Unusal Behavior After Taking Prednisone?

Updated on December 14, 2010
K. asks from Saint Clair Shores, MI
8 answers

Has anyone experienced severe mood swings from their child being on Prednisone? My 4 year old daughter had the croup virus and her doctor put her on prednisone for one week... since then, she has had some of the WORST melt downs. I have also noticed that when she gets really tired, she clenches her fists- almost like a twitch. All of this started after she started taking the medicine- has anyone else noticed unusual behavior from their children after being on this medication?

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.

answers from Detroit on

sadly yes, my son would be rx'd the same thing for his croup......it does go away when the meds are stopped (but it takes time to wear off) How long is she on it for?
With my son I allowed his body to fight it during the day and only gave it to him at night to make him sleep better (with the blessing of my dr). and when I gave it to him at night it was after dinner (about 6/7pm)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.O.

answers from Detroit on

absolutely- steroids can induce "steroid psychosis" my mohter (age 75) was in the hospital with severe asthma. They started IV prednisolone.. and the next thing you know she was crying hysterically and seeing santa claus out the window... they called me to come to the hospital to try to calm her down.

They never gave her IV steroids again- but she was able to tolerate lower doses of oral steroids..

call her dr. and tell the dr. about her behavior... it is a side effect of the drug and the withdrawl of the drug... but I dont know how long it should last.

Your daughter is not trying to be naughty- it is the drug..

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.L.

answers from Detroit on

K., yes, this is normal. I have twins who have been on the pediatric form of prednisone (pediapred) more times than I can count because of their severe asthma and croup. The problem with the children's dosage is that they don't get the "step down" process that an adult taking the pill form generally receives. With an adult they lower the dosage over a few days, but with the kids we are given 3 tsp. 3 times per day for 3 days as a general dosage. The effects shouldn't last long, but if they are bothersome you may want to discuss them with your pediatrician the next time they want to prescribe that med. Possibly they can find an alternative. Best wishes, L. L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Detroit on

Hi K.,
Yes, prednisolne can effect their mood. My son has terrible mood swings and melt downs when he's on it. He does take Zoloft and Remeron for anxiety and depression so it makes the changes even more significant. I just watch him carefully to make sure he's safe, and know it will pass when the predisolne is out of his system. Unfortunately, the predisolne is often necessary to get over the croup, upper resp. stuff he frequently gets. Hang in there....it will pass.
M. M.

L.M.

answers from New York on

yessss!! i know im a couple years late answering! My son is 2 1/2 he has asthma allergies and is constantly on prednisone. The past two days has been the worst. Hes kicking screaming yelling biting scratching spitting at everyone n everything! His doctor recommended he discontinue the medicine. Try an alternative! Mom-Moncks corner, Sc

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.W.

answers from Detroit on

K.,

The behaviors are very common due to the Predisone. I have a 15 yr old and a daycare child who both when they were on it had terrible meltdowns. It is the steriod and it does effect their behaviors. So the sooner you can get her off it the better.

When my son was in the hospital at 2 yr old and they had him on steroids he was throwing things and pulling at people like he was possessed.

The Daycare child who is 3 just flips out when she is on it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.R.

answers from Saginaw on

I am very suprised she was on it only for one week. It usually takes a good week to get weaned off of it. I would whole-heartedly say this is a side effect of being taken off of it without being gradually reduced. My husband has severe allergies & asthma and has been on and off this medicine whenever it gets really bad and he is usually on it solid for 2 weeks then slowly reduced the amount for another week or two. I say call her doctor right away, not to get her another medication for mood swings since these will pass in time, but to let them know she is having side effects. This way they can take note if this med is ever used again they know to maybe choose a different one or wean it out of her a bit slower.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Lansing on

I am not sure about children, however my dad was taking it and he is very cranky when he takes higher doses. I hope she is feeling better.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches