Side Effects Of Prednisone

Headaches

Headaches are a side effect that occurs in individuals who take prednisone for an extended period. Headaches are not caused by the mechanism of the medication itself but are more of a complication of the high blood pressure often induced by long-term use of prednisone. Headaches that occur due to high blood pressure caused by prednisone use tend to occur in a bilateral fashion, or on both sides of the head. High blood pressure produces adverse effects on an individual's blood-brain barrier and causes an accumulation of pressure in the brain. Blood can leak from the blood vessels in the brain because of high blood pressure, which produces inflammatory swelling inside of the skull. Because the skull is a bone that is not flexible and cannot expand, the swelling inside of an individual's skull causes the brain tissues to become compressed. The abnormal compression of the brain and surrounding tissues causes nearby nerve fibers to become irritated. These irritated nerves transmit signals of pain responsible for causing the patient to feel pain in their head, neck, and face.

Discover additional side effects od prednisone now.

Nausea And Vomiting

Although they are not common side effects of prednisone, some individuals may experience nausea and vomiting. Prednisone and other corticosteroids are known to cause certain changes in the linings of a patient's stomach and small intestine. A process referred to as prostaglandin biosynthesis takes place in a healthy individual's stomach and small intestine when the contents of the organs reach a pH level that is too low. Prostaglandin biosynthesis induces a response that increases the alkalinity of the contents of the stomach and small intestine. Without this alkaline response, the mucosal barrier in the lining of an individual's stomach and small intestine can become increasingly eroded due to the high acidity of their contents. Moderate to high doses of prednisone over some time can cause the inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis, leading to increased acidity in the stomach and small intestine that produces significant damage to the tissues that should be protected by the mucosal layer in their linings. With a compromised mucosal layer and inflamed tissues, the stomach and small intestine are unable to digest and absorb food properly. Nausea and vomiting can occur due to the extensive inflammation of these digestive components, overgrowth of bacteria, or fermentation of stagnated food.

Learn more about the potential side effects of prednisone now.