Denise,

"Can anyone share some insights with me on using Prednisone
for a sinus/throat infection? What is the reason for using
prednisone?"

Well....I'm not a doctor but I guess I can play one in this
newsgroup.  :>)

I'll take a shot at your question:

From what I understand, and from what I have personally
experienced, nothing works better at reducing swelling /
inflammation better than prednisone (steroids). I believe
they help your body / immune system to then deal with the
problem instead of being so overwhelmed

"I've been on it a couple of days and find myself a little
hyper. Is that usual?"

I don't think so.

When I came off of them or when the dose was reduced, I
would bounce off the walls and could not sleep. If I
remember right they also made me sweat and had other
nasty side effects.

IOW, I think your doing fine and what your describing is very
common.

Perhaps someone more qualified will come along and tell you
how full of it I am but this is how I truly understand them.

Hope this helped,

jon

Jon's  post is a good response and is accurate.

It does tend to make you a bit jittery.   Try some exercise to calm yourself
down for the few days duration (that worked well for me when I was taking
them).  They will be tapering off in a day or two....

Reduces the inflammation, which may help reduce pain and swelling and
congestion.  But it's not anti-infective, so you may still need antibiotics.

Methylpredisone is known to have that side effect.  It sure did with me.
Try taking it first thing in the morning so that this effect has worn
off by the time you're ready for bed.  And avoid anything else that
might be stimulating, like coffee or other forms of caffeine.