Steroid side effects

[Geekster1963]

I was started on prednisolone on Thursday. Not a high dose, but ever since I started taking them I get indigestion after I've eaten anything and I've been waking up at 3am and feeling wide awake. It takes me ages to get back to sleep so I'm tired in the morning. Is this usual with steroids?

What dose are you taking ?

They should have advised you to take the tablets first thing when you wake up so it doesn't interfere with your sleep pattern

I'm on 25mg for a week, then reduce it by one tablet a week. I have been taking them first thing after my breakfast.

I'm on these at the nine time and have been given omeprazole which is meant to help with the stomach issues the steroids can cause.

Nine time should say "moment". Sorry!

Thanks I will see if I can get something from the pharmacy on Tuesday.

Both normal with steroids unfortunately.

I have Addison’s disease so take daily life long steroids (I take hydrocortisone but many people take pred) and it’s something nearly all of us struggle with in the Addison’s online forums! Hopefully being on a short term dose like yourself things will go back to normal quickly.

You can take Nexium to help with the indigestion. I take 40mg Esomeprazole (Nexium) on prescription from the gp for my acid issues.

Both are normal - steroids should be taken first thing in the morning and usually get prescribed with a stomach protector such as omeprazole to avoid indigestion.

Given you will be on them a while, it would be worth asking for a prescription.

I've been back to see the nurse this morning as I've got an infection now too, so I asked her about the indigestion and she's prescribed me some Lansaprozole so hopefully help with it.

I required 2 meals for my stomach to digest steroids properly. So would take them after lunch. That immediately reduced the indigestion while having zero impact on sleep.

Steroids do make you hungrier. So the indigestion can be related to your eating more rather than the drugs themselves. Best to stick to small portions which a good amount of protein.

Thanks Teddy I will try that. I've found if anything they have reduced my appetite so far as I've got a horrible taste in my mouth as well as indigestion so it's putting me off eating. Though I'm making sure I do eat.