Do cortisone shots cause insomnia?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 06, 2026
Answer. Commonly experienced adverse reactions from corticosteroid injections include dizziness, nervousness, facial flushing, insomnia, and transient increased appetite.
How long does insomnia last after a cortisone injection?
The cortisone may result in palpitations, hot flushes, insomnia, and mild mood disturbance. This usually resolves within 24 hours and no treatment is necessary.
What are the side effects of a cortisone shot?
Side effects can include:
- Cartilage damage.
- Death of nearby bone.
- Joint infection.
- Nerve damage.
- Temporary facial flushing.
- Temporary flare of pain and inflammation in the joint.
- Temporary increase in blood sugar.
- Tendon weakening or rupture.
Can a cortisone shot make you anxious?
The injection may also cause some patients to feel mildly anxious or agitated, and they may develop difficulty with sleep for the first 1-2 nights after the injection. A true allergic reaction to cortisone is very rare, but may occur due to other components of the injection, such as the local anaesthetic.
How long does cortisone anxiety last?
It's normal to feel some mild symptoms for about a week or two as you taper off prednisone. Don't take any OTC pain medicine or prescription drugs without asking your doctor first. Psychological withdrawal symptoms could last for 2 to 8 weeks.
21 related questions foundDo you need to rest after a cortisone injection?
Common side effects
You may also get some bruising where the injection was given. This should go away after a few days. It helps to rest the joint for 24 hours after the injection and avoid heavy exercise. It's safe to take everyday painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Can a steroid shot affect your sleep?
Side effects of injections given into the blood tend to be similar to side effects of steroid tablets, such as increased appetite, mood changes and difficulty sleeping.
What should you not take before a cortisone shot?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
Ibuprofen medication like Advil, Nuprin, aspirin, or most pain relievers should not be used before the procedure. NSAIDs affect platelet behavior in the blood, which can affect how well it clots.
Does a cortisone shot affect the whole body?
Cortisone shots are used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory conditions affecting your joints or other parts of your musculoskeletal system. They're generally safe, but they can cause side effects that either affect the treated area or your whole body.
What are the disadvantages and side effects of cortisone injections?
Cortisone Shot Disadvantages and Side Effects
Shrinkage and lightening of the color of the skin where you get the shot. Infection. Bleeding from broken blood vessels in the skin or muscle. Soreness where you get the shot.
How long does it take for a cortisone shot to take effect?
It can take up to 7 days for a cortisone injection to begin working in the body. The effects of the injection usually last up to 2 months, but sometimes longer. Cortisone can reduce inflammation that damages joints.
Does cortisone cause weight gain?
Steroids affect your metabolism and how your body deposits fat. This can increase your appetite, leading to weight gain, and in particular lead to extra deposits of fat in your abdomen.
How long does a cortisone shot last?
Generally, a cortisone shot can suppress pain for anywhere from six weeks to six months.” Cortisone provides pain relief by reducing inflammation.
How many cortisone shots can you get in a lifetime?
You can only have three cortisone injections in a lifetime
Generally, if the first injection doesn't work, the second and third probably won't either. Moreover, you should limit yourself to 2-3 injections in one area over 3-6 months.
Can a steroid injection keep you awake?
Commonly experienced adverse reactions from corticosteroid injections include dizziness, nervousness, facial flushing, insomnia, and transient increased appetite.
Why does a cortisone shot hurt so much?
The corticosteroids in the injection are formulated as slow-release crystals to give you long-term pain relief. Pain relief usually lasts for several months. However, the presence of these crystals can irritate your joint, which is what creates the sensation of pain around the area of the shot.
Can you take pain meds after a cortisone shot?
It infrequently occurs after a cortisone shot, however, it may not happen at all. If it does occur and your discomfort increases, try to rest, apply ice to the area, and take over-the-counter pain medication, such as Motrin/Advil (Ibuprofen), Aspirin, or Tylenol, if needed.
How long after a cortisone shot can I walk?
The injection consists of two medications: Cortisone (a steroid) and Marcaine (a numbing agent). It is recommended that you refrain from any high level activities using your knee for approximately 48 hours. Routine activities including walking are permitted.
Does cortisone make you tired?
Cortisone oral tablet doesn't cause drowsiness. However, it can cause other side effects.
What causes big stomach in females?
There are many reasons why people gain belly fat, including poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress. Improving nutrition, increasing activity, and making other lifestyle changes can all help. Belly fat refers to fat around the abdomen.
What foods to avoid while on steroids?
It is important to avoid "simple" carbohydrates and concentrated sweets, such as cakes, pies, cookies, jams, honey, chips, breads, candy and other highly processed foods. This helps keep blood sugar low. Limit saturated fat and cholesterol. Choose lean meats, poultry and fish.
What is the difference between a steroid shot and a cortisone shot?
“Steroid” is short for corticosteroid, which is different from the hormone-related steroid compounds that some athletes use. You may hear them called cortisone injections, cortisone shots, steroid shots, or corticosteroid injections. Steroids ease inflammation and slow your immune system.
What is better than a cortisone shot?
While cortisone shots delivers that instant pain relief chronic pain sufferers may be longing for, PRP therapy ARE the better alternative in the long run. Thanks to the healing properties of PRP, patients can both find relief and long-term health benefits from this type of treatment.
Can a cortisone shot affect your heart?
Prednisone and hydrocortisone are two examples of steroids. Yet well-known adverse effects of these potent anti-inflammatory medications can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity -- risk factors for heart disease.
Can I drink coffee while on steroids?
Avoid stimulants, such as caffeine, because these can worsen insomnia, a side effect of prednisone.