Experiencing Hallucinations on Prednisone
During a period of distress, I developed a bizarre rash on my back, unlike anything I'd encountered before. Unsure of its origin, I captured a photo and sent it to my physician. She recommended a topical ointment, which unfortunately didn’t alleviate my discomfort. After reaching out again, she prescribed a week-long course of prednisone, a medication I had never taken prior. As someone who usually researches new prescriptions—considering my regimen includes antidepressants, medication for blood pressure, thyroid supplements, and occasionally things for anxiety or sleep—I quickly looked into prednisone. My heart sank when I noticed "insomnia" on the list of potential side effects, as that was already a prevalent issue for me. Taking the first dose, I found myself sleeping soundly for nearly 48 hours. I woke up to what I thought was the television playing in another room, only to discover that it wasn't turned on. I could distinctly hear a deep male voice reminiscent of vintage news broadcasts, perhaps like Walter Cronkite, but there was no one present. I dismissed it as mere building noises. Little did I know, this was the onset of my auditory hallucinations. Soon after, visual hallucinations began to take hold. Although I can’t precisely recall the sequence of what I saw, several moments stand out: In my bedroom, there are French doors with curtains that suddenly began to sway without any apparent cause. I searched for drafts or anything that could explain the movement, but found nothing. The curtains continued to billow for several days. At one point, I perceived a shoe lodged behind the sofa, which transformed into the leg of a whole person trapped underneath, straining to push free. The couch itself seemed to shift. While I felt a mix of fear and absurd amusement, I called my son for help. He assured me there was nothing there, and for reasons I can’t quite grasp, I accepted that my vision was misleading. I eventually came to understand that I was indeed experiencing hallucinations. One night, after a social outing—though I should note I was driving on busy highways while experiencing difficulties steering—I made my way down the stairs leading to my condo. At the base, I noticed heavy outdoor steps that drop down to a hallway leading to a crawlspace. This area felt slightly eerie, even when sane. As I descended, something scuttled across my foot, prompting a jolt of surprise; I couldn’t see what it was. Upon reaching the bottom, I was confronted by an enormous spider web, sprawling like a badminton net and teeming with spiders the size of my hand, all scurrying about with frantic energy. I told myself, "You are hallucinating. Go ahead and touch the web to confirm it’s not there." As I approached with my hand outstretched, tiny, shadowy figures—almost like hobbits—rushed from the back of the hallway towards me. Recognizing that they weren’t real, I quickly abandoned my plan and hurried inside my condo. One evening, while inspecting my back in the mirror—possibly to check on the rash—I noticed a familiar mole near my left shoulder blade. As I reached to touch it, I mistakenly identified it as a tick that began crawling away from me, its legs clear to see. It felt distressing to think it was buried beneath my skin, leading me to irrationally start digging at it with my nails. I briefly considered fetching tweezers but continued my frantic effort, even as I recognized I was misidentifying the mole. I rummaged through a bottle to store what I believed were remnants of the tick, even going so far as to collect small fragments in a tissue. When morning came, I excitedly planned to share my findings with my son, only to discover that both the fragments and the tissue had vanished from the bottle entirely. Eventually, I woke up one morning to find that the curtains were no longer moving. This realization confirmed that the hallucinations had ceased. Over the subsequent days, I struggled to succinctly convey my experiences in an email to my doctor, overwhelmed by the task of organizing my thoughts. My son and I researched prednisone to confirm side effects, and there it was in fine print—"hallucinations"—noted as an uncommon occurrence. When I shared my vivid experiences with my doctor during a follow-up, her nonchalant reaction left me feeling rather perplexed. Did she encounter such cases often? Did she believe me? In a twist of fate, my sister, who has rheumatoid arthritis, soon mentioned her doctor was prescribing her increased doses of prednisone due to inadequate pain relief. Alarmed, I recounted my own ordeal, but she countered that she would prefer to hallucinate than endure discomfort. I couldn’t genuinely argue with that logic. Remarkably, she hasn’t reported any complications thus far, which leads me to wonder if the adverse reactions are not inherently genetic. To this day, I sometimes hear whispers of that old newscaster's voice, lingering in my mind.
