What are prednisone side effects?

Some of the common side effects of prednisone are listed below. Tell your doctor if these side effects are severe or do not go away.

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes
• Bulging eyes
• Acne
• Thinning of the skin
• Slow wound healing
• Increased hair growth
• Heartburn
• Tiredness
• Muscle weakness
• Menstrual changes
• Decreased libido (sexual desire)

Some adverse effects of prednisone are more serious. You should call your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

• Eye symptoms like pain, redness, tearing, vision problems
• Infection symptoms like sore throat, cough, fever, chills
• Seizures
• Confusion
• Hallucinations (losing touch with reality)
• Depression
• Uncontrolled shaking
• Burning, numbness, tingling in the face, arms, hands, legs, or feet
• Muscle twitching
• Irregular heartbeat
• Upset stomach, vomiting
• Lightheadedness
• Swelling in the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• Rash, hives, itching

The above list may not include all the potential side effects of prednisone. Contact your doctor if you have severe side effects or if side effects are worsening. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Prednisone Overdose: In case of a known or suspected overdose, call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If a person has collapsed, cannot be awakened, has had a seizure, or has trouble breathing, call 911 immediately. 

Source: FDA