Methylprednisolone and Anxiety: What Users Say

• No...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2017

For Inflammatory Conditions "WARNING! I was prescribed a Medrol Dosepak a year ago for sinusitis. Everything was fine until about the 5th day. I slipped into a very deep depression for the first time in my life. I became suicidal and felt like crying 24 hours a day for 2 weeks. I endured the crisis and eventually the depression resolved. Through support and prayer, I overcame, but it was touch and go for a while. I developed an anxiety disorder after that event that still persists. Be very mindful of the psychiatric issues that steroids may cause. From my research, it is very common to become hypomanic and less common to become clinically depressed. It will resolve over time. Just hang in there if it happens to you."

• CSA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2018

Methylprednisolone for Inflammatory Conditions "DO NOT take this medicine if you are prone to depression and/or anxiety! I was given the six-day 10mg dose pack for costochondritis. Everything was fine while taking it, but a few days after it ended, I began feeling like I had the flu. Then the most awful depression set in with the worst anxiety I've ever had. Insomnia too. Five weeks after finishing, it's still with me. Having to take Xanax and Zoloft now just to survive. I pray that it will go away soon and wish I had never taken this horrible drug. I'm sure it has a place, but not for those with depression or anxiety."

• Roc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "Over the last 15 years, I have thrown my back out 3 times. Twice doing work in the yard, doing something ill-advised (reaching and lifting heavy items), leaving me stranded, lying down in the yard until someone in my family noticed me lying in the middle of the yard. The first time, after 2 days where I was in intense pain and could not move, my doctor prescribed a Medrol dose pack because I could not stay home from work any longer. It worked quickly, and by the next day I could move around again (relatively pain-free). The second and third time, it took 2-3 days for it to start feeling better, but it worked. I did not experience panic attacks or anxiety as others have on this site, but each person's reaction to the drug will clearly be different."

• AJB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "Took this medication for about four days after being diagnosed with strep throat. Stopped on day 4 due to anxiety and panic setting in. Thought the side effects would be gone by now - I’ve been off of this medication 10 days. I’ve even been taking anti-anxiety meds and still can’t sleep at night. If anyone has any advice on how to counteract this safely, then please let me know!"

• kob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "I had a very bad experience with this drug methylprednisolone. I have a knee problem, patellofemoral pain syndrome, the amount of side effects that I had from using it is beyond imagination: headache, nausea, depression, confusion, restlessness, anxiety, eye pain, urinating a lot (like every 15 minutes) that I actually started to feel pain during urination, irregular heart rhythm (very fast), and more... I took six pills the first day, once in the morning, and on the day after, I quit. That was enough for me, I could not bear it anymore. It felt like poison to me and it didn’t even solve my knee problem. To my surprise, some of the side effects lasted for almost a year after I stopped taking it. But thank goodness I think it’s over by now. It was awful and I wish I knew better before I took it. I think that if it's not a life-threatening condition, there is no way that I'm using it in the future!!! And I wish they would find some substitute for this ASAP."

• You...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2018

Methylprednisolone for Allergic Rhinitis "I took this for one day only and experienced far worse symptoms. My heart was racing the entire night; I felt like I was having a heart attack. I had severe anxiety; I was sweaty, yet had the chills. I slept maybe 1 hour the entire night and tossed and turned hundreds of times. I felt sick to my stomach with overbearing nausea. I experienced abdominal pain the next day. I am discontinuing taking this. I would not recommend it to anyone."

• blu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 3, 2019

Methylprednisolone for Inflammatory Conditions "I have pudendal nerve pain, and methylprednisolone works amazingly for it. Best thing out there. A little jittery at first, but manageable. I am very sensitive to so many meds and can barely take anything. This works so well. A godsend. I was at my wits' end when Doc let me have this. I was able to work without pain and feel like myself. Unlike other meds that barely work and make you feel like you are on another planet."

• Mic...
• March 30, 2012

Methylprednisolone for Inflammatory Conditions "The product is an effective bullet as I tend to get pneumonia bi-annually due to a compromised immune system (Lupus). I have been diagnosed with Osteo-necrosis caused by the steroid usage. In addition, it tends to make me extremely jittery and anxious, extraordinarily dizzy, unable to focus, nauseous, and to have blurred vision. (These might be an allergic reaction to the product, but am unsure). It has saved me many a trip for an extensive stay in the hospital and feel comfortable stating that while I have multiple side effects, the benefit most certainly outweighs them."

