Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Getting a steroid injection can be a big help for people with chronic pain or swelling. But some folks might feel anxious or have trouble sleeping after it. At Liv Hospitals, we get it when you worry about these side effects. We’re here to help you know what to look out for.

Steroid injections can cause short-lived neuropsychiatric symptoms, like anxiety. This usually starts a day after and goes away in a week. In this article, we’ll look into the latest studies. We’ll explain the main side effects you should know about.

Key Takeaways

• Steroid injections can cause anxiety and insomnia as common side effects.
• Neuropsychiatric symptoms usually appear within a day and resolve within a week.
• Understanding the possible side effects can help you prepare for the treatment.
• Liv Hospitals is committed to providing complete care and guidance throughout your treatment journey.
• Knowing the possible effects of cortisone shots can help ease your worries.

Understanding Steroid Injections and Their Purpose

Corticosteroid injections are used to reduce inflammation and pain. They are a valuable treatment for many conditions. They offer relief when other treatments don’t work.

Common Types of Steroid Injections

There are several types of steroid injections. Each has its own composition and use. The most common include triamcinolone, methylprednisolone, and betamethasone.

Doctors choose these steroids based on their strength, how long they last, and the condition being treated.

Medical Conditions Treated with Steroid Injections

Steroid injections treat many medical conditions. These include arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and other inflammatory disorders. They are great for managing flare-ups and reducing pain and swelling.

How Steroid Injections Work in the Body

Steroid injections reduce inflammation in the affected area. They mimic cortisol, a hormone the body naturally makes. This hormone helps suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.

By decreasing inflammation, steroid injections can ease pain and improve function.

For more information on the effects of steroid injections, check out our guide on how long anxiety lasts after a cortisone shot.

The Relationship Between Steroids and Neuropsychiatric Effects

It’s important to understand how steroid injections affect mental health. These injections are used to reduce inflammation and pain in many conditions. But they can also impact mental health, which doctors need to watch for.

How Steroids Affect Brain Chemistry

Corticosteroids in steroid injections can change brain chemistry. They affect the HPA axis, which controls stress responses. Changes in the HPA axis can lead to anxiety and mood changes.

Studies show that corticosteroids can alter brain neurotransmitters. This can cause psychiatric symptoms. For example, changes in glucocorticoid receptors can affect emotions and stress responses.

“Corticosteroids can have profound effects on the brain, leading to a range of psychiatric symptoms, from mild anxiety to severe psychosis.”

Risk Factors for Developing Psychological Side Effects

Several factors can increase the risk of psychological side effects from steroids. These include the dose and length of treatment, how susceptible a person is, and any pre-existing mental health conditions.

• High doses of corticosteroids are more likely to cause neuropsychiatric effects.
• Prolonged treatment with steroids increases the risk of developing psychiatric symptoms.
• Patients with a history of psychiatric disorders are more susceptible to the neuropsychiatric effects of steroids.

Prevalence of Anxiety After Steroid Treatment

Anxiety is a common side effect after steroid treatment. Studies show many patients develop anxiety symptoms, from mild to severe.

This highlights the need for careful monitoring and management of patients on steroids. Doctors should be aware of these risks and take steps to reduce them.

How Long Does Anxiety Last After a Steroid Injection?

Steroid-induced anxiety is a temporary condition. Its duration varies from person to person. We will discuss the typical timeline for anxiety symptoms after a steroid injection. We will also look at factors that can influence how long they last.

Typical Timeline for Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety symptoms usually start within the first 24 hours after a steroid injection. In most cases, they go away within a week. But the exact time can vary. This depends on the type of steroid, the dosage, and individual factors.

To understand the timeline better, let’s look at how anxiety symptoms progress:

• 0-24 hours: Anxiety symptoms often start within the first day after the injection.
• 1-3 days: Symptoms can peak during this period, with some experiencing heightened anxiety.
• 3-7 days: Anxiety starts to subside as the steroid takes effect and the body adjusts.
• 1-2 weeks: Most patients find their anxiety symptoms have resolved by this time.

Factors That Influence the Duration of Anxiety

Several factors can affect how long anxiety lasts after a steroid injection. These include:

• The type and dosage of the steroid used
• Individual health and medical history
• Presence of pre-existing anxiety or psychiatric conditions
• Other medications are being taken concurrently

Understanding these factors can help manage anxiety symptoms better.

When to Seek Medical Help for Persistent Anxiety

While anxiety after a steroid injection is usually temporary, it can sometimes last longer or become severe. We recommend seeking medical help if:

If you’re experiencing persistent or severe anxiety after a steroid injection, it’s important to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and support.

Insomnia After Cortisone Shots: Duration and Management

Many people struggle with sleep issues after getting cortisone shots. These shots are used to reduce inflammation and help with muscle and joint problems. But they can also mess with our sleep patterns, causing concern for both patients and doctors.

