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Dexamethasone tapering off- is it normal to feel weaker and tired?

Aremid
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  • 44 subscribers
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Hello,

I was on Dexamethasone 8mg for a month, and frankly felt truly awful! It interacted with my antidepressants leaving me feeling as high as a kite, like I was a prophet (no joke!). Sometimes angry, and sometimes very teary. I also ate everything in sigh, so have put on this weird weight around my stomach, that looks like I'm pregnant (I'm male), a face like I describe as a fat chipmunk and the beginnings of what I think looks like a hunchback! 

So, my specialist Dr  has begun to taper me off which I'm think I'm pleased about: 

  • wild moods stabilised (yay)
  • eating less (though sweet tooth remains just not as voracious
  • sleeping a bit better too

But::

  • when do I loose chipmunk face, and distended stomach? I'm scared that I'll be disfigured until my time comes Disappointed
  • I've noticed that I do get tired more easily, and while on my walker to get around at home have slowed down- dexa gave me more energy.My movement seems weaker overall, Will this get better with exercise to build strength up again?

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to be tapering off and feeling normal, but that normal is certainly more subdued and slower and slightly achy Slight smile Just checking this is common.

Much thanks, 

Aremid 

  • Hi Aremid,

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the Online Community. I’m David, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    Sorry to hear you’ve been on such a roller coaster with your Dexamethasone. Unfortunately, the symptoms that you describe are common side effects of steroids.

    We normally recommend that if you have a new symptom, a symptom that persists, gets worse or is changing, then you must make your healthcare team aware.

    Steroids are naturally produced in the body and help control the ways our bodies work.

    When the body is under stress, for example during serious illness or after an injury, it naturally makes extra steroids. These help the body cope better.

    If your taking steroids for 3 weeks or longer, your body is less able to make them quickly. However, if you stop taking steroids, your body will eventually begin to make its own natural steroids again.

    Reducing the dosage you take or tapering off is designed to reduce the risk of withdrawal effects. This gives your body a chance to adjust and start making its own steroids again.

    Exercise and increasing your physical activity can help reduce tiredness, reduce anxiety and depression, help keep a healthy weight, strengthen your muscles, and improve balance.

    A healthy balanced diet will all help towards your general health and well-being.

    Sometimes people find strength in talking with others who share similar experiences. Our Online Community may be a good place to start.

    With best wishes

     

    David T – Macmillan

     

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

     

    REF/ JL

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