• Mic...
• March 30, 2012

Methylprednisolone for Inflammatory Conditions "The product is an effective bullet as I tend to get pneumonia bi-annually due to a compromised immune system (Lupus). I have been diagnosed with Osteo-necrosis caused by the steroid usage. In addition, it tends to make me extremely jittery and anxious, extraordinarily dizzy, unable to focus, nauseous, and to have blurred vision. (These might be an allergic reaction to the product, but am unsure). It has saved me many a trip for an extensive stay in the hospital and feel comfortable stating that while I have multiple side effects, the benefit most certainly outweighs them."

• Nat...
• April 8, 2020

For Allergic Rhinitis "Dr. prescribed methylprednisolone for my sinus ear congestion. Ears in pain, popping eustachian tube, and off-and-on sudden blocked sinus that seals shut and or reopens instantly. Clogged = severe ear pressure, which creates my anxiety issues to go through the roof with panic. 1st day of prednisone, I was expecting a nightmare after reading all the bad reviews. By my 4th pill on the first day, I began feeling ear relief. By day 2 midday, I had ZERO pain or pressure in my ear. I'm also type 2 diabetic. It did raise my sugars pretty significantly, so I got around that by eating absolutely zero carbs. No carbs whatsoever, and it'll help keep the sugar spiking at bay for the most part. Day 3 felt great. No major anxiety issues except for some mild anxiety. No sleep issues. Doing great. Day 4 still okay. Day 5, I feel ear pressure returning. Sinus swelling beginning again. Day 6, last pill, and by the end of the day, my ear pressure was back. Calling doctor tomorrow to see what I can do. I had no major issues."

• Nat...
• April 8, 2020

For Allergic Rhinitis "Dr. prescribed methylprednisolone for my sinus ear congestion. Ears in pain, popping eustachian tube, and off-and-on sudden blocked sinus that seals shut and or reopens instantly. Clogged = severe ear pressure, which creates my anxiety issues to go through the roof with panic. 1st day of prednisone, I was expecting a nightmare after reading all the bad reviews. By my 4th pill on the first day, I began feeling ear relief. By day 2 midday, I had ZERO pain or pressure in my ear. I'm also type 2 diabetic. It did raise my sugars pretty significantly, so I got around that by eating absolutely zero carbs. No carbs whatsoever, and it'll help keep the sugar spiking at bay for the most part. Day 3 felt great. No major anxiety issues except for some mild anxiety. No sleep issues. Doing great. Day 4 still okay. Day 5, I feel ear pressure returning. Sinus swelling beginning again. Day 6, last pill, and by the end of the day, my ear pressure was back. Calling doctor tomorrow to see what I can do. I had no major issues."

• JJT...
• October 21, 2015

For Inflammatory Conditions "I took this after extensive dental work I had on a tooth. The tooth seemed fine, and it was determined that either my jaw muscles (due to being open so long for the work) or the swelling of my gums were causing my extreme pain (for 5+ days). Advil was helping, but once it wore off, the pain would return, and I was getting an upset stomach from so much Advil. I was put on a 6-day Medrol pack to see if it would reduce the swelling. After taking the first pill, the pain was gone. After I finished the pills, the severe pain has not come back. The side effects were pretty mild - just a bit of jumpiness and jitteriness - WAY more tolerable than the pain I had been in. I wanted to write a positive review because this medicine really helped me."

• Amp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2023

Methylprednisolone for Inflammatory Conditions "This medication causes me to be jittery, I can't sleep, have mood changes, have not been able to lose weight, be angry, fast heart rate, have blurry vision, can't think straight, and have high blood sugar. I have zero health conditions, only an injured knee. This stuff is poison."

• Jes...
• April 24, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "I figured I'd share my somewhat neutral experience with this drug after reading mostly negative reviews. The reviews about the side effects alone made me cringe and not even want to give it a chance. Rarely will you find a positive review when the drug actually works. It's always when it doesn't work that you end up reading the horror stories. I understand everyone is different, so this is just my experience. I was originally given this medication for heel bursitis and plantar fasciitis. Although at the same time, I had a terrible reaction to poison ivy and sumac. I was told it would treat both. I followed the regimen exactly. I didn't notice any side effects at all. Nothing. I was waiting for the panic attacks and anxiety I read about from other reviews. No insomnia either. Nothing happened. Saying that, the medication didn't work for me either. My ivy and sumac stayed the same. Same with my foot. I was kind of disappointed. I gave it a shot, though."

• Rel...
• January 1, 2017

For Inflammatory Conditions "I have been to the ER three times in 90 days with horrible sinus pain and pressure. Just finished my third round of Augmentin. My ears are still full of fluid, and I can hardly hear at all. This steroid has been working so fast! I feel better already, and it's only been 12 hours on the medicine (4 mg) pills. It does make me feel jittery, but it's definitely worth the side effects. Being sick for 90 days is a long time."

