Posted by Oracle on April 4, 2002, at 2:25:17
In reply to Kramer: corticosteroids and mood, posted by ben on April 2, 2002, at 12:19:09
Oracle is dismayed by the unkind words expressed on this thread. The Dr. is most kind with his time. My experiences with major depression and cortisone over 20 years are considerable. On doses, by mouth, up to 90 mgs/day (prednisone) for a week or long acting injection (Decadron LA or Kenalog) every month, 6 months running have never caused any problems, mood wise. There is no question in some, with or without mental illness, cortisone has adverse reactions. Nor is there question of the long term effects if the dose is significant. I moved away from my allergies and most of the asthma, but do go home from time to time. This requires predisone, as much as needed and the a step down when I return. I get down to 5-10 mgs/day and am stuck there for 1 to 2 months. At this level, I can see how it could have significant anti depressive effect for some. For me, a traditional AD is better. Prednisone is not as good a "fit" as my current AD. I have also taken way too much in past and will have to from time to time now, so it is not a choice. Higher doses make me very happy, I always reduce my AD dosage. Really too happy.
Oracle is fully aware of the danger of cortisone, I did a geographic (relocation) to get off daily cortisone. I was in real danger of loss of bone and optic nerve damage, and others. Today both are fine. I have a history of life threatening asthma attacks, so I do take 5-10 mgs of cortisone a few times a month. My allergist, who is also an osteopath, and the eye doc indicate this dose is very unlikely to cause problems. I do not know what dose cortisone would be used for in depression. On 5-10 mgs of cortisone I show no depression of endogenous steroid levels.
Oracle
"There is no spoon"
poster:Oracle
thread:101477
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020402/msgs/101758.html