5 yr old prescribed a steroid inhaler to prevent ashtma, can it cause sleep disruption, mood swings, dependance, or shaking? hasn't started taking it.

Not likely: At the low doses that are generally prescribed, inhaled steroids are fairly well tolerated. You should ask your doctor about any possible long term growth issues in terms of final adult height with chronic use of steroids.

Take as prescribed: As the steroid is being inhaled and working directly in the lungs,systemic side-effects are rare.Inhaled steroids have not been associated with sleep disruption, dependence or shaking.There are case reports of aggression or agitation after use but again,very rare.If the dose is given appropriately (use aerochamber) and then have the child brush their teeth or rinse out their mouth to avoid thrush