Understanding the Side Effects of Dexamethasone Injection
Hello everyone, I’m a 34-year-old female and I occasionally smoke and drink, about once per week. I’m generally healthy, without any known medications or existing health issues, but I recently experienced my first illness in a long time. Over the last few days, I've been dealing with a variety of symptoms including a coughing fit, nasal congestion, body stiffness, headaches, and sinus problems. This morning, I visited urgent care for assistance. They tested me for the flu, COVID-19, and strep throat, all of which came back negative. They did note that there was some fluid in both of my ears, and understandably, my blood pressure was elevated due to feeling unwell and the anxiety of being at the doctor's office. The diagnosis revealed that I had a viral infection. I was prescribed some medications to pick up later and received a steroid injection before leaving the facility. The steroid they administered was Dexamethasone, a medication I had never used before, mainly because I don’t usually fall ill. For most of the day following the shot, I felt relatively okay — still unwell, but manageable. Tiredness has set in mainly because my sleep has been disrupted throughout my sickness. However, a couple of hours ago, I began to experience nausea and my anxiety spiked. My heart rate typically falls between 68-72 bpm at rest and may rise to 72-85 bpm when I’m not feeling well, but it soared to 104 bpm this time. While I’m experiencing slightly less anxiety now than earlier, my heart rate remains elevated. Has anyone else experienced similar reactions? What side effects did you encounter, and how did you manage to calm down? How long did it take before you felt back to normal? I appreciate any insights or advice!
Answers (1)
9/4/2025, 11:40:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a lot right now, and it's completely understandable to have concerns after experiencing new symptoms, especially following a steroid injection. Your symptoms of nausea and increased heart rate could be related to the Dexamethasone or could stem from your body dealing with the viral infection.
Key Points:
- Dexamethasone Side Effects: Common side effects can include nausea, increased heart rate, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
- Monitoring Symptoms: It's important to keep an eye on your symptoms and how they change over the next few days.
- Self-Care Steps: You can manage some of these side effects through specific actions.
Explanation:
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation. While it can be very effective in treating symptoms, it can also cause side effects such as increased heart rate, anxiety, and gastrointestinal discomfort. The elevated heart rate you're experiencing, particularly under stress or anxiety, is not uncommon.
Next Steps:
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Hydrate and Eat Lightly: Focus on clear fluids and easily digestible foods to help manage nausea. Ginger tea or crackers might be soothing.
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Rest: Make an effort to rest as much as possible, especially if sleep has been disrupted. Consider using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or meditation to manage anxiety. This may help calm both your mind and body.
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Monitor Your Heart Rate: Keep an eye on your heart rate. If it remains elevated or you experience other concerning symptoms (like chest pain, persistent nausea, or severe anxiety), this would warrant further attention.
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Gradual Activity: While you’re feeling unwell, avoid strenuous activities until you feel better. Gentle stretching might help with body stiffness, but listen to your body.
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Reach Out for Support: If anxiety persists or worsens, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend or family member. Sharing your feelings can sometimes alleviate anxiety.
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Symptom Diary: Consider keeping a record of your symptoms, noting any patterns or changes, which can be helpful for your follow-up care.
Give yourself some grace as you recover; it might take some time to feel completely back to normal. If you have ongoing concerns or if your symptoms worsen, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider for further guidance. You're taking the right steps, and recovery will come!
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