Does prednisone cause headaches?

Why might prednisone cause headaches?

Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions, including autoimmune disorders, allergies, and skin issues [1]. While generally effective, prednisone can cause a range of side effects, including headaches.

What happens when taking prednisone and headaches occur?

When you take prednisone, it can alter the levels of certain neurotransmitters in your brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which regulate pain and mood [2]. This shift in neurotransmitter levels can lead to headaches, including migraines and tension headaches.

How common are headaches caused by prednisone?

Estimates suggest that headaches are among the most common side effects of prednisone, affecting up to 70% of patients taking the medication [3]. However, the severity and frequency of headaches can vary widely depending on the individual and the dosage of prednisone.

Who is more likely to experience headaches from prednisone?

Those who are more susceptible to developing headaches from prednisone include individuals with a history of migraines, tension headaches, or other headache disorders; those taking high doses of prednisone; and those with a family history of headaches [4].

What can be done to alleviate headaches caused by prednisone?

If you're experiencing headaches while taking prednisone, there are several steps you can take to alleviate them. These include: taking the medication with food to reduce stomach upset; staying hydrated to prevent dehydration; avoiding triggers such as bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells; and talking to your doctor about alternative medications or adjusting your dosage [5].

When does the risk of headaches from prednisone subside?

As the body adapts to the presence of prednisone, the risk of headaches tends to decrease over time. However, this can vary depending on the individual and the duration of treatment. Long-term use of prednisone can lead to rebound headaches, a condition in which frequent use of pain medication leads to a cycle of headache development and relapse [6].

Sources:

[1] - National Institutes of Health. (2020). Prednisone. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/prednisone

[2] - Mayo Clinic. (2020). Prednisone: Side effects. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/prednisone/art-20048260

[3] - Drugs.com. (2020). Prednisone side effects. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/sfx/prednisone-side-effects

[4] - Harvard Health Publishing. (2019). How to prevent and treat headaches. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-prevent-and-treat-headaches

[5] - MedlinePlus. (2020). Prednisone. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682415.html

[6] - National Headache Foundation. (2020). Rebound headache (medication overuse headache). Retrieved from https://www.headaches.org/understand/understand-headache-types/rebound-headache-medication-overuse-headache/