Does prednisone make babies irritable?

Understanding Prednisone and Its Effects on Children
Prednisone, a synthetic corticosteroid, is widely used to treat various health conditions in children, including asthma, allergic reactions, and inflammatory diseases. While it is effective in managing these conditions, parents and caregivers often express concerns about its side effects, particularly regarding mood changes and irritability in young patients.
Irritability as a Side Effect
One of the notable side effects of prednisone in children is irritability. Research and clinical observations indicate that children taking prednisone may experience significant mood swings and behavioral changes. According to medical sources, these mood alterations can manifest as increased irritability, temper tantrums, and even a regression to earlier childhood behaviors. This is particularly concerning for parents, as the emotional toll can affect not only the child but also family dynamics.
The Mechanism Behind Mood Changes
The irritability associated with prednisone use is thought to stem from its impact on the body’s hormonal balance. Prednisone mimics the effects of natural steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands. When administered, it can disrupt the normal production of these hormones, leading to fluctuations in mood and behavior. This hormonal imbalance can result in heightened emotional responses, making children more prone to irritability and mood swings.
Clinical Observations
Studies have shown that children on high doses of prednisone exhibit behavior problems, including anxiety and aggression, often scoring above the 95th percentile for age in behavioral assessments. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring children closely while they are on this medication. Parents are advised to maintain open communication with healthcare providers to manage any adverse effects effectively.
Conclusion
In summary, while prednisone is a crucial medication for treating various pediatric conditions, it can lead to increased irritability and mood swings in children. Parents should be aware of these potential side effects and work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure their child’s well-being during treatment. Understanding the emotional impact of prednisone can help families navigate the challenges that may arise during this necessary medical intervention.

What is the biggest side effect of prednisone?

Prednisone’s most common side effects are increased appetite, weight gain and insomnia. The most severe side effects of prednisone are osteoporosis, increased risk of infections and high blood pressure.

Does prednisone make babies cranky?

One of the potential side effects of corticosteroid medicine is mood change, such as irritability, and this can lead to difficult behaviour in some children. When used short-term, it can increase blood pressure and blood sugar levels, causing some children to become hyperactive.

Is anger a side effect of prednisone?

This medicine may cause changes in mood or behavior for some patients. Tell your doctor right away if you have depression, mood swings, a false or unusual sense of well-being, trouble with sleeping, or personality changes while taking this medicine.

Does prednisone make kids moody?

Steroids can have side effects that may include changes in your child’s behavior, emotions, and thoughts. Behavior and mood changes are a temporary side effect of your child’s medicine.

How to calm a child on prednisone?

How to help your child

1. Ignore minor problems.
2. Avoid big changes.
3. Give your child time to calm down.
4. Encourage your child to do deep breathing and other relaxation activities.
5. Comfort your child if they cry or seem sad.
6. If your child notices the changes, talk about how medicines can affect people in different ways.

How does prednisone affect the baby?

Taking an oral corticosteroid like prednisone or prednisolone long-term during pregnancy has been associated with an increased chance for preterm delivery (birth before week 37) and/or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).

Can prednisone cause behavioral issues?

Corticosteroids have considerable side effects; in particular, delirium, depression, mania, psychosis, and cognitive/memory impairment might develop [6]. Corticosteroid-induced mental disorders, which can cause significant behavioral and emotional issues, are undesirable side effects of corticosteroids [7].

What cannot be mixed with prednisone?

Some products that may interact with this drug include:

• aldesleukin.
• desmopressin.
• mifepristone.
• drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, “blood thinners” such as dabigatran/warfarin, NSAIDs such as aspirin/celecoxib/ibuprofen)

What is the behavior of children on prednisone?

Your child may become irritable and have mood swings, and even revert to earlier childhood behaviour, such as temper tantrums. While this is usually temporary, your doctor or nurse can offer advice and support.

How to calm a baby on prednisone?

How to help your child

1. Ignore minor problems.
2. Avoid big changes.
3. Give your child time to calm down.
4. Encourage your child to do deep breathing and other relaxation activities.
5. Comfort your child if they cry or seem sad.
6. If your child notices the changes, talk about how medicines can affect people in different ways.