Severe palpitations with prednisolone

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I have been on 40 mg of prednisone for 2weeks and consultant suggested I come down to 37.5 because all symptoms of PM had subsided That night I developed heart palpitations that lasted until 2 pm the next afternoon I was given an ecg and I was told it was a reaction I was told if it happened again to go to emergency It happened again Saturday morning and Sunday morning it was so awful Palpitations came on half hour after taking them My heart just has come back to normal now There is a suggestion I start on beta blockers I know I can't stop steroids but I am in a panic with what they can do Has anyone else hand this problem

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  • Posted

    Hi, I've had problems with palpations since starting Preds at 15 mg, they have calmed down as I've lowered down to 10 mgs.

    I've also given up any form of caffeine in coffee, tea and hot chocolate, I love my coffee and would have 4-5 cups before lunchtime.

    Decaffeinated is not that bad.

    Hope you get all the help you need to lower your Preds successfully, this Forum is brilliant in giving support and advice,

  • Posted

    I am on beta blockers now and still feeling awful Pain gone but feel steroids are poisoning me I take them at 6 am with cereal and then go back to bed Half hour later My heart rate goes up and I feel so nauseous I start to fee

    l slightly better at lunchtime The specialist saw me again due to the severe reaction I am getting by dropping the dose From 40mg I was dropping slowly He has now dropped me quickly to 25 and I must stay on this dose two week

    s then down to 22.5 for two weeks then drop every month My blood tests show no inflammation Help do I need a second opinion Feel I am being poisoned Help

  • Posted

    I find it oddly reassuring that I am not alone to get palpitations and arrhythmias. Don't dispare..mine have stopped now that I have reduced the dose to  12mgs. Trips to A& E, ecgs etc. Palpitations are generally not harmful and You can ask for a cardiology appt if the irregular rhythms continue.  I didn't need beta blockers, keep an eye on your bp but mainly hope this helps any anxiety as that of course makes it worse!

  • Posted

    Started on beta blockers But still like I have been poisoned Specialist brought me down  from 37.5 to 25 overnight and dropping me from 25 to 22.5 for two weeks then 20 for two weeks them 1mg every 4 weeks I have no imflamation shown on blood tests no poly pain but feel really  ill

    Feeling very sick no energy to ill to get up

    Not sure what it is !

    Is it because I am dropping to quickly only been on then just over 3months

    Anyone one else have same problem

    • Posted

      Hi Robbo

      I am sorry you are having so many problems with the Pred and the Beta blockers.  I also have a horrible time with these meds.  The Beta blockers have helped a lot with the irregular heartbeats, but I do still have breakthrough palpitations at times.  I also find that withdrawal from the Pred also causes me to have palpitations, especially at night.  

      Worrying about it causes more anxiety which in turn makes us feel much worse.   Have you tried EFT which can be a great help?    Google EFT and it will show you what to do.   I was very sceptical at first, but was persuaded by a friend and now find that it calms me down and can even slow down my heart rate.   Do let me know how you get on.  Good Luck !  

  • Posted

    Hi Robbo, I have been on Beta Blockers for year snow, well before my PMR, which was only this year. It can be very frightening when we have them, I used to think ( heart attack ) then would have a panic attack as well, so I know what you are feeling. They can last awhile, then wash you out for days after. So with PMR I can't imagine what you are going through.

    I take my Beta Block tablet at night and have not had any since. I was told I had SVT after having heart tests done, have you had any tests? 

    I can only speak for myself: Maybe it's the Preds causing yours to happen.

    wish you luck 

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