Tag: Steroid euphoria

While prednisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication, studies have shown that some patients, especially those on high doses, can experience psychological side effects ranging from mild mood changes to severe psychiatric disturbances. So, does prednisone make you high? The answer is nuanced, as it can induce a feeling of euphoria, but it is not a recreational drug.

A 2018 study found that nearly 50% of patients taking oral prednisone for inflammatory bowel disease reported mood changes within two weeks, with the majority experiencing a mood boost towards hypomania. If you've been prescribed this medication and find yourself wondering, 'Why do I feel so good after taking prednisone?', it is likely due to a well-known, dose-dependent side effect.

Affective and behavioral disturbances are common psychiatric side effects of corticosteroids like prednisone, occurring in approximately 5% to 18% of patients. This phenomenon, often termed "steroid euphoria," involves a sense of well-being or *inappropriate happiness prednisone* can induce, which is disproportionate to a patient's physical health.