66yo male taking Prednisone for dx of "acute RA". Was initially thought to have a viral infection that caused a "relative arthritis". Dr now feels its a type of RA that "temporaily" affects men over age 55
Can hand tremors be related to/side effect of Prednisone use?
Question posted by corner113 on 1 Sep 2012
Last updated on 30 June 2017
5 Answers
Inactive
1 Sep 2012
Hello corner113. Yes, possibilty very well exists and welcome to the site. Regards pledge
kellyandtodd
1 Sep 2012
Yes it can cause your hands to tremble and if it does you need to call your doc at once because it can be a serious side effect, if it's not that bad you still call your doc, but prednisone can cause nervousness! And that could be a result, but to be safe you call your doc and let him know, Hope this was helpful, Kelly
Southern girl
1 Sep 2012
Kelly is right , call your doctor ASAP, I'm a RN and that could be serious.
srandjlsims
1 Sep 2012
I have what I guess is called, Atypical reactions to prednisone... I get so sleepy, especially when I am re-starting with the whole 3,2,1 thing. Yes, I do get a bit nervous, but then I am also on Plaquenil. I try to only focus on the BIG possible side effects or I will stress myself bald!!!
kellyandtodd
1 Sep 2012
Please don't stress, that's not good for you! If your curious about anything that's happening with your meds call your doc or at least your pharmacist, i promise they will be glad to help and they both know all the meds your on and your health issues, so you don't have to do all that unnecessary worrying,
srandjlsims
1 Sep 2012
Thank you.
beebsyn
13 Sep 2012
nice comment
kellyandtodd
14 Sep 2012
No problem, I hope you feel better!
kaismama
1 Sep 2012
I have never heard of a temporary ra. Sounds weird to me.
endlessPred
1 Sep 2012
It can be a side effect of long term use and higher doses. However, we all respond differently. It is temporary if not at high dose or long term use.
Which type of tremor do you have? If your arm is at rest do your hands shake? Or do they shake when you grip something? Is your body shaking?
Depending upon other meds you take, they may also be the cause. For example I take tacrolimus. That with the pred definitely makes my hands shake.
endlessPred
1 Sep 2012
Perhaps this will help. This is from the side effects info here at drugs.com.
"Prednisone
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Prednisone:
Difficulty sleeping; feeling of a whirling motion; increased appetite; increased sweating; indigestion; mood changes; nervousness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Prednisone:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); appetite loss; black, tarry stools; changes in menstrual periods; convulsions; depression; diarrhea; dizziness; exaggerated sense of well-being; fever; general body discomfort; headache; increased pressure in the eye; joint or muscle pain; mood swings; muscle weakness; personality changes; prolonged sore throat, cold, or fever; puffing of the face; severe nausea or vomiting; swelling of feet or legs; unusual weight gain; vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds; weakness; weight loss.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA."
It is up to your doctor to decide if side effects out weigh the benefits of this medication. your doctor has the full picture of your disease as well as any other medications you may be taking.
Please be sure to remain on the medication. This is not a drug to stop and it takes careful weaning to prevent other problems which can be severe.
Inactive
2 Sep 2012
Great answer Karen. You should have been a physician. Appreciate reading the comment as well. No need to reply, have a great holiday.
joyl0925
30 June 2017
I am weaning myself from prednisone after 30 years at 5mg a day because my previous Dr never told me to get off of it. I AM down to 3mg but having shaking hands. is this a withdrawal symptom?
srandjlsims
1 Sep 2012
I would like to know about the prednisone question too! I get shaky sometimes and it isn't due to empty stomach.
kellyandtodd
1 Sep 2012
You should try to take prednisone with food, it helps with some of the less serious side effects!
Related topics
rheumatoid arthritis, infections, prednisone, side effect, tremor, male
Further information
- Prednisone uses and safety info
- Prednisone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Prednisone (detailed)
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