Prednisone/Prednisolone (corticosteroid) + Bi-polar = possible danger

[BritInFrance]

Hi,

I just thought I'd make a quick post about this in case anyone else is in my position.

I'm bi-polar II (pretty mild) and was described Prednisolone (corticosteroid) by my urologist as a first treatment for mild Peyronie's. He knows about my mental health but didn't mention possible side-effects.

When I got home I called my general doctor who was somewhat concerned about my taking this treatment because it can de-stabilise people with mental-health issues. He let me proceed with caution as I've been stable for a long time (and of course, I'm desperate to do anything I can about the Peyronie's).

Stupid! I spent four nights with no more than 3-hours sleep, hypomania (over-excitement), then slumped into a very dark place. So, I had a good search around the net this morning and apparently this corticosteroid (don't know about any others) is to be avoided in people with any kind of mental-health issues. The pattern was exactly what I went through - 4 nights, then a slump.

Obviously, I'm stopping the corticosteroids. There are mixed opinions about stopping cold-turkey, even after just a week, but on the whole it seems to be for those who have been on the drug for a long while. Just as a precaution, I'm taking a reduced dose today and a very minor dose tomorrow (was on 80mg, which I believe is quite high, as a ten-day course).

There, just wanted to put that out there as a warning to anyone who might be a similar case to me. I shall be on the phone to both my doctor and urologist Monday morning without fail!

Cheers,
Michael

[james1947]

BritInFrance

Thank you for your post.
I am sure it will help other forum members and this is our main target, to help others.

James