Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on 5/6/2024

Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request a Prescription

The use of prednisone can lead to various side effects in some individuals.

Common mild side effects of prednisone use include:

• Increased appetite
  
• Weight gain
  
• Changes in where fat is located in your body
  
• Mood changes (such as irritability or agitation)
  
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  
• Acne or skin changes
  
• Increased sweating
  
• Headache
  
• Dizziness
  
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
  
• Changes in menstrual periods
  
  

More severe side effects of prednisone use can include:

• Swelling
  
• High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)
  
• Increased blood pressure levels
  
• Low potassium levels
  
• Rapid weight gain
  
• Arrhythmias
  
• Cataracts or glaucoma (eye problems)
  
• Vision problems
  
• Seizures
  
• Muscle weakness or wasting
  
• Peptic ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
  
• Pancreatitis
  
• Mood disorders (such as depression or anxiety)
  
• Osteoporosis
  
• High cholesterol
  
  

Long-term use of prednisone or high doses may increase the risk of these side effects.

If you experience any severe or concerning side effects while taking prednisone, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking before starting treatment with prednisone. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with prednisone.

Tell your provider if you are taking these medications or have these conditions:

• Other corticosteroids or immunosuppressants
  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  
• Anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs
  
• Antiarrhythmic medications
  
• Diabetes medications
  
• Antidepressants or mood stabilizers
  
• Blood pressure medications
  
• Antibiotics or antifungals
  
• HIV/AIDS medications
  
• Tuberculosis medications
  
• Hepatitis medications
  
  

Mention medical conditions such as:

• History of mental health disorders
  
• Recent eye infections
  
• Liver or kidney disease
  
• Intestinal disease
  
• Thyroid disease
  
• Myasthenia gravis
  
• Osteoporosis
  
• High blood pressure
  
• Seizures
  
• Diabetes
  
• Infections or recent vaccinations
  
  

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of using prednisone with your healthcare provider.

Take prednisone exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not increase or decrease the dosage without consulting them.

Your provider may recommend a high calcium or high potassium diet while taking prednisone. They may also ask that you limit your sodium intake while taking prednisone. Talk to your provider about any special dietary instructions you should follow while taking prednisone.

In case of a prednisone overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe headache, dizziness, confusion, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, seizures, or difficulty breathing. If you suspect an overdose, contact the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or call emergency services.