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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Quickie question re prednisone
        
(Message started by: CynthiaB on Dec 1^st, 2006, 5:51pm)

Title: Quickie question re prednisone
Post by CynthiaB on Dec 1^st, 2006, 5:51pm

Doubled up on Verapamil...now on 240 twice a day with topamax 50 twice a day.

In the past 12 hours I've only had one hit. I picked up the prednisone rx this morning....but I have not gone 6 hours without a hit in the past13 weeks, much less 12 hours. I think I should hold off on the prednisone.

I've never taken it before, and I don't really want to if my cycle is ending and/or upping the meds is dampening it.

(Being a rookie is good, because it means I have not been dealing with this for years. But I still feel stupid sometimes/most of the time/all the time ::)

Thanks in advance cyn

Title: Re: Quickie question re prednisone
Post by brewcrew on Dec 1^st, 2006, 6:30pm

Just my opinion, but if you feel you're doing better and may not need it, leave it in the bottle. If you start getting hit in earnest, you can always start up.

Also, two of my docs have told me that if you take a high dose of prednisone for only a few days, there's no need to taper off of it - you can just stop. However, if you take it for more than like 3 or 4 days, you have to taper.

If I were you, I'd see how long I can go without taking it. It can have some really nasty side effects.

Title: Re: Quickie question re prednisone
Post by Guiseppi on Dec 1^st, 2006, 7:00pm

I'm with brew on this. Pred is my last resort when nothing else is working and I just need a few days off to get some rest and get my wits back.

For me it guarantees no hits, even if I dring hard liquor, don't sleep, I can try all of my triggers and I'm immune. So like I said, I save it for when I'm not doing well. Good luck and heres to hoping the cycle is gonna release its grip on you for a while!!!!!!

Title: Re: Quickie question re prednisone
Post by CynthiaB on Dec 1^st, 2006, 7:22pm

Thanks for the quick advice.
I've put the instructions in the bottle, the bottle in the cabinet.

19 hours...2 minor hits....I am so happy I would turn cartwheels if I still could!!!

I appreciate y'all keeping me out of the looney bin/ground ;;D ;;D

Title: Re: Quickie question re prednisone
Post by brewcrew on Dec 2^nd, 2006, 8:37am

Cynthia - Please keep us posted as to how it's going.

Bill

Title: Re: Quickie question re prednisone
Post by chewy on Dec 2^nd, 2006, 3:52pm

I would save itfor an emergency. i.e back into cycle.

Doesn't sound like you need it right now.

And please learn to do cartwheels and post pics.

Title: Re: Quickie question re prednisone
Post by Redd715 on Dec 2^nd, 2006, 4:14pm

Quote:

I've put the instructions in the bottle, the bottle in the cabinet.

I suggest putting it in a small paper bag in the back of the fridge. That way it'll keep a little longer.

Title: Re: Quickie question re prednisone
Post by johnd7 on Dec 3^rd, 2006, 1:11am

Is Verap and Prednisone ok to take at same time? I got my Dr. to give me Verap this time because I was looking for something other than Prednisone again.

I am on my third day of Verap but not sure it is helping, other than my headaches are back to be predictable again and are of less intensity than they were before my shroom hit last weekend. Although they are still a little different than normal. Now I am getting one at 11pm, 3am, 7:30am. 02 is knocking them all out within 15 minutes though.

Title: Re: Quickie question re prednisone
Post by burnt-toast on Dec 3^rd, 2006, 8:24am

Cyn - Pred. is high on the list of drugs with potentially serious side effects but it does help with the treatment of CH. Save the Pred for a time when you believe it has become necessary. Make sure that you discuss this with your Doc. so that she/he is aware of how you are utilizing meds. I hate using Pred. but have to use it as a last resort once or twice each year when this nightmare gets out of hand.

johnd7 - It's best to research and discuss potential drug interactions with a pharmacist and your Doc. I have used both concurrently without problems and have not found reference to indicate that they can't be used together. However do your homework and talk with professionals until you are comfortable - you may discover something that I have missed.

Regarding Verapamil effectiveness - it takes 7 to 10 days to establish stable blood levels and see if you will benefit. Give it a little more time - it has been helpful for me but everyone seems to be different.

Tom

Title: Re: Quickie question re prednisone
Post by brewcrew on Dec 3^rd, 2006, 8:53am

on 12/02/06 at 16:14:00, Redd715 wrote:

I suggest putting it in a small paper bag in the back of the fridge. That way it'll keep a little longer.

Except there's one more added side effect - It'll taste like Tuesday's meatloaf when you take it. ;;D

Edited to add: Which is a HUGE improvement over the way prednisone normally tastes.

Title: Re: Quickie question re prednisone
Post by brewcrew on Dec 3^rd, 2006, 9:01am

on 12/03/06 at 01:11:17, johnd7 wrote:

John - Verapamil is usually considered to be a preventive, or prophylactic drug, while prednisone is considered to be a transient drug - you use it to bridge the gap until the preventive takes effect. Every time I've ever had to go back on the verapamil I've done about a 10-day taper of prednisone, which in my case works very well to knock the headaches out while the verapamil has a chance to build up to theraputic levels.

I was only on prednisone for an extended period (two months) once in my life. Never again.

Bill