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Mental confusion side effect from Steroids

Posted by abbeyc @abbeyc, Feb 23, 2022

hi. I started 20mg Prednisone/Methylpredisolone one month ago. I am noticing that my brain doesn’t function like it used to. very forgetful and the strangest decision making mishaps - I often do or say the exact opposite of what I intend to do. For instance I will grab the wrong thing like the pepper instead of salt (just a simple example). Or I will type the opposite word. I will switch words. Switch letters in words. Lots of typos. Sometimes I even see words on paper that are not there. The doing opposite thing is the most annoying.
Anyone else going through this? Will it get better once I taper or stop steroids all together. ?

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 23, 2022

@abbeyc, I never experienced the brain fog or mental confusion type symptoms when I was on prednisone but I was aware of the possibilities. This articles has some suggestions that you might find helpful.

You Can Ease Inflammatory Arthritis Brain Fog with These 12 Tips for a Sharper Mind: https://creakyjoints.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-brain-fog/

Have you discussed the symptoms with your doctor or rheumatologist and asked if there might be an alternative medication?

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rkndvm | @rkndvm | Feb 24, 2022

I definitely use prednisone as my excuse for the symptoms you describe! On high doses, I said dog for cat, right for left, and felt like I was having an “ out of body” experience shortly after taking my meds in the morning. Improved some during the day and I learned to think twice about things. I am 67 years old so difficult to discern between “aging” and medication. I definitely feel “sharper” on 5 mg prednisone compared to 50mg! Good luck!

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Feb 24, 2022

Yes, I just finished a course of prednisone and I'm glad it's over. Prednisone interferes with sleep and when you don't sleep, cognitive issues can be a problem. As @rkndvm so aptly said I prefer to use it as an excuse rather than the "aging" thing!!

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abbeyc | @abbeyc | Feb 24, 2022

Okay very interesting that others are experiencing the similar ‘opposite’ cognitive side effect. Makes me feel better knowing it will get better once reducing the meds.

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sashakay | @sashakay | Feb 24, 2022
In reply to @abbeyc "Okay very interesting that others are experiencing the similar ‘opposite’ cognitive side effect. Makes me feel..." + (show)
@abbeyc

Okay very interesting that others are experiencing the similar ‘opposite’ cognitive side effect. Makes me feel better knowing it will get better once reducing the meds.

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I’m 78 and I think I’m going to get a button that says “I’m not going do lally, I’m just on steroids”. 🤪

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