Like all medicines, dexamethasone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Most side effects depend on the dose you're taking and how long you are taking dexamethasone for. Read more about taking steroids long term.
Changes in behaviour and mood
Dexamethasone, in high doses, can cause changes in personality, behaviour and mood for some people, for example:
- irritability, agitation and restlessness
- sleep problems (insomnia) and nightmares
- mood swings and aggression
- low mood, depression and even suicidal thoughts.
These symptoms usually start within a few days of starting dexamethasone, but they can happen at any time, even after stopping treatment.
While these symptoms often go away when your dose is reduced or dexamethasone is stopped, stopping dexamethasone must be done slowly as directed. Stopping too quickly can make these symptoms worse. You are at higher risk of mood and behaviour changes if you have had similar reactions to other steroids, or if you have a personal or family history of psychiatric illness.
If you have changes in mood and behaviour, especially depression and suicidal thoughts, tell your doctor immediately or phone Healthline 0800 611 116.
Other side effects
Side effects |
What should I do? |
|
- Take dexamethasone in the morning.
|
- Headache
- Muscle weakness, feeling tired
|
- These are quite common when you first start taking dexamethasone and usually go away with time.
- Tell your doctor if these bother you.
|
|
- Dexamethasone increases your appetite.
- Follow a healthy, balanced diet.
- Have an eating plan.
|
- Fluid retention causing swollen ankles and feet
|
- If possible, sit with your feet raised.
- Avoid salty foods.
- Tell your doctor if this happens.
|
|
- Dexamethasone can cause an increase in blood glucose.
- If you have diabetes, you may need to increase the dose of your diabetes medicine to control your blood glucose. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Dexamethasone can also cause diabetes in people who are at risk.
- Your doctor will check your blood glucose levels regularly.
|
- Eye pain and changes to your vision
|
- Tell your doctor immediately or phone Healthline 0800 611 116.
|
- Problems with your stomach, eg, pain, blood in your stool (poo) or dark coloured stool (poo)
|
- Tell your doctor immediately or phone Healthline 0800 611 116.
|
Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.