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What Causes Increased Anxiety After Cortisone Injection?

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Posted on Mon, 26 Oct 2015
Question: I received a cortisone injection in my knee 12 days ago for pain. Ever since, anxiety has increased more & more along with panic attacks. I have an underlying anxiety disorder and told them that I react that way to any steroid. Is this normal, and if so, how long do these symptoms last?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sassen S Kwasa (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, steroids will make a normal person jittery.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to HCM. Since you are dealing with anxiety, the side effects of steroids which, includes jitteriness, Mood swings, emotional instability, euphoria, personality changes, and even depression, will further exacerbate you're feeling of anxiety and feeling panicky. The steroids could stay in your body for up to one month however the symptoms should start subsiding within a week. This also depends on the dose of steroid injection he received in your knee. I hope this helps good luck.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sassen S Kwasa (59 minutes later)
So, since it took a week for symptoms to peak, it could possibly be another week?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sassen S Kwasa (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes correct, now that will also depend on a few factors...

Detailed Answer:
Remember that we all metabolize medications differently, some of us remove them/break down/use up the medications faster or slower than others. Depending how close the steroids are to blood supply that lets it "leak" into the rest of the body, all these will a a direct impact on the symptoms you feel. But I anticipate that in another week your symptoms should be better.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sassen S Kwasa (2 hours later)
Thank you very much! I thought that maybe I was going crazy for good! Thanks for peace of mind. There really aren't many people educated on these things. Believe me, I've asked several pharmacists, the doctor, etc. They're answers were "maybe, could be, not sure, and so on."
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sassen S Kwasa (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome! We are here for you if you need more help in the future.

Detailed Answer:
I am also glad that you will have some more peace of mind, we do not want to add onto your anxiety. I wish you good health.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Sassen S Kwasa

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 502 Questions

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What Causes Increased Anxiety After Cortisone Injection?

Brief Answer: Yes, steroids will make a normal person jittery. Detailed Answer: Welcome to HCM. Since you are dealing with anxiety, the side effects of steroids which, includes jitteriness, Mood swings, emotional instability, euphoria, personality changes, and even depression, will further exacerbate you're feeling of anxiety and feeling panicky. The steroids could stay in your body for up to one month however the symptoms should start subsiding within a week. This also depends on the dose of steroid injection he received in your knee. I hope this helps good luck.