The Use of Prednisone and Fibromyalgia Treatment

In recent decades, over one million women in the United States have been suffering from fibromyalgia and prednisone, in most of the cases, is the answer for the treatment. There is a close medicinal relationship between fibromyalgia and prednisone administration. Let us discuss few aspects of prednisone treatment for fibromyalgia and other autoimmune diseases like lupus.

The Role of Prednisone

A synthetic hormone resembling the function of normally produced hormone cortisone, prednisone is commonly known as cortisteroid. In some aspects, prednisone works like an immunosuppressant. Some autoimmune diseases like lupus and fibromyalgia, prednisone suppresses the immune condition, since in such cases immune system becomes overactive and results in detrimental effects.

The overactive immune system actually produces antibodies that produce such effects. Medications like prednisone suppress the function of immune system and hence the production of these antibodies that cause problems. This is why one of the most common side effects of prednisone is that administration of prednisone may lead to weaker immune system and the concerned individual has lesser ability to fight off against various diseases. Prednisone is available under four brand names. These are Orasone, Deltasone, Meticorten and Sterapred.

Side Effects

Although the use of prednisone and fibromyalgia treatment has long been accepted by different researchers and health practitioners, there are simply some unavoidable risk factors for prednisone administration. The short term usage of prednisone medication may lead to mood swing, euphoria, depression, insomnia, indigestion, increased weight, vulnerability towards infection, fluid retention, hot flashes, hyperglycemia and skin bruising.

The prolonged use of prednisone in treating fibromyalgia and other autoimmune health complications may pose threat to serious side effects such as osteoporosis, cataracts and glaucoma. However, the administration of prednisone is too complicated since the early termination may also lead to serious adverse complications like vomiting, nausea, fever, pain, etc. Abrupt termination of prednisone may cause tachycardia, characterized as excessively fast heart rate.

Word of Warning

If you are suffering from fibromyalgia, you must discuss with your doctor thoroughly prior taking prednisone medication. Educate yourself about all the potential adverse effects of this medication before you start administering the same. If you are pregnant, it is highly recommended that you must consult about the potential risks of this medicine and ask for substitute.

Apart from that, you must care to discuss with your doctor especially if you are diagnosed with certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, glaucoma, liver disease, eye infection, especially if it is caused by herpes, or any other form of infections. You must not abruptly terminate prednisone administration prior to consulting with your doctor.