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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Prednisone Question
        
(Message started by: findjoshua on Aug 16^th, 2007, 9:13am)

Title: Prednisone Question
Post by findjoshua on Aug 16^th, 2007, 9:13am

Hi All. I know from my youth that predisone can be disruptive to the body in high doses, can affect the adrenal gland (I think) and generally is not great in the long run. I took many tapers due to my asthma.

What is the downside to an adult taking tapers for CH? After weeks and months of O2 and Red Bulls and Imitrex after Imitrex (all work more or less as abortives for me) I am tired. I can't sleep even with Melatonin. I did one taper for CH about 6 months ago. Is it too soon to do another?

What are ppls experiences.

Thank you, these boards are such a comfort.

Joshua

Title: Re: Prednisone Question
Post by birdman on Aug 16^th, 2007, 9:37am

I am sure that smarter people then me will be along shortly, but if you have waited 6 months, I would think you could do another taper. IMHO.
Tim

Title: Re: Prednisone Question
Post by Wayne on Aug 16^th, 2007, 10:01am

There are people who are on Prednisone long term so there doesnt seem to be a problem with repeating a taper. The problems with the drug are associated with stopping use too quickly, hence the taper.

Title: Re: Prednisone Question
Post by findjoshua on Aug 16^th, 2007, 10:51am

Ok. The reason I asked is because I see a lot of folks here post that they've tried everything, and then use pred only as a last resort. So was curious why if it usually works to break a cycle or give prolonged relief, they wouldn't just use that more quicly.

Title: Re: Prednisone Question
Post by Wayne on Aug 16^th, 2007, 11:16am

Pred is usually used as the big stick when you start on a course of preventative such as Verapamil or Topomax. It kills the CH while the other stuff has chance to take effect.

Title: Re: Prednisone Question
Post by UN solved on Aug 16^th, 2007, 1:48pm

If it's been 6 months since your last taper, it should be fine to do it again. Call your doc for swpecific instructions.

Prednisone (and other steroids) can cause problems if it is abruptly stopped, taken in too big of doses, and/or if it is taken for too long.

You can't just keep taking it for a long period (in the doses we need) and you can't keep taking back-to-back tapers either.

As with other steroids, it should be used sparingly.

Goodluck

UNsolved

Title: Re: Prednisone Question
Post by Guiseppi on Aug 16^th, 2007, 2:26pm

I've been averaging 2 tapers a year, at the beginning of spring and fall cycles while my lithium ramps up. Close to 20 years and no problems yet. Check with your doc but I don't see any problem.

(In addition to my "authorized" tapers I've been known to horde my pred for times when I need a break and will do the occasional un authorized taper, a week long cruise with the wife, etc. Probably not the bestest idea but we pick our poisons!!)

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Prednisone Question
Post by cash5542 on Aug 16^th, 2007, 11:00pm

You mentioned asthma? It sounds like that isn't much of an issue any more? My daughter has ch and asthma and it has been decided to use anything other than prednisone for CH cause its all that works for asthma flares. When she tapers because the asthma is better, sometimes the hits begin or get worse. Take calcium when you are using it, limit sodium, and eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies, avoiding processed foods. These tips all help the body flush out the toxins and nasty side effects. Her doctors are comfortable with 3 to 4 prednisone bursts a year, not more than 2 weeks long.

Charlotte

Title: Re: Prednisone Question
Post by findjoshua on Aug 22^nd, 2007, 1:40pm

Charlotte,

Thanks for the information on the supplemental things to do when taking pred (calcium/fruits, etc) I don't take pred for my asthma anymore, except on rare occaions. I began a taper a few days ago and have been pain free since then.

Joshua