• Blu...
• August 14, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "After reading many other reviews on here, I would ascertain that if you have any tendency of depression, anxiety, mood disorder, this medication should be avoided. I’m on my second day, and I’ve been seriously blue, depressed, and unable to sleep at night. I’m frustrated because I do think it’s doing wonders for my joints and double plantar fasciitis, which were so painful a couple of days ago I walked difficultly. That alone made my life depressing... but now, this feels very different. Not sure what to do at this point, but will definitely weigh the pros and cons and grab a couple of Xanax before bed for sure. UGH."

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2021

For Inflammatory Conditions "I have multiple herniated discs, and I was given the 6-day pack. I followed the instructions, but I've had no improvements. All it did was cause nausea at night, heartburn, insomnia, and had my anxiety through the roof if I tried to fall back to sleep."

• Mik...
• December 22, 2016

For Inflammatory Conditions "I strained my back and was in pain every time I moved the wrong way or changed positions after working too hard on an outdoor project. My PCP prescribed a methylprednisolone steroid pack. The medication started working the first day and has loosened my back muscles and reduced the pain considerably. I have 1 day left of the medication and feel pretty good. I have a history of depression and did feel a little jittery and have trouble getting to sleep, but nothing too bad that I would stop taking the medicine. Also having gas and the medicine is making me hungry. For me, benefits definitely outweigh the side effects."

• sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 13, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "I had bronchitis or respiratory infection, and I was given the 6-day pack, 4 mg of methylprednisolone, and it did make me jittery and have energy for the first day. I do have anxiety, but this set me off in panic attacks! I went to the ER twice, once on the last day of the meds and again 2 weeks later, and they say it should be out of my system as I only took it for 6 days, but I’ve been off the meds for 3 weeks now and still have insomnia, where I can’t sleep and wake up every two hours or so when I do. I’ve never taken this medicine before, and after reading about it, I see if you have anxiety it’s something you really shouldn’t take, but the insomnia is insane!"

• Ary...
• September 28, 2013

Methylprednisolone for Inflammatory Conditions "My hair is falling out. It's so hard to lose weight. I feel mentally a little off, like constant irritation. I also feel a little lethargic. When I first got the shots, I felt jittery for days. I'm having blurry vision."

• Shl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "1st day of pack okay. 2nd day anxiety started, but pain-free. 3rd day called doctor saying, 'scared.' Told to discontinue. Some withdrawal since couldn't taper, but psychological effects not worth the risk. For inflammation, would just use ibuprofen."

• Naz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2019

For Inflammatory Conditions "The first day I took this, I was feeling dizzy, couldn’t go to sleep, and I told my doctor, and she told me to stop taking it. After a day later, I was feeling like my heart was beating abnormal and feeling so much anxiety and discomfort in my left leg. Don’t take it, I’m crying."

• Can...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 18, 2020

Methylprednisolone for Asthma "If you have any breathing issues, this could save your life, I promise! Miracle drug and not a narcotic, so I don't know why they don't prescribe it when it's desperately needed. I will say be cautious of side effects: short term-jittery, long term-bloating-but for a life without oxygen, it's worth it. LITERALLY SAVED MY LIFE, GIVE IT A COUPLE DAYS."

• Anonymous
• July 8, 2012

Methylprednisolone "I was prescribed this to go along with an antibiotic for a bad case of bronchitis and the beginning of a sinus infection. It made it much easier to breathe and made my flu-like body aches go away within a day of taking it! I felt so much better! As for side effects, I suffer from panic disorder, and taking this medication did make the physical symptoms of that intermittently worse. I experienced shortness of breath, a few heart palpitations, and felt jittery after taking each pill. As long as I took a small amount of my anxiety medication, I was fine. One very unexpected side effect was a striking increase in my libido. I normally have a very low sex drive. I felt like I was a teenager while on this. I wish I could take this every day."

• DrM...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 24, 2024

"This review is written by a pharmacist. Steroids are great, especially low-dose steroids like Medrol Dose Pack, that can be taken short-term, avoiding long-term side effects such as osteoporosis, glaucoma, and moon face. Yes, it elevates your heart rate, blood pressure, and makes you anxious. These are short-term side effects that usually go away when you finish the medication. But you ask what good is this medication? If you have an allergic skin rash, it helps. If you have musculoskeletal pain, it helps. If you have COPD (lung disease), it's given when you have flare-ups if you cannot handle the typical prednisone 40 mg for 5 days. It’s really a powerhouse medication with subtle side effects. As opposed to taking large doses of ibuprofen (800 mg or more, which is anti-inflammatory), but has many GI side effects that most patients cannot tolerate. So, yes, Medrol Dose Pack is great for those who have never taken steroids and need a little help to alleviate most inflammatory issues in the body."