Skip to main content

I had a cortisone shot yesterday & today I feel really sickly, is this normal?

39 Answers

Jenl342 22 Oct 2023

Hi, everyone. I am reading these posts about bad reactions from cortisone shots and had to reply to try and help. This also happened to me 3 weeks ago. The doc didn't even discuss it with me. He just came into room, said bad bone spurs, rolled down sleeve and shot me in shoulder. I would have refused if given a choice. Now the remedy... Atarax also called hydroxyzine. Plead with regular doc for help and he prescribed for muscle twitching, sweating, pounding heart, insomnia, anxiety, etc. 25 mg works wonders to eradicate symptoms. It is an antihistamine, anti anxiety med and works wonders on the terrible side effects from cortisone. God is with you and will see you through this. I am certain. Hope this helps.

Votes: +0
Cdhat211 29 March 2023

OMG I am also so happy to find this site. I too have had a headache all day as i had the shot this morning. I am having clammy feeling and have take Motrin to no avail. I have always been able to take mostly excedrin and my headaches always go away. Nothing is helping. At least I can see I am not alone.

Votes: +0
Jenl342 22 Oct 2023

You are not alone. Please ask doc for atarax also known as hydroxyzine. It is an antihistamine/anti anxiety med. Took away muscle twitches, insomnia and other crippling side effects of the cortisone shot. I hope this helps. God bless.

YLDAR 19 Nov 2023

I had a shot on Friday morning and am having all the same reactions you posted - plus I am having break through bleeding (despite being in menopause for over a year). How long did you have to take medicine you mentioned for? Once you went off it were you all better? Thank you!

Jenl342 19 Nov 2023

Hi. I am not sure how to answer someone individually on here... To Yldar, I am so sorry you, too, have these side effects. I took the medication for 2 weeks. The muscle twitching is gone, only a random one now and then. My other doc said side effects usually last 10-12 weeks once the cortisone disolves. Everyone is different so you may return sooner. The only remaining side effect right now is blood sugar. I get hungry fast and if I don't eat quickly, I feel terrible. I find having small snacks on hand helps. Eating peanut butter also helps. Really sorry, this does get better. My prayers are with you.

Ericav18 11 June 2022

I got a shot today on my knee everything was going great felt some pressure but I was as I was walking to check out desk I started breaking out in a sweat, immediately felt sick and wanted to throw up, and felt faint ! It was soooo weird and scary ! They have me water and had me sit down until it wore off

Votes: +0
Runner Chick 12 May 2022

I’ve had two cortisone shots in both hips over the past two years (torn labrum on both hips) prior to having my third shot yesterday into the hip flexor following surgery eight weeks ago because of tightness. About an hour after the shot I started getting increased burning in my bladder and the need to pee like having a UTI. I had a urine infection last week from oral steroids that the doctor prescribed but stupidly stop taking the antibiotics. I started taking the antibiotics again last night and also Uro-PM and for the bladder burning. has anybody else experienced this kind of discomfort with this Cortisone shot. I’m tired, felt crappy, headache and have terrible heartburn. But hey, the shot is working on my hip so thank goodness for small things right

Votes: +0
MrRoundel 15 Aug 2022

FWIW, I have had the worst heartburn I've ever had since I had a second round of cortisone injections in my lower back. I have GERD but it had been the most settled in a year for the past month. It seems that the cortisone set me back. The other notable side effect for me seems to be that my voice is mostly gone. That started after the first series two weeks before the second series and had just started clearing up before the second injections. It's now worse. Yes, my back is a bit better but the tradeoffs are looking sketchy right now.

BillMoon 11 May 2022

I, like others, are also glad I found this. I just got 8 shots in L5-L4 and L4 -L3, about 5 hours ago. About an hour ago, I started getting a few "rumblin's in the tummy" and thought, "well, I hadn't eaten anything all day so it may be that". Now, I thought this because I asked, before I left, "is there any symptoms I may get from these?" and was told that I may be a bit sore at the site and I might have a problem falling asleep tonight ("it could happen" was the inference). Shortly after the "rumblin's" I felt like I was prepping for another colonoscopy, and barely made it to the bathroom before the flood gates opened. After finishing and drinking about a whole bottle of Imodium (not really but it was a really good slug) I called over to the office, thinking I would get the VM and have to leave a message, but it turns out the nurse was still there.

Expand...