Answers (1)
9/3/2025, 11:50:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing hallucinations while taking prednisone is understandably concerning and can be quite distressing. Here’s a structured breakdown of your situation and helpful steps moving forward.
Summary
- Understanding Hallucinations on Prednisone: Hallucinations can occur as a side effect of prednisone, though they are rare. This medication can affect mood and perception, especially in sensitive individuals or those with pre-existing mental health conditions.
- Symptoms and Concerns: You've experienced auditory and visual hallucinations, which have caused significant distress. It's important to approach this matter thoughtfully and with care.
Explanation
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can cause a range of side effects, including mood changes and, in some instances, hallucinations. The superficial mechanism involves the drug's impact on the brain and hormone levels. Each person can react differently to medication, and your history of depression and anxiety may heighten your sensitivity to these effects.
It's crucial to recognize that although your experience with hallucinations was unsettling, they have now ceased. However, feeling at ease after such experiences is understandably challenging.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Begin keeping a journal to note any symptoms, especially concerning mood changes or perceived hallucinations. Documenting your experiences can help you and your healthcare provider assess patterns over time.
-
Discuss Medication Adjustments: Reach out to your physician to discuss your experiences with hallucinations critically. You may need an adjustment in your prednisone dosage or an alternative treatment. If your physician doesn’t seem responsive, consider seeking a second opinion for reassurance and clarity about your medication.
-
Evaluate Mental Health Support: Consider speaking to a mental health professional, especially given your history of depression and anxiety. They can provide strategies to cope with any remaining anxiety related to your experiences and support your overall mental well-being.
-
Communicate with Your Family: Keep your family informed about your experiences and how you feel. Sharing your journey can help them support you more effectively, especially your son, who seems already concerned.
-
Stay Informed: Continue researching prednisone and its effects alongside your treatment plan. Understanding your medication empowers you to engage better with your healthcare team.
-
Prioritize Self-Care: Focus on stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or gentle exercise. These strategies can support both your mental and physical health.
Remember, your experiences are valid, and seeking clarity and support is essential. Don't hesitate to advocate for your health and well-being. If new symptoms arise, or if you feel overwhelmed by your experiences, reach out for help promptly.
Related Questions
A Mysterious Illness That Resembles Strep Throat
As an 18-year-old college student, standing at 5'4" and weighing 140 pounds, I maintain an active lifestyle. I do not smoke or have any preexisting health issues, aside from the vitamins and supplements I take daily. Approximately five days ago, I began to feel unusually fatigued and achy. Within just a day, my symptoms escalated to include a high fever reaching between 101°F and 102°F that ibuprofen couldn’t seem to alleviate. I experienced extreme tiredness that kept me bedridden all day, along with a persistent headache and intense throat pain, which was compounded by swollen lymph nodes and the familiar white patches often associated with strep throat. Having dealt with strep throat before, I recognized a need for antibiotics. Two days into feeling unwell, I visited an urgent care facility for an assessment and received a rapid strep test, which unfortunately came back negative. I recalled a previous incident where my rapid strep test also indicated a false negative, only for the culture sent for further testing to confirm the presence of strep bacteria. Given my symptoms and the findings from the examination, the healthcare provider prescribed Cefdinir, as I am allergic to amoxicillin, despite the negative rapid test results. The antibiotics proved effective, and I felt nearly back to normal, leading me to believe that my culture results would also come back positive for strep, suggesting a recurrence of my previous infection. However, I received the culture results yesterday, and to my surprise, they came back negative for strep. While I lack medical expertise, I’ve been led to believe that false negatives in cultures are exceedingly rare. Now, I find myself puzzled about what kind of bacterial infection I might have had if it wasn’t strep. Any insights or information regarding my situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Bleeding Concerns with IUD and Yeast Infection Treatment
I’m a 20-year-old female, standing at 5’4” and weighing 155 pounds. Hello everyone! Approximately three weeks ago, I had the Kyleena IUD placed, and everything felt fine afterward—I can still feel the strings. I noticed some mild spotting that was brown for about a week, followed by my menstrual period, then continued with light spotting. Recently, I suspect that I might have developed a yeast infection, which I am currently addressing using Monistat 7. I applied the first dose yesterday. To clarify, I am certain that I am not dealing with a sexually transmitted infection. However, I’ve observed an increase in bleeding, significantly more than what I’ve experienced before. The blood appears to be light red, and I would compare the amount to the lightest day of my period. I could comfortably go an entire day without needing to change my pad, though I still do it for hygiene reasons. Is this a common occurrence? Most of the bleeding took place this morning after I woke up, coinciding with the Monistat cream leaving my body. Under what circumstances should I seek medical advice regarding this issue instead of waiting to see how the treatment progresses?
