Sunday, May 23, 2010

Is my rapid heartbeat normal after Prednisone??

I have just finished a short-term 11 day course of Prednisone. 40mg for 5 days, 30mg for 3days, etc. The heartbeat thing didn't start right away, maybe the 4th day or so. It increased with each day. I took my last dose, 10mg, yesterday, and now am unable to do normal routine things around the house like washing dishes. My heartbeat is so pronounced and feels like its coming out of my chest. It's a sort of watery kind of raspy beat. Very scary. I called my heart doctor and she assured me it was normal. Somehow I just don't feel convinced. How long does it take for the Prednisone to leave the body? Has anyone experienced the same condition and what was the outcome?
Answer:
Prednisone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: headache
dizziness
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
inappropriate happiness
extreme changes in mood
changes in personality
bulging eyes
acne
thin, fragile skin
red or purple blotches or lines under the skin
slowed healing of cuts and bruises
increased hair growth
changes in the way fat is spread around the body
extreme tiredness
weak muscles
irregular or absent menstrual periods
decreased sexual desire
heartburn
increased sweating Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: vision problems
eye pain, redness, or tearing
sore throat, fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection
seizures
depression
loss of contact with reality
confusion
muscle twitching or tightening
shaking of the hands that you cannot control
numbness, burning, or tingling in the face, arms, legs, feet, or hands
upset stomach
vomiting
lightheadedness
irregular heartbeat
sudden weight gain
shortness of breath, especially during the night
dry, hacking cough
swelling or pain in the stomach
swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
difficulty breathing or swallowing
rash
hives
itching If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/re... or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
If your uncomfortable, call your doctor again and tell him. I will tell you though that after taking a 6 day course of methylprednisone I was all jacked up for days and am still trying to get my body back to normal. My heart isn't racing but I feel like my eyes are bouncing in my head.
Symptoms of an overdose include obesity (especially around the stomach); a round face; increased hair growth (especially around the face); acne; bruising; increased blood pressure; swollen hands, feet, or ankles (fluid retention); and sore or weak muscles
Prednisones main problem is it does have many side effects, but as it leaves the body the symptoms go away.
I experienced this side effect with Prednisone, but after 3-4 days off the meds, they went away. Different people react different ways, but if your doctor isn't worried then you probably need not worry either.
However, if it continues or gets worse, insist on a check.
Oh yeah, this is normal. Feels terrible when it is happening but normal. I take it for asthma when it gets bad. If you noticed it probably made you have more energy and not feel so bad. It gives you a feeling of false wellness. That is why people get addicted to it. You feel better than you actually are. Since you took the last pill yesterday you should start feeling better soon. It makes me shakey towards the end and kinda mean! rofl This is normal too and the tachycardia, fast heart beat will go back to normal. Drink plenty of liquids unless you are fluid restricted and it will help. Feel better soon.
I guess that my first question is why do you have a heart doctor? What kind of underlying medical conditions do you have? As for the tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), it is a somewhat uncommon side effect. Although, if you have an underlying heart disease you may be predisposed to arrythmias. Your age may also play a role in how well you tolerate the fast heart rate. If at any time you get short of breath, light headed, or have chest pain you should seek emergency care immediately. CALL AN AMBULANCE--DO NOT DRIVE!! The half-life of prednisolone (the active part of prednisone) is about 3-4 hrs/dose, but if you are at the end of your course, it may take a few days to completely clear your system. Hope you get feeling better soon.

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