I told her what was happening, and I asked what side effects I "might" encounter and told her the answer I was given. She told me, "Oh, yeah, it can happen, but only to very few people, so we don't think it's important." She just said to do what I had done and it should go away by tomorrow (maybe that is why I "might not fall asleep" lol).

So, yes, it can happen, and what I am seeing here, a lot more than "a few people". The guy was really good with the shots, so I have to think if I want to go back for, what I am sure is going to be, the next round of shots.

Votes: +0
katiep123xx 14 Sep 2021

It’s such a relief to find this post! In the last three months I’ve had a steroid injection directly in my knee, oral steroids and a overall steroid injection.
I’ve had on and off fevers/ body aches, totally exhausted, awful waves of severe headaches and nausea, and a lack of appetite! I just feel rubbish most of the time
I’m literally having to force myself to eat. I wish I’d never taken any of them. Does anyone know how long it all takes to leave your system?
Like a lot of people have said, these awful side affects aren’t show anywhere online

Votes: +0
LongRoadLlamaRanch 28 Aug 2021

I received a cortisone shot in my knee late this morning. By 10 PM I had a headache, upset stomach, and feeling very tired. The good news is, I walked in with a cane and walked out not needing it. Hard to believe I experienced relief that quickly!

Votes: +0
Briyanna12 7 Aug 2021

Well I have gotten a cortisone shot maybe a week ago. In my median nerve to help with inflammation and swelling in my left arm due to carpal tunnel, and cubital tunnel syndrome in my ulnar nerve. I feel HORRIBLE!!! I mean feeling weak, fatigued, nausea, increased appetite, and just a general feeling of being unwell or (malaise). I’ve tried icing my wrist that has helped tremendously I’ve tried OTC medicine such as Advil that has helped a little. Thought about going to the ER but I’m just going to wait it out a little longer. I’m guessing it’s just the side effects from the shot!

Votes: +0
Jo1952 23 May 2021

I did . It’s been over a month since I had terrible Anxiety, headache, neck spasms, coldness, nausea, feeling nervous and couldn’t sleep! I am now taking a anxiety medication called Lorazepam to help the stress ! I will never get this type of injections again!

Votes: +0
Damzel30 23 April 2021

Hi guys! I just had an epidural injection on Monday and I'm in more pain then I was when I went in. Sitting is so uncomfortable. Headaches are awful. I had them before in my SI joints but this is my first spine injection. Last SI injection I definitely didn't feel great but this nausea is terrible. Keep seeing those little floaties and have no appetite at all. The thought of food makes me want to puke. I feel like it's getting worse with each day that passes. I really hope all you guys got better. I definitely will not get this again.

Votes: +1
Steve12 23 April 2021

Sorry to hear about the bad side effects. Your experiencing . I’m only about 3 1/2 weeks in and definitely had bad headaches and nausea and my stomach was so upset it felt metallic. Still do at times . I also see those floaters when I move my eyes ( which I have had prior to shot but maybe it made them more noticeable again) This has been an awful experience and reaction to the steroid shot . I am so thankful for this forum and others who can relate and reach out and tell us to hang in there it gets better and we all will get thru this in time . It has helped me and given me hope . Today I feel like a zombie and it’s been gradually harder to concentrate . I pray you feel better and all of us struggling keep getting better until it’s all behind us - and I believe it will be! Take good care and hang in there,

Jo1952 22 May 2021

I had a steroid injections in April in my cervical spine and still having side effects of upset stomach, can’t sleep well, nervousness and anxiety! My body feels very strange from the injections! Does anyone know how long this stays in your body?

Steve12 23 May 2021

Hi Jo1962
I believe it varies for everyone in how long it stays in your system .its been 8 weeks since my injection but it started to wear off around week5. Things gradually get better . I still have anxiety , trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, weird body sensations , weak legs , muscle twitches . But all gradually getting weaker as I believe the steroid /cortisol is leaving my system . I have good days and not so good days (usually elevated anxiety ). Just know that it gets better . Hang in there . Eat healthy , drink water and relax and know this too shall pass . You are not alone and will get better!

tinadee719 16 April 2021

I’m so glad I came across this! Like 30 mins after my shot I was so sick, throwing up and in pain. I thought it was crazy. It seems like lots of people have reactions that no one tells you about. It’s day 3 and I’m in more pain than before my shot. I was sick all day 1. Couldn’t even ride in the car. Day 2 was quite painful. And day 3, my shoulder is swollen and all muscles in my neck and shoulder blade are really tight and painful. I hope that it goes away soon. I can’t use my left arm.

