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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Medrol Dose Pack
        
(Message started by: firecracker7481 on Feb 28^th, 2007, 1:18pm)

Title: Medrol Dose Pack
Post by firecracker7481 on Feb 28^th, 2007, 1:18pm

I am meeting with my neurologist tomorrow morning, however, between now and then, he is having me start the Medrol Dose Pack...

Can anyone tell me their experiences with this medication??? Anything that I should be prepared for???

Title: Re: Medrol Dose Pack
Post by JDH on Feb 28^th, 2007, 2:10pm

Be prepared to eat and gain weight...and I mean a lot ;)

I've used it in the past and I was usually able to catch a few days of pain free time when I start taking it but once I start tapering down the ch's come back with a vengance.
Good luck, I hope it helps.

Jim

Title: Re: Medrol Dose Pack
Post by UN solved on Feb 28^th, 2007, 2:41pm

It usually works for me (for a couple of days). I don't gain any weight with it. It's only 6 days worth of steroids. It's really not that big of a dose. I wouldn't worry too much about side effects. (It's when people do multiple packs back to back that causes side effects)

Goodluck & hope you catch a break

UNsolved

Title: Re: Medrol Dose Pack
Post by Gator on Feb 28^th, 2007, 6:04pm

Not that I'm a doctor or anything, but a medrol dose pack seems like a real short taper. My neuros have always started me off at like 80mg of prednisone, tapering down by 10 or 20mg every 3rd or 4th day. They were also hesitant to do a pred taper more than twice a year. I usually get the old grouchy as a bear, moon faced, eat the door off the refrigerator syndrome when doing a taper.

Are you on any kind of prevent right now?

If not, ideally, your neuro should start a preventative, such as verapamil or whatever, at the same time as the steroid and then taper off the steroid as the preventative takes effect.

Title: Re: Medrol Dose Pack
Post by Bob P on Mar 1^st, 2007, 7:12am

Medrol is a 6 day taper. 60mg first day, 50mg second, etc.
It stops my attacks instantly but they return when I get down to 30 or 20 mg. It does give me a few nights much needed rest. No side effects.

Regular pred takes 5 or 6 days to kick in for me and is not totally effective.

I believe Medrol is a different type of pred and is many times stronger than regular pred.

Title: Re: Medrol Dose Pack
Post by jmc on Mar 1^st, 2007, 10:08am

Today is my last day of a 6 day taper with methylprednisolone and it worked great until last night when I got hit with a 6. Not nearly as bad as before I started the taper when I was getting 9s and 10s so I can't complain too much. In my experience there were no unwanted side effects at all. I guess they're just starting to wear off which sucks. Does anyone know how often it is recommended to use this treatment?

Good luck at the neuro!!! I'm trying to get in to see one myself.

Title: Re: Medrol Dose Pack
Post by TonyG1 on Mar 1^st, 2007, 5:23pm

My experience with Medrol wasn't good ... my BP went through the roof and I turned a nice shade of fire engine red http://www.websmileys.com/sm/evil/107.gif all over after the first days loading dose ... had to stop after the first two pills on the 2nd days dose

I do; however, tolerate prednisone with relative ease ... and it works well while I'm in the taper --- other than wanting to eat the wallpaper off of the walls I was fine... http://www.websmileys.com/sm/crazy/1293.gif

Title: Re: Medrol Dose Pack
Post by UN solved on Mar 1^st, 2007, 5:42pm

on 03/01/07 at 10:08:43, jmc wrote:

Does anyone know how often it is recommended to use this treatment?

No, I don't know how often it is recommended to use this treatment. I would say it's not recommended at all. ::) The more you do it, the more likely you'll see side effects. It must be used sparingly !

UNsolved

Title: Re: Medrol Dose Pack
Post by firecracker7481 on Mar 4^th, 2007, 2:47am

Thanks everyone for the response...I have meant to check in but I have been feeling great since starting the medrol...

I am just trying to enjoy the freedom of being h/a free...I have had a few shadows but i have been just trying to stay positive and relaxed...I now have 2 days left of the meds...I am just hoping to continue this feeling...and Hopefully end the cycle before it gets bad...

I will keep you posted as time goes on...