Alcohol and Prednisone
What is Prednisone?
Prednisone is a prescription corticosteroid drug. Specifically, it mimics the effects of natural hormones known as Cortisol, which is the stress hormone produced by the body’s adrenal glands. Corticosteroid drugs can suppress the immune system as a result of attempts to control inflammatory conditions. Not only do we need to understand the dangers involved in combining alcohol and Prednisone, but also, we need to know how Prednisone alone affects the body. Addionally, we need to look at how alcohol affects the body, and what happens when the two substances are used together.
What Does Prednisone Treat?
- Rashes
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Addison’s disease
- Other inflammatory issues
- Orally – Tablets, syrups, or capsules treat pain and inflammation caused by chronic conditions such as lupus or arthritis.
- Inhalation – Inhalers or nasal sprays help control allergy or asthma symptoms.
- Injection – This method treats joint and muscle symptoms and pain.
- Topical – Ointments or creams are used to treat many skin conditions.
Prednisone or other corticosteroids also prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.
Side Effects of Prednisone
Because corticosteroids are widely prescribed, it’s important to know the potential side effects of the drugs. In fact, some of the effects can cause serious health problems. Individuals who use the oral route of ingestion are most likely to experience side effects. This outcome is due to the fact that the oral method allows the medication to affect the entire body, not just a specific area.
- Increased pressure in the eyes (glaucoma)
- Mood swings
- Memory problems
- Confusion, delirium
- High blood pressure
- Fluid retention, swelling in lower legs
- Weight gain
- Fatty deposits in the abdomen, back of the neck, and face
- High blood sugar, which can worsen diabetes
- Thinning bones, fractures
- Thin skin, slow wound healing, bruising
- Severe fatigue
- Nausea, loss of appetite
- Muscle weakness
- Increased risk of viral, bacterial, or fungal infections
- Clouding of the lens in one or both eyes, cataracts
- Hoarseness
- Fungal infection in the mouth (thrush)
- Children using Prednisone for asthma may experience slower growth rates.
- Site of injection side effects such as thin skin, loss of color in the skin, pain.
- Facial flushing
- High blood sugar
- Insomnia
Is Prednisone Addictive?
Of course, there is a distinct difference between addiction and dependency, and many people develop a dependency on Prednisone. Dependency means it takes more of the drug to get the desired results. Addiction means using the drug despite the consequences and being unable to stop.
Prednisone Withdrawal Symptoms
- Lightheadedness
- Joint and muscle pain
- Weakness, fatigue
- Nausea, loss of appetite
Of course, it’s best to taper off of the drug gradually under supervision by a physician or other medical professional.
Risks of Combing Alcohol and Prednisone
Considering the long list of Prednisone side effects, it isn’t difficult to realize that combining alcohol and Prednisone may not be safe. Also, alcohol alone can cause a wide range of health problems and side effects.
- Internal bleeding, coughing up blood
- Rapid weight gain
- Eye pain, seeing halos
- Swelling
- Low potassium
- Muscle weakness
- Erratic heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
- Seizures
In contrast, less serious side effects of alcohol and Prednisone can include insomnia, dizziness, mood swings, slow healing wounds, and changes in body fat. In some cases, the symptoms are a result of the underlying condition that is being treated with Prednisone. However, alcohol is not a solution to the problem and can make the condition much worse.
How to Stop Using Prednisone
All things considered, you should never stop using a prescription medication without a doctor’s consent. If the prescription is for more than 20 mg per day, you need to taper off the drug gradually. Therefore, talk with your physician first to set up a tapering schedule.
Furthermore, if you are struggling to control alcohol and Prednisone use, contact us at A Forever Recovery. One of our representatives will be happy to recommend a treatment program that is right for your situation.
- www.mayoclinic.org – Prednisone and Other Corticosteroids
- hindawi.com – Development and Implementation of a Double-Bling corticosteroid Tapering Regimen for a Clinical Trial