Why Steroid Injections Disrupt Sleep

Steroid shots, like cortisone, can upset our natural sleep cycle. They can make us feel more awake and alert, making it hard to fall asleep. The body’s stress response to the shot can also keep us awake, disrupting our sleep.

The effects of the shot are not just physical. The stress and worry about the treatment can also lead to insomnia.

Duration of Sleep Disturbances

Insomnia from cortisone shots usually lasts a few days, from one to three. The body’s reaction to the shot is strongest in the first 24 to 48 hours. After that, sleep usually gets back to normal as the steroid wears off.

Strategies to Manage Steroid-Induced Insomnia

To deal with insomnia after a cortisone shot, making lifestyle changes and, if needed, medical help is key. Keeping a regular sleep schedule and making your bedroom sleep-friendly are important. Avoiding caffeine and electronics before bed helps too.

Relaxation methods like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can also help calm your mind and body before sleep.

In some cases, doctors might suggest short-term sleep aids. But it’s important to follow their advice to avoid getting too reliant on these medications.

By understanding why insomnia happens after cortisone shots and using the right strategies, patients can reduce this side effect. This can make their recovery process better.

Blood Sugar Fluctuations Following Steroid Treatment

Steroid treatment can greatly affect blood sugar levels. It’s important to watch and manage these changes closely. Steroid injections help reduce inflammation and pain, but can also change blood sugar levels temporarily.

Impact on Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients

Both diabetic and non-diabetic patients can see changes in blood sugar after steroid treatment. Diabetic patients might face higher blood sugar, making it harder to manage their diabetes. Non-diabetic patients might also see their blood sugar go up, but this usually goes back to normal soon.

Diabetic Patients: Diabetic patients need to keep a close eye on their blood sugar after a steroid injection. The rise in blood glucose can be big, and they might need to change their diabetes plan.

Non-Diabetic Patients: Non-diabetic patients might not see as big of change in their blood sugar. But they should watch it after getting a steroid shot. This can help spot any problems early.

Duration of Blood Sugar Elevation

How long blood sugar stays high after steroid treatment varies. Usually, it goes back to normal in a few days to a week. But, this can depend on the steroid type, dose, and how the body reacts.

• The type and dose of steroid can affect how long blood sugar stays high.
• How the body reacts to the steroid also plays a big role.
• Diabetic patients might see their blood sugar stay high longer.

Monitoring and Managing Blood Sugar Changes

Managing blood sugar changes after steroid treatment is key. This means watching it closely and making changes to diet, exercise, or medicine if needed. Diabetic patients might need to check their blood sugar more often and adjust their insulin or medicine.

Key Strategies:

1. Watch blood sugar levels closely after steroid treatment.
2. Change diet and exercise as needed to manage blood sugar.
3. Diabetic patients should talk to their doctor about changing medicine.

Understanding how steroid injections affect blood sugar and taking steps to manage it can help avoid risks. This way, patients can keep their blood sugar stable.

Facial Flushing and Skin Changes After Injection

Facial flushing and skin changes can happen after a steroid injection. These effects are usually short-term but can worry some people.

Why Flushing Occurs After Steroid Administration

Facial flushing is caused by histamine release. This chemical makes blood vessels widen. This widening increases blood flow, causing the skin to turn red and warm.

Histamine release happens when steroids enter the body. How much it affects each person can vary.

How Long Skin Effects Typically Last

The length of facial flushing and skin changes depends on several things. These include the steroid type, dose, and how sensitive a person is.

Usually, these effects don’t last long. They can last from a few hours to a few days. Most of the time, they go away without needing treatment.

Distinguishing Normal Reactions from Allergic Responses

Facial flushing is often harmless, but it’s important to know the difference between it and an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include a big rash, itching, swelling, and trouble breathing.

If you’re worried about your symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider. They can offer advice.

Fatigue and Energy Levels Post-Injection

Some people feel tired after getting a cortisone shot. These shots help reduce inflammation and pain. But how they affect energy levels can differ for everyone.

Can Cortisone Shots Make You Tired?

Yes, cortisone shots can make some people feel tired. It’s not clear why, but it might mess with the body’s hormones. Not everyone gets tired, and how tired you feel can vary.

Duration of Fatigue Symptoms

How long fatigue lasts after a cortisone shot varies. It’s usually worst in the first few days. It usually gets better within a week or two.

Differentiating Between Normal Fatigue and Adverse Reactions

Some tiredness after a cortisone shot is normal. But, if you’re extremely tired or it lasts too long, it might be a sign of a problem. See your doctor if you’re really tired and it’s affecting your daily life. They can check if it’s just from the shot or if there’s something else going on.

Knowing how cortisone shots can affect energy helps with recovery. Being aware of possible side effects and when to get help is key. This way, you can make smart choices about your treatment.

Duration of Therapeutic Benefits from Cortisone Injections

Cortisone injections can offer relief for different lengths of time. This depends on the condition treated and how the body responds. They are used to reduce inflammation and ease pain in many parts of the body.

