Prednisone & Alcohol: Does it Mix?

Should I drink alcohol while on prednisone?

A young man asked me if alcohol caused his prednisone side effects to be so bad, even when he only used prednisone short-term.

Discover what I said and how prednisone and alcohol might interact.

Show Notes:

Alcohol + Prednisone:

• Cortisol
  •  Glucocorticoid
  • high blood sugar
  • diabetes
  • weight gain
    • How Prednisone Causes Weight Gain
  • Foods to avoid while on prednisone
• Immune System
  • immunosuppression
• Gut
  • peptic ulcers
  • upset stomach
  • internal bleeding
• Side effects
  • red burning cheeks,
  • hot
  • “can’t hold down as much”
  • “like drinking water”
  • face chubby
  • moon face
  • What your doctor won’t tell you about prednisone
• Osteoporosis
  • weakened bone density
  • malnourishment
  • irreversible
  • Prednisone Makes You Feel Old
• Sleep:
  • both alcohol and prednisone interfere with sleep quality, which can make everything worse!
• Cope
  • exercise
  • Separate alcohol and prednisone by at least 24 hours.
  • Never stop taking prednisone suddenly
  • Take calcium + D

​I just learned yesterday one more fact since recording this…
Alcohol interferes with the type of sleep that helps to consolidate memory. Prednisone also interferes with sleep quality. Therefore, when used in combination, prednisone and alcohol worsen sleep and memory as well.

Originally broadcast Live on the Prednisone Pharmacist Facebook Page.