Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that reduces inflammation in your body. Healthcare professionals prescribe it to manage different inflammatory conditions, such as:
- chronic allergies
- asthma
- autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
You can take prednisone by mouth as a tablet or as a liquid. It’s a generic drug and is also available in brand-name versions, such as Rayos (a slow-release tablet) and Prednisone Intensol (a concentrated liquid solution).
Does prednisone make you tired, weak, or sleepy?
Fatigue (low energy) and tiredness aren’t typical side effects of prednisone, but you might experience them.
You may feel tired or weak if you’re experiencing other side effects of prednisone. For example, taking prednisone long term may affect your adrenal health (refers to function of the adrenal gland). Tiredness and fatigue are often symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.
Also, insomnia is one of the possible side effects of prednisone. If you have a hard time sleeping while you’re taking prednisone, you may feel sleepy or fatigued during the day.
It’s also possible that you could feel sleepy if you don’t take prednisone according to the dosage instructions. For example, taking a higher dose or discontinuing prednisone may cause you to feel more tired than usual.
If you’ve started feeling tired after starting a course of prednisone, be sure to discuss these symptoms with your doctor or healthcare professional.
What are the most common side effects of prednisone?
The commonly reported side effects of prednisone include:
- muscle weakness
- insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep)
- increased appetite
- headache
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- edema (fluid buildup)
- adrenal suppression (low production of cortisol hormone)
- slow wound healing
Other side effects that may occur with long-term use include:
- weight gain
- skin thinning
- weakened immune system
- osteoporosis (porous and fragile bones)
- cataracts (cloudy patches in your eye)
Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes. For $29, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.
Can you prevent the side effects of prednisone?
You may be more likely to experience side effects from prednisone if you take it for longer periods of time or in high doses of more than 40 milligrams (mg) per day.
A case study on steroids also suggests that adverse effects may be more likely if your doctor doesn’t monitor you regularly while you’re taking the medication.
Taking notes of any new symptoms may help you keep track of your side effects. Reviewing these and your treatment plan with your healthcare professional may help minimize the risk of side effects.
Research suggests that taking a low dose of prednisone or only taking it short term may reduce your risk of side effects. But this may depend on your medical needs and your doctor’s recommendations. In some cases, your doctor may determine that prednisone’s benefits outweigh its side effects.
What is the best time of the day to take prednisone?
The best time to take prednisone can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and treatment plan.
Often, you take prednisone with a meal, so it doesn’t irritate your stomach.
Because insomnia and sleep disturbances are common side effects of prednisone, you may want to avoid taking the medication in the evening or at bedtime.
If you’re on a long-term treatment plan, your doctor may recommend taking prednisone in the morning to prevent adrenal complications. This way, the drug may mimic your body’s natural cortisol production, which happens at the highest levels in the morning.
Talk with your doctor about the most effective times of the day to take prednisone for your condition.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardCan you stop taking prednisone if it makes you sleepy?
It’s important not to discontinue prednisone or change your dose without medical supervision.
Experts suggest tapering off prednisone helps avoid adverse effects and health complications, especially if you’ve been taking it for a long time.
If you experience daytime sleepiness while taking prednisone, your healthcare professional may switch you to a different dose or change your medication. But there is usually a safety protocol to follow.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
Alternatives to prednisone
If you don’t tolerate prednisone well, your doctor may consider switching you to a different medication. Some options include:
- azathioprine (Imuran) or leflunomide (Arava) if you have rheumatoid arthritis
- dexamethasone if you have asthma, inflammatory skin conditions, or severe allergic reactions
- methotrexate (Trexall) if you have rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis
- mercaptopurine (Purinethol) if you have leukemia or in some cases of IBS
Your healthcare professional may prescribe any of these drugs for other conditions not listed here. They may determine that one of these drugs could help you manage your condition and replace the need for prednisone.
Summary
Prednisone doesn’t typically cause sleepiness. But you may feel tired, weak, or drowsy when taking prednisone if you experience side effects such as insomnia or adrenal suppression.
If prednisone is making you too sleepy, discuss other medication options with your healthcare professional. They may decide to switch you to a new dose or another medication.
Don’t change your dose or stop taking prednisone without medical supervision. Doing so could cause your symptoms to worsen or lead to other side effects.