Temporary use of Prednisone

ghce · Nov 2, 2025

Been having a bunch of health issues recently.
Started out with 6 days of wildly varying high fevers going up to 40 and down to 38, after five days of that crap I was sick of it, even had a mild body rash so made my way to my GP who like me thought it just likely a bad viral problem but suggested I take an antibiotic to be on the safe side which had also been my thinking.
Long story short I was allergic to the antibiotic so it was an emergency trip to the ER for an adrenaline shot as I was going into anaphylactic shock.
Included with the adrenaline was a couple of Prednisone 20mg pills to be taken daily ie 40mg for upto 4 days.
A couple of hours later a got a more full and far redder all over body rash, really allover! the previous mild rash had disappeared with the adrenaline as had my Quasimodo features.
However my libedo was truely spiked by the prednisone in a nice pleasant way, so much so that I am thinking once all the other symptoms of the whatever I had contracted have passed ( I also quit the Prednisone now to) I might give the prednisone another go but at a lower dose. Maybe the rash will not reoccur once this all settles and I sure liked the enegy and the libedo kick from the predisone.
My only question is and I know I have researched prednisone previously that it is a bad thing and in the past avoided its prescription to me when asked.
So someone tell me I am silly for even thinking it or if used in a controlled way it could be beneficial?

Whose been there?

Nelson Vergel · Nov 3, 2025

Prednisone increased my sex drive and appetite also at the start (I took it for pain/inflammation). But long term risks are adrenal insufficiency, bone loss, water retention, and decreased testosterone (for those not on TRT).

Thread 'Higher Cortisol Increased Sexual Arousal in Men'

Sep 17, 2013

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BadassBlues · Nov 3, 2025

ghce said:
Been having a bunch of health issues recently.
Started out with 6 days of wildly varying high fevers going up to 40 and down to 38, after five days of that crap I was sick of it, even had a mild body rash so made my way to my GP who like me thought it just likely a bad viral problem but suggested I take an antibiotic to be on the safe side which had also been my thinking.
Long story short I was allergic to the antibiotic so it was an emergency trip to the ER for an adrenaline shot as I was going into anaphylactic shock.
Included with the adrenaline was a couple of Prednisone 20mg pills to be taken daily ie 40mg for upto 4 days.
A couple of hours later a got a more full and far redder all over body rash, really allover! the previous mild rash had disappeared with the adrenaline as had my Quasimodo features.
However my libedo was truely spiked by the prednisone in a nice pleasant way, so much so that I am thinking once all the other symptoms of the whatever I had contracted have passed ( I also quit the Prednisone now to) I might give the prednisone another go but at a lower dose. Maybe the rash will not reoccur once this all settles and I sure liked the enegy and the libedo kick from the predisone.
My only question is and I know I have researched prednisone previously that it is a bad thing and in the past avoided its prescription to me when asked.
So someone tell me I am silly for even thinking it or if used in a controlled way it could be beneficial?

Who’s been there?

I have taken high dose prednisone multiple times for various reasons. Mainly allergic symptoms, rashes, hives and swelling. It’s always been a taper down protocol, 60 mg tapering down to 20 over 7 days. Prednisone is a wonder drug for this purpose. I too experienced the initial rush as you described. Sadly, it is short lived. As Nelson stated, the side effects of long term use are unpleasant. Also, prednisone has to be tapered off, you can’t just stop after prolonged use.

It could be used on demand occasionally, but this is not a drug to take lightly.

Long-term use of prednisone can lead to a wide range of significant side effects affecting nearly every body system. These side effects are more likely with higher doses and longer duration of use
.

Common Long-Term Side Effects

Weight gain and fluid retention: Often leading to a "moon face" appearance and central obesity (Cushingoid appearance).
Increased appetite.
Mood and cognitive changes: Including mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, agitation, and even severe depression or psychosis.
Skin problems: Skin thinning, easy bruising, stretch marks, and slow wound healing.

Serious Long-Term Side Effects

Bone and muscle issues:
- Osteoporosis (bone thinning): Increased risk of fractures.
- Avascular necrosis: Death of bone tissue due to reduced blood flow, which can cause severe pain and bone collapse.
- Muscle weakness/wasting (steroid myopathy).
Cardiovascular problems:
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
- Congestive heart failure.
Metabolic and hormonal issues:
- Diabetes: Prednisone can cause high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) or worsen existing diabetes.
- Adrenal insufficiency: The adrenal glands may stop producing natural steroids, requiring careful tapering of the medication to avoid a crisis.
Immune system suppression: Increased susceptibility to infections (bacterial, viral, and fungal), including life-threatening opportunistic infections.
Eye problems:
- Cataracts: Clouding of the eye lens.
- Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss.
Gastrointestinal issues: Stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Growth suppression in children.

Patients on long-term prednisone therapy are advised to be regularly monitored by their healthcare provider to manage these risks. This may include dietary adjustments (low sodium), exercise, and prophylactic medications or supplements (e.g., calcium and vitamin D for bone health).