Steroid Epidural Injections - Hi guys, have any of you experienced extreme crabby mood after having?

Lara,
I have had quite a few of these injections. They do help with the pain, but, I turn into a different person. I become mean, emotional then mean again. Everything inside feels confused, I feel confused. But, fortunately this doesn't last very long. By the 4th or 5th day, im pretty close to normal.
Continue with the injections when needed, the pain relief lasts longer than the crazy does!
Vick

I tried them 10 years ago while still on a long acting narcotic too, and I experienced increased pain in my disc radiating down my leg for 2 weeks. Today, I happened to research about this, (because I moved and am going to a new pain doctor Friday), and I wasn't surprised what I found.
Look up FDA warning on steroid injections... They were never approved and are being used "off-label".
Long term use can and according to the FDA, does, cause serious health problems.
I was on long acting narcotics for 20 years and lived a productive life. Been off of them for 2 years now, but have become a couch potato, and gained 80 lbs. Thats why I'm trying to get back on them, but with new guidelines, and this Opioid epidemic in this country, I'm not too confident the visit will go well.

I am so glad to find this I thought something was really wrong with me. I have self medicated for many years with alcohol and was always a happy drunk... (I could drink anyone under the table) not bragging. It started as a way to relieve the pain. I have had 2 injections now and I take 2 drinks and blackout. I only get to hear parts of how mean I was during the blackouts. I have never done this before. I am a very responsible person and do not drink every day. I feel like I need to explode on my family for any little thing. I never understood why until now. I was scared something was mentally wrong with me. I have been looking for the side effect all day and found nothing really until I looked for steroid injections and anger. I had already decided to stop drinking all together. It intensifies the situation and I don't remember anything I do to the people I love the most. I feel like a horrible person. I am usually the one holding everyone together. I wish I had been warned. I have felt so crazy for the last 2 months.

I have a bad arm today,and have visitors... it is hard not to get mad!
Ha! Ha!If they had half the pain you are going through, they wouldn't be all smiley either!!! I know I'll be cheerful, and try my best to make them happy... but hell! I needed two more painkillers??? Don't give up the fight!

"You don't have to justify anything. Being pissed off is absolutely ok." ~Tori Amos
I found this from someone else...
I just liked it!

It is just a Quote ! I think medication, even your injection steroid, has different side effects... mine was no problem, but we all react differently.

Hello Cranky Pants!
Sounds as if you are as sensitive to the mood affecting steroids as I am. I always refuse them when I've got bronchitis or whatever since my family and I just can't stand that side effect. I can be cranky all by myself - chemically induced crankiness is not required!! I still love your mean ole butt!
Lisa

Hello Mac12
Corticosteroids are a hormones thus as a side effect they can alter you mood. Such as becoming aggressive, irritable and short tempered. Some people have mood swings very happy one minute and very sad the next. It does tend to resolve itself. Just out of interest what did you have the procedure for?
Take care.

I've never had the steroid epidural, but was on high doses of steroids along with my chemo. I was so crabby that my cats hid from me! I know firsthand that steroids will make you b*tchy. This too shall pass, Lara. Hang in there! I am so glad that you have pain relief. That is wonderful news. It's about time for you to get some relief, girl! I'll be getting an epidural soon for my back, so I'm glad you posted this question. It tells me what I can look forward to. Yay! I think I'll just go ahead and put my poor cats in boarding! lol
Love ya,
Kathy

It is a side effect of the steroids Lara. They tell you that they dont act systemically but that is BS because they do. Irritability is a side effect of the steroid. It can also be a side effect of the sedation leaving your system but most of what they use (usually fentanyl and midazolam) is short acting so the most likely culprit is the actual steroid. It should get better soon.