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Can Steroid Intake Cause Depression And Anxiety?

Posted on Sat, 29 Jul 2017

Question: I am taking medication for depression and anxiety. A few days ago my doctor (not the same one who prescribed my mood medicine) put me on a steroid to help with inflammation on my heel. Since then my anxiety and depression have come back. Will this go away when I stop taking the steroids? I am tapering off and should be completely off in a few days.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your question.

Steroid are notorious for causing anxiety and mood changes including depression. I would indeed expect your mood to improve after you stop the steroids. It you remain depressed for more than 2 weeks after stopping, consult a doctor to consider antidepressant medication.

Dr Sheppe

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (15 minutes later)

I am already taking antidepressant meds. Neurontin, Lexapro, risperdone, & lamictal. Should I stop the steroids and switch to an inflamitory over the counter tablet or should I finish out the steroids and just deal with the effects.

In either case should I contact my Veterans MD?

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (30 minutes later)

sorry.meant anti-infammatory

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (0 minute later)

anti-inflammatory

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (31 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
I would absolutely not stop taking the steroids on your own. You need to discuss this with your prescribing physician. If the two of you decide that the steroids are not worth the potential mood side effects, you will need to taper off slowly.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng