Kenalog-40 and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Los...
• May 17, 2018

For Bursitis "Since getting Kenalog-40 injection for hip bursitis a little under 2 months ago, I've had worsening symptoms and they are awful. First, I developed terrible acid reflux that left a constant burning in my throat. Then I developed gastritis. I had no appetite and couldn't eat, also diarrhea for weeks and lost 15 pounds in 3 weeks. Anxiety started shortly after the throat burning and hot and cold sweats, racing heart, lightheaded. It's all gotten worse as the weeks have gone by. I have horrible insomnia, racing heart, sometimes palpitations, my vision is blurred. I have terrible anxiety and now some depression. I can't even drive now, I feel so out of it most of the time. And it is affecting me cognitively, I have trouble focusing and making decisions. Oh, and my hair is falling out in clumps. I've had every test possible by my doctor, and everything is normal. Kenalog-40 injection has ruined my life. And I have no idea how long it will last. I'm terrified."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "This is the first and last time using this injection. I'm 8 weeks in and still having panic attacks, insomnia, increased hunger, and anxiety. How long does this last? Please avoid at all costs, you will regret it."

• Sca...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "Do not get this injection! I got mine about 6 1/2 weeks ago. The first week was okay, no side effects, but no pain relief either. Side effects for me started at week 2 and are still going. Burning mouth/throat, worse anxiety than I already had, extreme nausea, no appetite. I’ve lost 8 lbs, and I cannot afford to lose weight. I’m terrified how long this will go on."

• WOR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 2, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I should have read the reviews before getting an injection of Kenalog in my knee. Almost immediately, I started feeling dizzy, and as the day and night went on, my heart started racing. I haven’t slept for one minute. I have extreme anxiety, and my blood pressure shot up to 159/95 with a pulse of 95, and that is even on my blood pressure medicine. I had the worst heartburn and just feel dread. I am hoping these side effects subside over the next few days, but the reviews say not. Also, it has made my asthma a lot worse over the last 24 hours. This is the second injection I have gotten, and I said I would never do it again, but this time I mean it. It never did help my pain, what a waste."

• Mes...
• August 30, 2021

For Allergic Rhinitis "I wish I had never let the NP give me this injection! It messed with my hormones and gave me terrible anxiety, and I felt like I had a bad UTI! I went in to see my doctor because I was tired of suffering from sinus pain and hay fever. It was discovered that I didn’t have a sinus infection, so I was recommended to get the Kenalog 40 mg. I started to feel better from the sinus and hay fever, but boy, I am paying the price for that temporary relief! About a week after the injection, I have had postmenopausal vaginal bleeding, cystitis, and gastritis. I was sent over to get a pelvic ultrasound. Those results determined that my cervix was a little thick, and now I’m going to see my gynecologist. I should have been warned of the side effects of this. It was a bad call for them to recommend this to me, being that I already have high blood pressure and osteopenia. I know that some side effects are rare, but you still should have a choice to be told before you take the shot."

• Fox...
• August 29, 2019

"Have terrible problems with boils and cysts on my armpits (Hidradenitis Suppurativa). Went to a dermatologist who gave me an injection under my left arm. It's been 3 days, and I have been having trouble with heart palpitations, strong beats, and also sometimes feels like a slow heart rate. It's making me feel like something is wrong with my heart! It's actually quite scary. I'm also having issues with nausea and increased anxiety. How long does this stuff last in your system??? I don't like this at all!"

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2022

For Inflammatory Conditions "On Feb 15th, I was given an injection in my heel for plantar fasciitis to relieve pain. A couple of days later, I was still a little sore, then after another day, when it all started, anxiety, blurred vision, vertigo, nausea, panic, and acid reflux. Still, 2 months later and dealing with it all. Did blood work and had an MRI on my head. See, the anxiety had me so worried that I got all that work done. Seeing all these posts, I know I am not alone. All my pains and aches are gone. But all these other side effects are much worse, I wish it would just end."

• Kyo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 17, 2022

For Inflammatory Conditions "This injection dex/Kenalog was the only treatment that worked for my severe atopic dermatitis; I would have preferred never taking this shot if I knew the side effects once I stopped. Let me give a timeline since I stopped: Month 3: Debilitating anxiety/sense of dread. Month 5: Sinus tachycardia when driving (unable to drive). Month 8: Anxiety/heart palpitations. Month 12: Manageable anxiety. The recovery from this drug is agonizing; the only peace I had while recovering was learning to accept my own mortality. I'm still recovering, and it might take another year to be 100%. Taking hydrocortisone 5 mg allows temporary relief from anxiety. Needless to say, I'll be rating this a 1."

• Kyo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 17, 2022

For Inflammatory Conditions "This injection dex/Kenalog was the only treatment that worked for my severe atopic dermatitis; I would have preferred never taking this shot if I knew the side effects once I stopped. Let me give a timeline since I stopped: Month 3: Debilitating anxiety/sense of dread. Month 5: Sinus tachycardia when driving (unable to drive). Month 8: Anxiety/heart palpitations. Month 12: Manageable anxiety. The recovery from this drug is agonizing; the only peace I had while recovering was learning to accept my own mortality. I'm still recovering, and it might take another year to be 100%. Taking hydrocortisone 5 mg allows temporary relief from anxiety. Needless to say, I'll be rating this a 1."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2022

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Definitely would not recommend. I thought it was just me who believed that Kenalog made me worse. Anxiety increased and face burning. I agree that doctors are oblivious to the fact that this medicine can give patients a very serious side effect."

• Tom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2022

For Gouty Arthritis "This is the worst treatment I have ever received. I have had mild hypertension over the years and actually had high pressure the day I received the shot for gout. The gout pain went away within hours, however, 2 days after I had an anxiety attack (which I thought was a heart attack) and ended up in the ER. I have had anxiety attacks at night, sleeplessness, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, and dizziness. After about 3 1/2 weeks, the side effects have started to go away. If I could give this a 0 review, I would. I do not recommend."

• Kit...
• June 29, 2020

For Dermatitis "I would never recommend Kenalog. Went to doctor with chemical burns, and doctor gave me extended-release Kenalog injection after prednisone. I broke out in hives and welts. I had horrible, intensely frightening thoughts, anxiety, and depression for 18 months. Every day was a nightmare."

• PVe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 16, 2023

For Allergic Reactions "I have been suffering from chronic seasonal rhinitis for more than six years. I was taking every prescription antihistamine available from my GP: Fexofenadine 180 mg x 4 daily and Mometasone x 4 daily. I would sneeze a hundred times a day during really bad episodes. I called them nuclear days. Kenalog comes with a lot of warnings, but for me, the need was greater than the risk. Kenalog changed my life. My mental health improved. I was able to go for a walk in sunlight while someone was mowing their lawn! I had a lot of anxiety about Kenalog. Not anymore. This drug changed my life."