Steroid Inhaler and anxiety

[WhoWants2Know]

Has anyone else struggled with mood swings/anxiety/panic while using a steroid preventer inhaler?

I've spent the last year on and off the inhaler because after a few weeks I'm so miserable that I can't cope anymore.

Without it, I feel calm and content, and it takes a lot to make me upset, but at the same time, I'm exhausted and dependent on the blue inhaler several times a day to do regular stuff like hang out laundry or do the school run. Washing up is like a big event that takes up all my energy.

With the steroid inhaler, I don't have to use the blue inhaler unless I'm doing proper exercise. I get things done! I can hoover and cut the grass on the same day without collapsing in a heap. But it's like PMT in a can. I don't sleep and I'm always ready to panic, cry or shout.

Has anyone else experienced this, and does it eventually go away?

I've used it daily for over thirty years and never noticed any anxiety as a side effect. Is it listed as a side effect on the insert in the box? I've not read it for a long time.
It would be worth bringing it up with the nurse at your next review as it sounds like you need to be taking a preventer to keep it under control.

I use Seretide preventer and have done for years and have never noticed those effects. You need a preventer to stop you having so many attacks, if you’re using your blue inhaler it’s a sign you need a different preventer. I would definitely speak to the asthma nurse.

I find the blue inhaler makes me anxious- but I think that’s a common side effect. The steroids in the preventers are not the anabolic type if that’s what’s concerning you.

Anxiety is not listed in the leaflet at all (Qvar is the one I take) and nothing I've read indicates that it should be an issue either. And it doesn't make sense that it would, since it's designed to act locally on lung tissue.

But every time I try with it, I'm great for a couple of weeks and then it starts to kick in and my moods swing. It makes no sense, but I really struggle to carry on using it.

Steroids given orally/IV can certainly cause mood disturbance/psychiatric symptoms - not sure if the systemic absorption from inhaled steroid would be high enough to cause symptoms. Sounds like you need them for your breathing though so I wouldn’t be tempted to stop them without proper medical advice/supervision. Probably worth discussing with your GP/resp consultant if you haven’t already.

I saw that stuff in the press the other week too. I also take qvar and I think I have a bit of sad behaviour (I hate the word anxiety, I don't like the label) but sometimes I can be so down in the dumps and sensitive, not just at time of the month. O have been taking presenters and ventolin for 33 years, perhaps it explains my personality now!!

I just wish I knew whether it was likely to fade as I keep taking it- then I'd be happier to persevere. But if it doesn't fade then I guess I can ask to try a different preventer.