Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

I have been on this drug for about 12 months straight going anywhere between 5mg to 30 mg a day I have put on 15lbs this year. I have started 50 mg of topamax 3 weeks ago & it seems to be stopping the weight gain & the other horrible side effects I get from the predisone.

I started prednisone last November and have gained 45 lbs. My doc said that prednisone makes your brain think you're hungry and empty, so you feel hungry even after eating a full meal! Since I was already OW to begin with, it is all too easy to gain weight.

The other thing is that I was warned not to do any exercise or put any stress on my joints while I am in a flare. I have been in a flare, one right after the other for the last year. I think I see daylight ahead...I am slowing being weaned off the prednisone now that I am on Humira.

So my best advice to you is right now, don't listen to your body's signals about hunger - it lies! Journal what you eat, or even better plan out what you are going to eat in advance - that might help you keep control. The other thing is that while on prednisone, you never feel full. Your stomach may be bursting and your head still wants that next bite! Good luck...knowledge is power...jilly

I'd like to know how much your dosage is. I've been on prednisone for 1 year now. I started on 10mg, and went as low as 5, then flared, and back up to 10, now I've been lowering for some time now and back down to 7. At first I gained about 10lbs. Uncontrollable hunger. But knowing that gaining weight adds pressure and possibly more flares, I forced myself to control it and as a result I was hungry a lot. I had read once that one pound of weight equals 15lbs of pressure on your joints. I also read that toxins are stored in your fat cells. Knowing this, I was on a long term goal to bring my weight down. Over this past year, I lost 15lbs. I did work out during flares..........just easy gentle walking or swimming even though I would cry through it. Now I'm not flaring and I hit the gym. I do more than what's recommended. I even use weights if I feel my body can handle it. I've worked mainly on my knees and as a result, my knees never give me any problems. Now I'm working to strengthen my wrists. But granted, I am really listening to my body. If it's too tired, I rest, if I think I can make it, I push. A lot of this has been a bit of trial and error. Don't let yourself gain weight. I know it's really a struggle, but find things that will make you feel full without the calories. Eat lots of apples, they are both filling and anti-inflammatory And remember that exercise lubricates your joints. So if you can find a pool or go for a gentle walk, or even constantly moving a joint here and there so you don't get as stiff, it will really help. Good luck to you!

Each time I am on prednisone I gain weight. Unlike Jilly and Sarah while on prednisone I am ravenous as much as I always feel very full and bloated like I just ate a 3 course meal. I just think for me I retain water weight while on it. Like Sarah I excercise or try to 4-5 days a week always giving myself the weekends off to rest my body. When I overdo like I did this last Monday 5 1/2 miles I have to wait a few days before I have the strength to excercise again. The key to both eating and excercise is moderation. With that said...I personally do nothing in moderation! lol Go figure. Anyway, to answer your question yes most people gain weight on prednisone...maybe that's why I like to refer to it as pregnisone! lol Good luck honey. Regardless of the negative side effects there is NOTHING like it to relieve inflammation and pain!

It's definitely true that prednisone makes you retain water. There's really nothing you can do about that aspect-the bloating, water weight, etc. Just do the best you can! I agree, it's a wonderful drug to hate!

Hi,
Yes, I've gained weight taking prednisone, too. It is one of the lovely side effects. It also can cause depression; however, when the pain is untolerable it is something I have to take. I know the frustration of putting on the weight. Is seems like a vicious circle. Take care.
Deb.

I have lost so much weight since RA, that I wish the pred would make me gain. I am severely underweight, which is just as much of a problem as being overweight. I think if you are prone to weight gain, it would. I tend to lose my appetite when I'm in pain, and I wish the pred would change that. I've been on 5mg for over a year, with higher doses during flares.

It made me lose weight at first, and now i'm just my average weight. I don't think i'm gaining, but i would if i ate alot. I try not to eat sometimes. I'll take a cup of muscle milk if i am hungry and i don't want to eat.

I also have been on Prednisone since March when I was diagnosed with RA. I was on 60 mg at first and have been able to slowly reduce it down to 5 mg, which is my current dose. I also gained a lot of weight, about 35 lbs, most of it coming in the first 6 weeks or so. I hate the weight gain, but it works great for the pain and swelling. My family doctor first prescribed it to me, then would not give me a refill one week prior to me going to see my Rheumy because he wanted her to see the symptoms. That was the worst week of my life! I knew there was something that would help, but he wouldn't give it to me! The moment I saw my Rheumy, she immediately gave me injections of Prednisone. The next day most of the symptoms were gone. Prednisone to me is a miracle drug. It has some bad side effects, but it stops the pain!

I knew that a side effect to predinsone was weight gain so I tried to keep my eating in line. The problem is that you get so hungry feeling! So I have been trying to keep healthy snacks nearby. I hate the way it makes me feel though, really agiatated, dizzy and sick to my stomach. Its like drinking 5 cups of coffee and running a marathon.
ek.