I know this isn't a medical forum, but with so many wonderful people here, I'm hoping maybe someone will have some insight for me!
I have a 13 year old daughter with a rare form of kidney disease. I'd tell you all about it, but it doesn't matter much for this. She had been in medicated remission for five years, meaning her kidneys were still being damaged but they were doing their job. About three months ago, she relapsed and as per standard treatment, her nephrologist put her on a relatively high dose of prednisone.
This time around though, the prednisone is giving her some wicked side effects. Not only does she have the chubby cheeks and mood swings, but also has anxiety, mental confusion, the feeling of not being in control and something that seems like a mild seisure.
Because stopping the prednisone suddenly is something that can't be done as it can damage other things, she has to wean off slowly and it's going to be over a month still till she is pred free. Right now she is missing school as she wouldn't be able to handle having an 'episode" at anywhere other than at home. (with me right beside her holding her as tight as I can and trying to be reassuring)
I'd be really interested in hearing if anyone has experience with the more rare side effects of prednisone, be it in a child or an adult.

Check this site..
If your daughter is have "mild seizures" contact the Emergency room or your dr. immediately... that's a serious side effect.
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/prednisone-side-effects.html

So sorry about your daughter's health problems and what you are adealing with. Prednisone is one of those drugs you love-hate. Love it for the good it can ultimately give. Hate it for the nasty side effect that can result.

You're right, you need to wean off it very very slowly and certainly according to the Dr. recommendations. There may be other issues than just the prednisone causing these seizures and/or some of the other side effects. You must be your daughters advocate for there medical matters.

Please!! be proactive and speak with your Dr. immediately about her current symptoms and don't assume they are side effects, and to see what can be done to resolve them or at least to minimize them. Good Luck!

My son spent most of his early childhood on prednisone. We've been through all of those side effects. Talk with your doctor, but likely she will still have to come off of it slowly.

Prednisone is wonderful stuff, but at the same time, it's awful stuff.

My husband has been on prednisone since 1990 and doesn't have any side effects. He was in kidney failure and had to have a new kidney and pancreas transplant. He is no longer a diabetic now.

Please ask your Dr. as something else might not be right with some of her medications.

Karen, Craftybear

Been on it for 30+ yrs. I guess luckily I've only had the mild side effects wt gain. Chubby cheeks. Osteoporosis. Thin skin. Infections. Not sure my anxiety is from the pred. Before taking it couldn't breath to walk to bathroom! Taken me yrs but now down to small daily dose.
So sorry. Hopefully a smaller dose will help with minimum side effects. God bless and good luck.

Prayers for you and your daughter. It must be challenging to watch your daughter go through all of this.
My mom is on Prednisone. She hates it, and she can't wait to get off some of it. She has the chubby cheeks and mood swings. And, you can tell if she needs a snack.
She hasn't had seizures from it.
I agree with the others. You should speak, promptly, with your child's physician about the seizures.
Let us know how she's doing. It must be hard on her not to be able to go anywhere.

My mother was put on too high a does of prednisone by a rheumatologist and he "forgot" about her. She was on too long and it did wicked things to her blood sugar and blood pressure. She ended up hospitalized. We found another rheumatologist who put her on a very low dose and monitored her CLOSELY. She weaned her off soon and slowly. Mom did very well and the prednisone did what we needed it to do. We must be very proactive in our medical care. Doctors aren't perfect, but their mistakes can be deadly. I will pray for your daughter.

Thanks so much everyone! I've read everything I could read online about the side effects (from trusted medical sites) and I did have her into emergency tonight because of the seizures. He was reassuring in that they are likely not actual seizures but more of a trembling side effect of the pred. He is however sending her to a neurologist just to hopefully rule out anything else. I'm hoping to can stop into the nephrology unit at the same time. Thanks again guys!

Craftybear, my daughter will one day need a transplant too. I'm glad to hear all went well for your husband. Did he have kidney failure because of the diabetes? I know it's a large cause of kidney failure.

Lisa, thanks! How old was your son? Did he experience any mental type side effects? My daughter experiences a feeling of loss of control over her body, and what I'd describe as mental confusion.

My Mom had a kidney disease too, and when it would act up it caused many of the side effects you describe, without being on prednisone. When she went on it, they would worsen.

I have SLE and Psoriatic Arthritis, when I was diagnosed some years ago I was prescribed Pred. The side-effects were the reason I was weaned off it and now I am a "Pred. refuser" (this was done with the help/advice of my Rheumatologist/GP/Neuro - fortunately they all communicate!). One of the worst side-effects for me was the mental side of things, so I can understand what you are going through with your daughter. Continue seeking their advice and maybe keep a symptom diary (sounds weird but it is useful to have with you when speaking to the Drs.).

All the best and hope your daughter feels better soon.

I have a autoimmune disease that has had me on Prednison for over a year now. I have gained 40 lbs and I do feel alittle out of it somedays. I read here of high doses an not so high doses. Well, I am on 25mg a day is that high or not so high? I will probably always have to be on this but the alternative for me just isnt a option. I hope your daughter can find something that does work for her. ANd I will be watcing this post to see what others say.

have a son who had to be put on prednisone a few times---side effects you are describing are ones you should CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT IMMEDIATELY. he may do something different to stop the effects right away- when side effects are more than a little annoying- or if you have more than one of the side effects that means something is amiss and needs to be checked out- do not put off for a month trying to wean her--get her to a dr who can do something for her now.

I have a friend that is and has been on it for quite a while he said that it made him feel loopy and it made him have kidney problems the latest he started to have grand mal seazures the doctor is finaly weaning him off it. I do not like it thank goodness it gives me bad headaches so I only get the z-pac and I am not a happy camper when the pulmonary doctor puts me on it

That poor kid! Prednisone is one of those love/hate drugs.
I'm wishing you all the best!!!

Hugs to you! It has to be horrible to have your child go through all that. Will pray for you both.

Unfortunately, prednisone side effects are common. I personally had to take prednisone on and off for a few years. I had all the side effects underneath the moon. I will keep your child in my prayers.

I AGREE!!!!!!! Go to the ER right away and or call her doc. I have siezures and it sounds like that's whats happening. I've taken predizone but not in high dozes and haven't had side effects. You need to get medical advice from doctors not quilters, no offense to anyone intended. Even if there are docs on here they need to "see" her to check her out.

I was on high doses, booster doses of 60mg for a week, twice, tapered down after four month. I've never had the seizures, but definitely mental confusion, anxiety, the moon face, which I still have, fat redistribution around my body, increased facial hair. I'm a natural blonde thankfully or I would have looked like I had a beard! I gained 23 lbs last summer, and over the past 10 years I've gained 50 lbs from prednisone. The fat redistribution has made my stomach stick out like I'm about 7 months pregnant and I wasn't like that before. Prednisone is a wonderful drug for serious illnesses but has some very nasty side effects. Good luck to you and your daughter.