Dexamethasone
25 months agoTell us about your experience with Dexamethasone if you have ever been on it.
Dexamethasone (Decadron) is a corticosteroid, a medication that reduces edema (swelling) around brain tumors by decreasing the tendency of fluid to leak from the blood vessels into the surrounding brain tissue. In addition to its effects in reducing edema, it is often used with chemotherapy to control nausea and vomiting. Dexamethasone is available as an intravenous form or in tablets.
Most brain tumor patients are given dexamethasone before surgery, and many have noticed improvement in their symptoms within days of beginning treatment with dexamethasone. However, high doses of dexamethasone cannot be continued indefinitely because of the side effects that tend to become more pronounced with a longer duration of therapy.
Because dexamethasone suppresses normal hormone production by the adrenal gland, serious side effects can occur if you suddenly stop taking it. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly when taking dexamethasone or when tapering off of it.
The side effects of dexamethasone vary with the dose and duration of use, and also from patient to patient. Some of the most common side effects include weight gain, heartburn, fluid retention, muscle weakness, increased appetite, osteoporosis, insomnia, depression, nervousness, mania/mood swings, high blood sugar, low potassium, high blood pressure, thinning hair, rash or acne, thin skin, increased risk of infection, and cataracts.
Rapid withdrawal of dexamethasone may cause muscle and joint aches, low blood pressure, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, low-grade fever, and headache. Sometimes it is necessary to continue the dose of dexamethasone at a constant level for a longer period of time to allow recovery from steroid withdrawal symptoms. After recovery, your doctor will try to taper the drug at a slower rate.
Dexamethasone also can interact with many drugs, including anticonvulsants such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and phenobarbitol. Dexamethasone may cause stomach upset when given with aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil).
M.L.'s comment:
When I was taking dexamethasone, the primary side effect that I experienced was weight gain. Just about every one I know that has taken dexamethasone has also experienced weight gain. Most people don't like to gain weight (myself included). To go through this experience is very frustrating; however, I had to just "suck it up" and realize that this was part of being sick. Frankly, I was happy to be alive, but the weight gain still bothered me at times. I think it's OK to be frustrated when the weight gain occurs, just as long as you don't let the frustration consume you. I have seen other patients' attitudes become so negative because of their weight gain. This isn't healthy. Just remember the weight WILL COME OFF! I promise! I gained about 20 pounds or more and eventually it all came off. I really had to work at losing the last 5 pounds, but I did lose it.
Excerpt from: http://dfw-neuronetwork.com/part_9.htm
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