Understanding Recurrent Symptoms: Are They Histamine-Related?
Hello, health professionals, I am seeking your expertise regarding a variety of symptoms I have been experiencing intermittently over the years. While they appear linked, I'm having difficulty pinpointing their root cause. **Personal Summary:** - 27 years old, Female - Non-smoker (formerly vaped for about eight years, cessation initiated two years ago) - No diagnosed autoimmune conditions - Background of anxiety (which might exacerbate some symptoms, though it doesn't account for all) - Currently taking Flonase and a multivitamin **Skin Reactions:** - I've dealt with recurring itchy rashes and hive-like bumps since childhood. They manifest suddenly and usually resolve without intervention. - These rashes are often itchy, can be raised, and tend to appear sporadically without identifiable triggers. - Antihistamines provide consistent relief, leading me to suspect a role of histamines in these eruptions. - These episodes do not align with typical contact allergies or classic food allergies. - They can happen multiple times daily, and I've often dismissed them as merely anxiety-related rashes. - Sometimes the itching precedes the visible rash, while other instances present with a red, inflamed area that stirs inquiries about my well-being from others. **Foot Discomfort:** - Over the last few years, I’ve encountered severe itching on the soles of my feet. - These episodes typically include small pale or white spots with redness surrounding them, occasionally featuring a red center. - Itching intensity can be overwhelming, yet these lesions usually arise suddenly, - They frequently improve upon avoiding scratching and may resolve within a range of 30 minutes to two days. - The first episode was triggered after swimming in a freshwater lake, though I’ve also experienced it while wearing specific footwear like Crocs or boots, but not consistently. - Certain events coincide with my typical skin rash, hinting at a potential systemic condition rather than merely a localized issue. - The symptoms do not mirror those of warts, ringworm, or fungal infections. **Ear and Sinus Issues:** - Itchy ears have been a recurring issue for the past few years; I initially attributed it to overly aggressive cleaning with cotton swabs, which I realize is harmful. - I have a history of chronic sinus problems, including post-nasal drip and regular ear infections. - The inflammation appears to flare up sporadically rather than constantly. - Recently, I experienced a painful ear issue that began with what I thought was a pimple. The next day, my ear was swollen. After visiting a clinic, I was diagnosed with a double ear and sinus infection, treated with antibiotics. My pain persisted, leading to a follow-up with my primary care physician, who prescribed Flonase and noted ongoing nasal inflammation. Missing doses led to increased ear discomfort, prompting me to take Flonase more regularly. Unfortunately, a recent flare of swelling and discomfort in my ear led me to consider consulting an ENT specialist. **Gastrointestinal Symptoms:** - I was diagnosed with gastritis through an upper endoscopy procedure. - Testing for H. pylori returned negative. - I've since developed food sensitivities and gastrointestinal discomfort not previously experienced. - I saw significant improvement after removing gluten and dairy from my diet, with tests for celiac disease yielding negative results. - Symptoms tend to flare up in response to stress or specific food intake rather than being a constant presence. **Additional Context:** - A history of childhood asthma (now occurs infrequently) - Sensitivity to heat - Past instances of feeling lightheaded, resembling vasovagal symptoms, alongside vertigo - Symptoms across various systems often flare together, but not in every instance - While my anxiety can intensify symptoms, both antihistamines and diet modifications have had notable positive effects **My Inquiry:** While I don’t wish to self-diagnose, I'm curious if my range of symptoms might suggest: - Histamine intolerance - Mast-cell overactivity (not necessarily MCAS, but an increased reaction) - Physical or contact urticaria I'm primarily seeking: - Recommendations for a suitable specialist - Insight on whether this symptom pattern fits a recognized mechanism - A clearer understanding of what warning signs to be concerned about **Summary:** I contend with a long-standing pattern of episodic itchy rashes and hives, significant but transient foot itching along with bumps, persistent ear irritation coupled with sinus problems, and gastritis accompanied by food sensitivities that improved on an elimination diet. Antihistamines aid multiple symptoms. Could this suggest underlying histamine-related issues manifesting across multiple systems rather than in isolation?
