When a individual with relapsing - remittingmultiple sclerosis ( MS)has an acute symptom flare - up , they are often prescribed a short course of high - dose steroids , according to theNational Multiple Sclerosis Society ( NMSS ) . Typically , sex hormone are give intravenously or by word of mouth for three to five Day .
“ eminent - STD steroids are used to speed recovery ” after an MS relapse , saysMatthew McCoyd , MD , an associate prof and residency program film director of neurology at the Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood , Illinois .
The steroids used for MS flares are known ascorticosteroids , which mimic rude hormones produced in the adrenal secreter that interrupt inflammation .
MS Tips From the Red Carpet
“ Because of foresightful - term complication , like bruising , hide change , and bone variety , we only use them for little period , and it is rarified to utilise them more than once or twice a year , ” Dr. McCoyd says .
But even in the short full term , steroids can have side core — although , say McCoyd , once you commence to taper the drug , most side effects will subside .
“ In general , steroid are very well tolerated , ” saysTamara B. Kaplan , MD , a clinician at Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center at Brigham and Women ’s Hospital in Boston . “ And these side effects should never dissuade you from getting right treatment . ”
However , it helps to do it what you may be in for , so here are six potential side effect to be cognizant of :
1. Sleep Problems Common From High-Dose Steroids
“ One of the most common side effects from the initial mellow dose of steroids is sleep upset , ” McCoyd says .
Steroids can give you an supererogatory cost increase of energy , explains Dr. Kaplan . She apprize her patient to schedule their infusions for early in the daytime so they do n’t interfere with sopor .
If you do have trouble falling departed , experience unpleasant pipe dream , or feel sleepy or wear upon during the sidereal day , the following bakshis may help :
2. Bad Taste, Upset Stomach a Possibility
Some people notice a funny , metal taste in their mouth when undergoing steroid treatment . Sucking on muckle or intemperate candy may help assuage it .
Other plebeian side effects of steroid admit upset belly , sickness , and vomiting . If you have indigestion or heartburn , ask your Doctor of the Church to propose an over - the - counterantacidto help control it .
Medications calledproton ticker inhibitor , such as Prilosec ( Prilosec ) or lansoprazole ( Prevacid ) , are also used to help with stomach symptoms , and your doctor may prescribe them to prevent stomach issues , saysBarbara Giesser , MD , a multiple induration medical specialist with Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica , California , and a professor emeritus of clinical clinical neurology at the David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine in Los Angeles .
3. Mood Disturbances: Agitation, Irritability, Mood Swings
Being on a steroid hormone can make you feel restless , agitated , and cranky .
“ upheaval is a uncouth symptom for some multitude , ” McCoyd enjoin . In improver , “ Patients who have amood disordermay be cover in the hospital to check that they do not have a serious bust of depression or anxiety . ”
Mood swings with sex hormone discussion can range from soft to serious . Be sure to tell apart your doctor if you have a account of depression , anxiousness disorder , orbipolar disorderliness .
but being mindful that steroids can impress your mood may make this side effect easier to tolerate , but let your doctor do it if it feels intolerable .
It ’s also crucial to let loved one bang about this potential side impression so they understand what ’s going on with you . “ I always admonish the partner : ‘ She might be a little more techy over the next few days . It ’s the medicine ; it ’s not her , ’ ” observe Kaplan .
4. Water Retention Can Be Annoying but Temporary
After the initial dosage of steroids , you may experience swollen ankles as well as a general swollen andbloatedfeeling throughout your body . Since steroids cause your eubstance to retain more water , it ’s also common to feel urinary oftenness , says Kaplan .
Just knowing that this can potentially find — and that it will soon go across — can aid .
“ It ’s not something to occupy about , ” she says . “ It ’s not a long - lasting symptom ; it will ameliorate within a few Day . ”
5. Infection Risk Rises With Steroid Use
One of the functions of a steroid hormone is to suppress your torso ’s resistant system , which places you at higher risk of infections .
If you develop any symptom of infection while taking a sex hormone — such as a febrility , chills , cough , or sore throat — permit your Dr. know , says McCoyd .
you’re able to lower your risk of infection with frequent mitt - washables and by keep your distance from hoi polloi withcold or influenza symptoms .
Whilepeople with MSare generally encouraged to get an one-year ( nonlive ) influenza vaccinum , as well as sure other vaccinum , theNMSS cautionsagainst getting any vaccinum during an MS relapse — whether or not you ’re take steroid hormone . Also , live and live - attenuate vaccines are not recommended for people who have MS who are taking any disease - modify therapy ( DMT ) . There are also some restrictions on receiving some nonlive vaccines if you are taking certainmedications for MS .
6. Elevated Blood Sugar a Concern for Those With Diabetes
One of the most important side effects of steroids ishigh profligate sugarlevels . This is commonly not a problem unless you have diabetes , but if you do have diabetes , you are potential to see higher numbers game when you check your blood glucose degree .
“ citizenry with diabetes should be warn that their blood sugar will go up and that they call for to talk to their doctor about conform their insulin [ or other diabetes medicament ] while they are on the sex hormone , ” says Kaplan .
People without diabetes sometimes developsteroid - induced diabetesduring steroid hormone treatment . If you acknowledge unusual thirst , wry rima oris , frequent urination , muzzy vision , or extreme impuissance and tiredness while on steroids , let your MD know .
Alternatives to Steroid Treatment
When someone can not tolerate steroid hormone or does not adequately react to steroid treatment , the following alternatives may be considered , accord to theNMSS :
Additional reported by Susan Jara .
The Takeaway
gamy - dose steroid hormone are often dictate to speed up recovery from MS flare - ups . While effectual , these medicament can lead to uncomfortable temporary side effects such as eternal sleep disturbances , mood swings , and water retention . programing steroid infusion early in the day can help manage some of these issue .
Jason Chua , MD , Ph.D. , is an assistant prof in the Department of Neurology and Division of Movement Disorders atJohns Hopkins School of Medicine . He find his training at the University of Michigan , where he obtain medical and graduate degree , then completed a residency in neurology and a combined clinical / research society in movement disorder and neurodegeneration .
Dr. Chua ’s main research interest are in neurodegenerative disease , with a special focus on the cellular housework pathway of autophagy and its shock on disease development in diseases such as Parkinson disease . His oeuvre has been plunk for by multiple research education and calling development grants from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the American Academy of Neurology . He is the primary feather or coauthor of 14 peer - reviewed scientific publications and two peer - look back online learning module from the American Academy of Neurology . He is also a contributing author to The Little Black Book of Neurology by Osama Zaldat , MD and Alan Lerner , MD , and has compeer reviewed for the scientific journals Autophagy , eLife , and Neurobiology of Disease .
Chris Iliades , MD , is a full - time independent author base in Boothbay Harbor , Maine . His employment appears regularly on many health and medicinal drug websites include Clinical Advisor , Healthgrades , Bottom Line Health , HeathDay , and University Health News . Iliades also writes a regular web log for The Pulse , a internet site for foetal wellness and pregnancy .
Iliades is add-in - certified in Ear , Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery . He rehearse clinical medicine for 15 years and has also been a aesculapian director for diagnostic research and a principal investigator for clinical research before he turn to full - time medical committal to writing .
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