Does prednisone make you sweat?

In this article:

• Does prednisone make you sweat?
• The science of why
• Types of prednisone sweating
• Managing the sweat
• When to see a doctor

In this article

• Does prednisone make you sweat?
• The science of why
• Types of prednisone sweating
• Managing the sweat
• When to see a doctor

Prednisone is an oral corticosteroid used to treat inflammation in the body caused by many different medical conditions and diseases, including asthma, allergic reactions, arthritis, and infections. It can reduce swelling and inflammation associated with temporary conditions, but is also prescribed to people with autoimmune disorders to suppress their immune system and prevent it from attacking healthy cells.

Although it’s not a primary side effect of prednisone, some people taking it experience an increase in sweating. Here’s why, plus what to do if this medication turns up your body’s internal thermostat.

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Can prednisone make you sweat?

Yes, prednisone can make you sweat. It’s not one of the drug’s most common side effects, but some people do report sweating while taking it, says Dana Manning, Pharm.D., RD, LDN, associate professor of pharmacy practice at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania. 

The prescribing information for prednisone includes increased sweating as a possible side effect, though there’s no estimate for how often it happens. The incidence is unknown, but research suggests it’s a small percentage. However,  it’s hard to parse out the true cause of sweating in some cases: If you’re taking prednisone for a respiratory illness with a fever, for example, you could be sweating because you’re sick, not because of the prednisone.

Some of the common prednisone side effects include:

• Acne
• Feeling tired
• Headache
• Increased appetite
• Weight gain 
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping

Serious side effects require urgent or emergency medical attention, and may include:

• Allergic reactions (hives, trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling)
• Cushing syndrome (stretch marks, thin skin, easy bruising, unexpected hair growth, or increased fat around the stomach, back, neck, or face)
• High blood sugar (feeling thirsty or hungry often, urinating frequently, weakness, blurry vision)
• Increased blood pressure
• Symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, or sore throat; pain while urinating, feeling unwell, wounds that are slow to heal
• Adrenal problems (nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, weakness, dizziness)
• Changes in your mood or behavior
• Stomach bleeding (blood in the stools/black and tarry stools, vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds)
• Swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles 

Prednisone can interact with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diabetes medications, and many other prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplements. Be sure to discuss any medications you’re taking with your healthcare provider.

Why does prednisone make you sweat?

Mild increases in sweating and temperature regulation are normal with prednisone, according to Kara Wada, MD, adult and pediatric allergist, immunologist, and lifestyle medicine physician based in Columbus, Ohio.

“Prednisone temporarily alters how your body regulates temperature, metabolism, and your autonomic nervous system,” Dr. Wada says, which is responsible for involuntary actions like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.

In addition to these bodily changes, there are a few specific reasons why you might experience sweating on prednisone:

• High cortisol: Per Dr. Manning, prednisone causes your body’s levels of a hormone called cortisol to rise, which helps the body prepare for stressful situations by doing things like increasing blood sugar, causing changes in body temperature, and increasing fluid retention. Prednisone basically overstimulates these reactions, she adds, and that can leave you feeling hot and sweaty. 
• High dose: “Symptoms tend to be dose dependent, meaning that higher doses and longer courses of treatment are more likely to lead to side effects [like sweating],” Dr. Wada says. 
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal shifts, like a rise in cortisol, can increase heat production and heat sensitivity in your body, leading to sweating, flushing, or feeling warm, says Dr. Manning. People with existing hormonal issues, like thyroid disease and women going through the perimenopausal transition, are even more prone to sweating as a side effect of prednisone, per Dr. Wada.

How does prednisone-induced sweating present?

Most people taking prednisone won’t find themselves constantly drenched in sweat. More often, sweating on prednisone is more intermittent or tends to occur at night, explains Dr. Wada.

“Most patients describe it as hot flashes or a sensation of sudden warmth, [usually] affecting the upper body, face, and neck,” Dr. Wada says. “Some people will have a more generalized increase in sweating, even without strenuous activity, but nighttime symptoms seem to be [the most] common and bothersome.”

Managing prednisone-induced sweating

If you experience sweating on prednisone, it’s likely to happen quickly. According to Dr. Wada, sweating usually starts within a day or two of starting the medication, especially when higher initial doses are used to get inflammation under control. 

The good news? For most people, sweating typically decreases once the dose is lowered and stops once the medication is discontinued, she adds. Often, prednisone is prescribed for short-term use. In the meantime, though, there are ways to manage prednisone-induced sweating.

1. Take your dose(s) early in the day, suggests Dr. Wada, to minimize nighttime sweating. Healthcare providers often recommend early morning dosing, as prednisone can cause insomnia. Be aware, though, that some people benefit from nighttime doses of prednisone, so it’s best to check with your provider about timing.
2. Wear breathable clothing made of cotton, bamboo, or rayon, and dress in layers so you can adjust your comfort as needed.
3. Avoid other things that can trigger feelings of heat or sweating, such as spicy food, caffeine, and alcohol, recommends Dr. Manning.
4. Keep your environment cool (especially your bedroom at night) and stay hydrated.
5. Use the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time that still allows you to manage your condition while minimizing side effects, says Dr. Manning. Always seek medical advice before changing doses. 
6. Take extra steps to keep your body and clothing dry. Dr. Manning suggests changing your clothes more frequently, showering more often, and using deodorant powders or antiperspirants. 

When to call your healthcare provider

In general, sweating isn’t a serious side effect of prednisone, and it tends to be limited to the course of the medication. Once you lower your dose or stop taking it, prednisone side effects, including sweating, should subside. 

However, some people need to take high doses of prednisone or need to stay on it for a long period of time, depending on the condition they’re treating. If you experience excessive sweating and feel like you can’t continue taking it, Dr. Manning says it’s time to speak with a healthcare professional. There may be an alternative to prednisone you can try.