Votes: +1
Jo1952 22 May 2021

Me too I had a injection of a inflammation steroid called Kenalog 40.
It has been a month and I am still not feeling better I have side effects my neck gets spasms, nausea, nervousness, headache feel anxiety ! Just wanted to know when this will stop and I can feel better ! Anyone know?

RNorthern 14 April 2021

I had two epidural steroid shots in my back on Monday. I have felt weak, nauseated, I get light headed if I walk or stand up too long and feel like I'm going to pass out. I still have pain in my lower back but not sure if it's from bruising (which I do have bruises at the shot sites). I had to come back to work today and it hurts to sit and I still feel sick and light headed just sitting down. I'm super tired and feel the need to lie down but can't. I just want this to be over so I can feel better.

Votes: +0
Steve12 14 April 2021

Hi Rnorthern . I , like many on here , can relate . I’m on day 16 after spine epidural as well and still feel weak and have these random twitches ? Do your best to hang in there and know it gets better . The pain from the injection should go away after a few days from my experience . The other side effects like nausea tiredness, stomach upset etc.. tend to linger a little longer but all should resolve in time . Take care and best wishes .

Steve12 2 April 2021

I am glad I found this thread and hoping someone is still on here to help! I had a lumbar spine epidural cortisone shot 4 days ago . It was my 3 rd shot in 5 weeks. The first 2 shots Went relatively ok. This time I have most if not all the side effects as mentioned in this thread - sick stomach , nausea , overall weakness especially in legs and worst is random muscle twitches - has anyone else here had the muscle twitching ? I emailed the doctor and he said to give it a few weeks . Bit like everyone else on here I’m worried about these side effects and if/when they go away ! I’m hoping and mostly praying it gets better and all will resolve . But how long does it take ? Hoping someone is still on here who may help or can relate - maybe some guidance as to when side effects dog away . Thanks

Votes: +0
tsdumont 2 April 2021

Steve, I had 1 cortisone shot 2 years ago for si joint pain. I will never do it again. The side affects were horrible. Nausea, headache, sweats overall sick feeling and very tired. I went to the Pharmacist and the doctor told me that my side affects were very uncommon. After finding this site side affects are very common. I don’t understand why doctors play it off. I think that you have to weigh for yourself what you are willing to do to resolve whatever is happening with your body. I know I will never do another injunction again. I have decided to do exercise workouts to relieve discomfort. I understand that some may not be able to go this route. My sickness after just 1 injection lasted too long for me to ever do this again. I wish you well.

Steve12 2 April 2021

Thank you tsdumont for your comment and help. I agree - I will not have another injection. The side effects are awful ! I talked to the doctor today and he said he gave me a stronger steroid to attack the pain - and to give it a couple of weeks and will side effects should subside. I was thinking that’s easy for you to say! I think my body had an adverse reaction to this steroid . But I appreciate your reply and guidance and you made it through! I wish you well too! I can relate to your side effects and for me I think it’s strange to have constant muscle twitches ? He said this should subside. I’m just hoping and praying to get through this and all will resolve ! Many thanks !

triley215 12 Jan 2021

I had lumbar steroid injection dec 2. I was ok for about three weeks than I started to have weird skin sensation, dizziness, fatigue, hot cold flashes, high anxiety, ups and down, crying, pins and needles in hands and feet, and really bad nausea, depression. Doc said the shot would cause this. I feel like I’ve been poisoned.

Votes: +0
KarenAGR 24 Oct 2020

I am glad I found this site. I had a cortisone shot this past Wednesday 10/21. It was in my right hip. She used an X-ray machine to target the area. Her partner had done one just as an office visit back in June. I did not have any problems with that one. The procedure on Wednesday went fine. The injection site was just a little sore. However, on Thursday my BP started to rise. Yesterday, it got really high. I am on BP meds, but my BP is controlled. In fact, before I left the procedure it was well below normal. I called my internist yesterday to see if I should do anything what my BP meds, but she just said that in a few days it should start leveling off. I have just been taking it easy and monitoring it. The shot helped the pain, but I am not sure I will have another one. In reading through this thread, I see that the rise of BP and other nasty side effects are possible. I guess that since I didn't have problems the first time I didn't really think I would this time.

Votes: +0
Drugs.com free discount card

Related topics

cortisone

Further information

Similar questions

Search for questions

Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.