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Hello everyone. I'm curious if any of you have experienced problems with shortness of breath, palpitations, and agitation on the higher doses of prednisone. I was started on 20 mg in May; had shortness of breath which brought me to ER where i was treated for COPD. Also had heart palpitations which led me to a whole battery of heart tests, all showing nothing of significance. I was then sent for pulmonary tests and that indicated my airways were open and no issues. After tapering the prednisone, those symptoms left. However, my PMR has flared so I'm back up to 20mg and, once again, experiencing the same side effects. My rheumatologist says prednisone is the only known option for PMR. The shortness of breath is concerning and doesn't seem normal to me.
Replies to "Hello everyone. I'm curious if any of you have experienced problems with shortness of breath, palpitations,..."
Hello @maryft. You will notice that I have moved your post into an existing discussion on Prednisone side effects so you can connect with other members like @rkndvm, who has already responded, as well as other members such as @beryl and @glenner075 may also be able to provide some information and support.
I had some SOB when bending over to do things, and worried that I was getting somthing else besides PMR. But no it was the prednisone. It went away after I got down to 3.5 mgs. I still can cry easily, very hot - need a fan to keep me cool, my heart rate was concerning to me for a while - 110-120's but no palpitations, brain fog is the worst thing. Can't wait to be off this prednisone!
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I am currently taking 50 mg prednisone daily for Nephrotic Syndrome MCD. Prednisone intermittently causes me to have an increased heart rate, heart palpitations, and changes in my ability to breathe normally. Usually when I notice respiratory symptom side effects, my nose is also “plugged” on a level. If you have had normal cardiac and pulmonary work-ups, the side effects of Prednisone may be causing your symptoms based on what I’ve learned taking a high dose then weaning over the last 2 years. My husband is currently taking 12.5mg pred for his PMR and he claims no side effects for him. My list is long and my worst side effect for my dose of pred is insomnia. Agitation associated with prednisone is established. “Roid Rage.”