Seeking Guidance on Persistent Chest Discomfort After Extensive Testing
I'm a 43-year-old male, standing at 5'11" and weighing 180 pounds. My journey began around March to April of 2025 when, despite regularly hitting the gym four times a week, I was struck by severe chest pain along with frequent belching and a tight feeling in my diaphragm. At times, the pain became so intense that I feared it might be a heart attack. **Medical History:** In May 2019, I received a diagnosis of **PVS** and have since been under the care of a cardiac electrophysiologist. Upon experiencing these new symptoms, I consulted my EP, who conducted an EKG right then and set me up with a 7-day heart monitor. The results showed no irregularities. Subsequently, I was directed to a cardiologist, who carried out both a **stress test** and an **echocardiogram**, both of which yielded normal findings. Afterward, I returned to my primary care physician, who speculated that my gallbladder might be involved. An **ultrasound** was performed but revealed no issues. I then requested a **chest X-ray**, which also came back normal. My PCP then considered the possibility of a **hiatal hernia** and referred me to a gastroenterologist; unfortunately, that appointment took almost **five months** to materialize. In the meantime, my symptoms persisted, prompting me to cease weightlifting and switch my focus to **cardio and running**. Surprisingly, these activities didn’t exacerbate my symptoms, though the chest pain remained constant. When I finally saw the gastroenterologist, they suggested an **upper endoscopy**, which took another roughly three months to arrange. During this procedure, I was diagnosed with **Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE)**, a condition I had not previously experienced. The doctors also placed a pH monitoring device for acid reflux assessment, which indicated **no unusual acid exposure**. Following this, I began a treatment plan that included a swallowed steroid inhaler and an increased dosage of **omeprazole**. Sixty days later, I underwent another endoscopy, which showed that the EOE had largely resolved, with minimal residual symptoms. Unfortunately, my chest discomfort persisted without any improvement. It has now been about **a year** since these issues emerged, and I still have not found substantial relief. A recent chest MRI completed at a dedicated imaging center revealed no abnormalities. I entertained the idea of **costochondritis**, but again, the MRI did not support that hypothesis. The only minor relief I find comes from consciously pulling my shoulders back and expanding my chest. I continue to experience discomfort around my **diaphragm** and tenderness in the area of the **xiphoid process**. My PCP prescribed a steroid pack, which was somewhat beneficial for the pain but failed to alleviate the pressure or constant discomfort. At this juncture, I feel quite lost and uncertain about my next steps. I would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences from others who have faced similar issues. Additionally, if there are any physicians here willing to offer advice, I am open to traveling to find the answers or relief I'm desperately seeking.
Understanding Mild Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease
I am a 29-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing 130 pounds. Recently, a CT scan revealed that I have mild diverticulitis. About a week ago, I experienced significant discomfort, particularly in the pelvic region, along with pain in my right leg and hip, and some mild discomfort on the left side. After undergoing a CT scan, which confirmed the presence of mild diverticular disease, I was surprised that no one from my medical team provided any follow-up or acknowledged the condition. My blood tests returned normal results, and I was discharged without further information. While the pain subsided after about three days, it has unfortunately reappeared four days later. Is this something I should be worried about? What does this mean for me? I had a colonoscopy around 11 months ago, which indicated no issues.