Prednisolone eye drops - any experience?

[TooSoonToRegret]

I'm currently using prednisolone eye drops to treat an eye inflammation - since starting them, I've become what I can only describe as terribly moody and anxious. I don't want to talk to anyone, see anyone, do anything and I'm in a constant state of feeling like there's a weight on my chest and like I don't know how I'll get through the day. A friend has recommended rescue remedy sweets which I've been taking and seem to help slightly, but the overwhelming feelings I'm having are new to me and can't be normal

Does anyone have any experience of these drops?

I'm a regular user as part of my chemo - I used it to treat the side effects . I had to take every two hours for 10 days a time. I can't say I noticed massive mood swings with the eye drops.

I did also have to take 100mg in pill form which definitely affected mood and weight gain.

I don't recall the leaflet saying the eye drops affect mood so much - more irritation like allergies.

What doseage are you on OP and when are you back to have your eye pressure checked?

I'm a regular user for an inflammatory condition, at a high dose too, and the only side effect I've had is slightly blurred vision

I'm back tomorrow luckily as I can't go on like this.

I've read up (after this post) on a few people saying they've had similar side affects so I'm hoping I won't be fobbed off. The only thing that has gotten me through today, is knowing I'm back tomorrow to be reviewed.

One thing you can do is to occude your punctum when inserting the drops which will limit their systemic absorption. This is a good explanation from an American site.

Punctal Occlusion
A second way to ensure penetration of the eye drop into your eye is to perform “punctal occlusion.” This involves pressing your finger (your index finger is recommended) near the inside corner of your eye for 2 minutes after instilling the eye drop. Your eyeball’s drainage system for your tears is in this area, and by pressing it closed you prevent the medication from draining away from your eyeball and into your nose. An added bonus is that this maneuver prevents the medication from making its way into the nose, throat, and the rest of the body, so that any eye drops that could have side effects on your body as a whole are minimized.

My dosage is one drop in my eye every hour.

@underneaththeash thank you, I'll definitley try that. I'm getting an awful taste in my throat after using so that would also stop that by the sounds of it.

I'm hoping beyond hope they change them tomorrow. My eye feels funny, like numb and although I'm starving, the idea of eating makes me feel sick. That along with everything else is just making me feel like shit.

Are you using them for iritis or uveitis by any chance?

Steroids can mess with your mood, appetite and sleep in high enough doses, whatever the route of delivery.
I hope you find a solution.

So - Pred forte 1%?

I've just thought, do you have a condition called uvietis/iritis? They also usually prescribe drops called cycloplegics which can make you feel a bit odd. They're the ones that make your pupil bigger.

I would do the punctal occlusion as recommended above until your appointment tomorrow.

You can report any drug reaction you've had via this scheme
yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ as a member of the public.

Taken them many times for iritis/uveitis and never noticed any issues, I have to say.

I'm taking them following having laser eye surgery, one eye is struggling to heal because of white blood cells on the surface so I was prescribed this to hopefully clear it up.

I'm only meant to take them during 'waking hours' so I've just stopped at half 7 as I've done 12 hours worth so figured it won't do any harm to wait until morning now.

Ah are you the woman with DLK/epithelial ingrowth?

I hope everything goes okay in the morning. Please don't be worried about a flap lift, they often go very smoothly.

I am. I've gone from just lurking to being glued to any source of advice!

I used them after a cataract/lens input op. The only thing that happened to me was an increase in pressure behind the eye. It went back to normal once I stopped.

My OH used them after laser eye surgery and he suffered terribly with insomnia and anxiety! Apparently some are more prone to it than others. Luckily he could stop usage after 10 days but he was very stressed during that time. I hope you won't have to take them too much longer. I don't have any advice, just wanted to let you know that it's not uncommon.

@lazyakita that's exactly how I've felt since I started taking them. Luckily after a consultation today, my dosage has been halved and will hopefully be stopping next week!

Glad to hear that. Sometimes knowing what the cause is and that the end is in sight can ease the anxiety a bit. Hope you feel better soon.

I'm back again with another question

I've been weaned off the pred forte, using my last drop this morning. I felt so much better yesterday but today feel absolutley shit again. Those who had the nasty side effects, how long did it take for you to feel better again?