my son was put in the hospital for the croup. he is 2 years old and just came home today. the peditrician gave him some Rx for prednisolone 15 mg. he got a dose yesterday in his IV and he has been acting moody and can't make up his mind and just wants to sleep. my husband put him in the bath tub early and he just sit there like he was drugged up. he didn't want to play just sit there. before he got that medicine yesterday he was playful and starting to feel a little better. not predisone. prednisolone All of the strong oral corticosteroids can cause weird side effects in a minority of the people that take them. More often they might cause extra energy or even mania. Here is the part of the side effects section for prednisolone from RXlist.com
Psychic derangements may appear when corticosteroids are used, ranging from euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression, to frank psychotic manifestations. Also, existing emotional instability or psychotic tendencies may be aggravated by corticosteroids.
These are the extreme side effects. Most people have less severe side effects if they have any at all. Do not get too spooked about using corticosteroids because corticosteroids when properly prescribed and used are excellent drugs and can be very helpful in the short term for recovering from acute respiratory illnesses.
Considering your son is only two years old I would call his pediatrician before giving him any more. I doubt there is any serious problem but with a small child you should err on the side of caution. When you called I'd also confirm the dosage and make sure the pharmacy gave you the correct drug and dosage.
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/predni... Does he have a fever? A somnolent child with a fever is an ominous sign. If he is just "sick" without fever, relax. He is probably fine. You have to decide if he needs to see a doctor now, or in 12 hours. Prednisone side effects are usually mild, like increased appetite.
Here is a list of possible side effects of prednisone:
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking prednisone and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
increased blood pressure (severe headache or blurred vision); or
sudden weight gain (more than 5 pounds in a day or two).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take prednisone and talk to your doctor if you experience
insomnia;
nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset;
fatigue or dizziness;
muscle weakness or joint pain;
problems with diabetes control; or
increased hunger or thirst.
Other side effects that occur only rarely, usually with high doses of prednisone, include
acne,
increased hair growth,
thinning of the skin,
cataracts,
glaucoma,
osteoporosis,
roundness of the face, and
changes in behavior.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. What Doug said are all true. Corticosteroid, such as prednisone, is used for anti-inflammatory. Although on some people, depression, and euporia is seen frequently
It is best to contact his pediatrician for additional information. Tell his pediatrician what you observed and probably both of you can decide for any changes of medication or so. |