How Long Will a Cortisone Shot Last for Pain Relief?

The time pain relief lasts from cortisone shots varies a lot. People can get relief for weeks or months. For example, shots for tendinitis or bursitis might last a few months. But shots for osteoarthritis might not last as long.

Factors Influencing Duration:

• The condition being treated
• The individual’s overall health
• The accuracy of the injection
• The dose of cortisone used

Factors Affecting Duration of Benefits

Many things can change how long cortisone injections work. These include:

1. The severity of the condition being treated
2. The presence of underlying health issues
3. Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise
4. The frequency of cortisone injections

Doctors say, “The effectiveness and duration of cortisone shots can be significantly influenced by the patient’s lifestyle and adherence to post-injection care instructions.”

“Cortisone injections can provide significant relief for patients with inflammatory conditions, but their duration of benefit varies widely among individuals.”

Medical Expert

Expectations for Different Treatment Areas

The length of relief can also depend on where the injection is given. For example:

• Injections in weight-bearing joints like the knees may have shorter durations of benefit due to increased stress on these joints.
• Injections in non-weight-bearing joints, such as those in the hands or shoulders, might provide longer-lasting relief.

Knowing these factors helps both patients and doctors have better expectations for how long pain relief will last after cortisone injections.

Special Considerations for High-Risk Patients

Some people, like those with psychiatric conditions or who have had many steroid treatments, need extra care with steroid injections. We must think carefully about the risks and benefits for these patients. This ensures their treatment is safe and works well.

Patients with Pre-existing Psychiatric Conditions

People with a history of psychiatric disorders might face more risks from steroid injections. Anxiety and mood changes are possible side effects. We keep a close eye on these patients and consider their psychiatric history when deciding if steroid treatment is right for them.

For those with psychiatric conditions, we:

• Look at how serious their psychiatric history is
• Watch for early signs of neuropsychiatric side effects
• Change treatment plans to lower risks

Elderly Patients and Increased Sensitivity

Elderly patients might be more sensitive to steroid injections, leading to more side effects. Adjusting the dose carefully and watching them closely is key to reducing these risks.

When treating older patients, we think about:

1. Other health issues that might affect how steroids work
2. Medications they’re taking that could interact with steroids
3. How well their body can handle treatment

Individuals with Multiple Steroid Treatments

Those getting many steroid treatments face a higher risk of side effects. We must balance the benefits of these injections against the risks. We also look for other treatment options when needed.

For those getting many steroid treatments, we:

• Keep track of how often and how much they get
• Watch for signs of side effects building up
• Change treatment plans to reduce long-term risks

By considering these special needs, we can make steroid injections safer and more effective for high-risk patients.

Managing and Minimizing Side Effects

When we talk about steroid injections, managing side effects is key. At Liv Hospital, we focus on top-notch medical care. We use the latest methods to lessen side effects.

Preventative Measures Before Treatment

Before getting steroid injections, there are steps to take. Patients with pre-existing medical conditions should talk to their doctor. This helps understand any extra risks.

• Inform your doctor about any allergies or sensitivities.
• Discuss your medical history, including any previous reactions to steroid injections.
• Follow any pre-treatment instructions provided by your healthcare team.

Lifestyle Adjustments During Recovery

During recovery, some lifestyle changes can help. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated are key. They help your body recover and reduce risks.

• Monitor your blood sugar levels if you’re diabetic.
• Engage in gentle exercises as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Get plenty of rest to help your body recover.

Medical Interventions for Severe Side Effects

If side effects are severe or last long, medical help is needed. Our team is ready to provide detailed care. This includes treatments for side effects.

Possible medical interventions may include:

• Adjusting medication to alleviate symptoms.
• Providing additional treatments to counteract side effects.
• Monitoring patients closely for any signs of complications.

By taking steps before treatment, adjusting your lifestyle, and being ready for medical help, you can lessen side effects. This makes steroid injections safer and more effective.

Conclusion: Balancing Benefits and Side Effects of Steroid Injections

Steroid injections are a valuable treatment for many medical conditions. They offer significant benefits to patients. But they can also have side effects that need to be managed.

We have looked at how steroid injections can affect the mind, causing anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue. It’s important to balance their benefits and risks.

Choosing the right patients, monitoring them closely, and managing side effects are key. Knowing when side effects like anxiety might happen helps patients deal with their treatment better.

There are ways to lessen the impact of side effects, like making lifestyle changes or using medical treatments. Doctors are essential in guiding patients through their treatment. They offer personalized care and support.

In the end, steroid injections can be safe and effective if used wisely. By considering the benefits and risks and taking steps to reduce side effects, patients can get the best results from their treatment.

FAQ

Reference:

Cole, J. L. (2020). Steroid-induced sleep disturbance and delirium: A focused review for critically ill patients. PMC, 7357890. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7357890/