 day course of prednisolone 80mg a day for severe breathing problems.  Further tests will be done to see if he has asthma or COPD.  Can anyone tell me if he is likely to experience withdrawal symptoms, what they might me and how long they might last.  The hospital said he should be ok but from what I have read a lot of people do have problems even after short courses of treatment.  They did say that the drug would take 2/3 weeks to get out of his system but did not seem to think there would be any other effects.  Also what about driving and alcohol.

Thanks.

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • jean34329
    jean34329 libralady13

    Posted

    I am unsusre about driving but I would definitely avoid alcohol.

    Prednisolone can cause depression even after a short but intensive course.

    Might be just as well to check with several pharmacists on the points you have raised.

    Jean

    • libralady13
      libralady13 jean34329

      Posted

      Thank you.  I did speak to one of the hospital doctors who said yes he could have a beer and drive and that there would be no withdrawal symptoms.  I myself  have suffered withdrawal symptoms after stopping a medicine not a steroid so I tend to think that doctors don't tell you and hope that you don't get any problems.  Do you know when any problems may start and how long they will last.  Tomorrow will be his first day with no prednisolone.  
  • ptolemy
    ptolemy libralady13

    Posted

    The reason one gets withdrawal symptoms is that the steroids take over from the adrenal glands, so when you stop, the adrenal glands have to leap into action again. The adrenal glands do not seem to close down for two to three weeks, so one week is considered fine, as the hospital said.  After a longer period it could be a real problem to just stop the steroids.

    I am on long term steroids and also drink and drive, not at the same time! 

    • libralady13
      libralady13 ptolemy

      Posted

      Thank you, my husband says at the moment he feels fine perhaps a bit tired then he has just come out of hospital.  He is just happy to be out and breathing more easily again.  He has however decided not to drink for a few days more but will starting driving again on Monday as he has an appointment to go to.
    • ptolemy
      ptolemy libralady13

      Posted

      That is good news he is feeling better. I am sure he will be fine driving and he can look forward to that drink! 
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