87 yr old mom acting strange....could predisone be the cause

[HamTown]

I agree with luvwinnie upthread. I used to work for a rheumatologist and it would be very, very unusual for a woman your mother's age to have a new diagnosis of RA. PMR is more likely, but it could be any number of things. Unfortunately, most of them would be treated with prednisone, and yes, it can make people mean and irritable. Please have her checked again by the rheumatologist and by her primary care physician if things don't improve.

Check this article about PMR and see if it sounds like your mother's illness
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/polymyalgia-rheumatica/DS00441/DSECTION=1

 

[Rella Bella]

My mom is 87 and recently diagnosed with Rhuematoid Arthritis. The specialist put her on a new RA drug and a daily dose of predisone. Can predisone cause personality changes? She has had a couple of outbursts that are not typical for her since starting the drug a few months ago. She called me tonight and told me that a family member (he lives at her house....keeps an eye on her)set a firecracker off in the house, then she changed the story and said that he had lite something and took it through her house causing the house to smell of smoke....I rushed over and there was absolutely no smell in the house indicating any of this. She claims he "got rid of the smell". I dont know how he would do that as the storm windows are in place and the windows can't be opened, plus fireworks smell doesnt disapate easily. I asked her why her smoke detectors didnt go off...she got mad at me and told me that I didnt believe her.... The family member said that he had no idea why she would think he had set a firecracker off in the house. He said he had purchased some bottle rockets and showed them to her and that he had set one off outside much earlier in the day. I had read somewhere in the med info packet that the drug could have some serious side effects.

Sorry I haven't read through yet but
YES!!!!
My Dad had a big change and it got worse the longer he was on it. At first it was used in short bursts but when he was on full time we notice a big change in his behavior and personality. I'd recommend talking to the doctor as soon as you can.

 

[Allie322]

HamTown: Thank you so much for that link! That article describes my mother exactly. Her general practioner has referred her to a rheumatologist. He told her she has RA. She can't get in to the specialist until the end of March and is really suffering in the mean time. We are working on trying to get her in sooner.
To the OP: Hoping things are better for you and your mom!