Corticosteroid medications treat rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma, allergies, and many other conditions. These drugs also help suppress the immune system to prevent organ rejection in transplant recipients.

Some steroids say that the drugs make them feel powerful and full of energy. However, steroids are also known to increase irritability, anxiety, and aggression and cause mood swings and paranoia, particularly when taken in high doses.

Steroids do not cause substantial side effects if taken for a short time or at low doses. But sometimes, they can cause undesirable side effects, such as increased appetite, mood swings, and trouble sleeping. This is more common with steroid tablets.