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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2002 >> Is it the Predisone?
        
(Message started by: JimG on May 9^th, 2002, 10:05pm)

Title: Is it the Predisone?
Post by JimG on May 9^th, 2002, 10:05pm

Hey all, gotta question for anybody who has used prednisone. My doc prescribed this to me 4 days ago when my insurance company denied my trex. Ever since I have had a constant headache, not a ch, more like the feeling you get when a ch is about to hit. I am still having attacks, but they dont seem to last as long. Got more trex now, but I am still curious. Has anyone else here had a similar experience with this drug? ???

Title: Re: Is it the Predisone?
Post by Linda T on May 10^th, 2002, 1:20pm

Dear JimG: I have been through several courses of pred. I'm really not sure how to answer your question but here goes:

I usually find that during my CH cycles I get more "garden variety headaches" that I usually would get out of cycle. I mean just your ordinary, average headache, although painful ones (piece of cake tho compared to the CH). In fact, during this cycle I had a three day headache that kept me in bed the entire three days. Funny thing, during those three days, didn't get a CH.

I don't know if I would attribute it to the pred because I've also been on alot of meds besides the pred, like, inderal, depakote and elavil. Also have taken imitrex and amerge. I know that the side effects of some of these meds is "headache".

Good luck and PFDAN always, Linda T.

Title: Re: Is it the Predisone?
Post by JimG on May 10^th, 2002, 1:36pm

Thanks Linda, I think I need to do more research on the other drugs that are available, like depakote, as I know nothing about this drug. Pulling away from the predisone now, as it does not seem to be stopping the regular ch attacks. Doc figured it was worth a try I guess. Thanks again, now where did I put that old drawing board? ;)

Title: Re: Is it the Predisone?
Post by gtarman on May 10^th, 2002, 2:53pm

I didn't have much luck w/pred either, or with depakote which I tried earlier this week. 5 mins after I took it, my heart started racing like mad and couldn't sleep -HOWEVER- my Dr and pharmacist said that's not the
typical reaction so...maybe I'm weird! (ask my wife...)
Anyway, I started on Corgard yesterday and it does seem to help with the precursor symptoms I've been having for 2 weeks. I'll keep ya posted...
gtarman out-

Title: Re: Is it the Predisone?
Post by Lou on May 10^th, 2002, 9:43pm

Jim,
Check further down this board under Last Post Date of May 7, 2002, uner a title of "Prednisone - Doses and Administration". I have taken Pred since the 80's when I get my CH's. I have never gotton regular headaches from it. It works for me until I get down to the lower dosage, 10mg then 0mg. At that point, if I get a CH, I have to start the Pred cycle all over again. What dosgae and schedule does your doctor have you on? Under the above post I listed the schedule my doctor has me on. It might be worth a try to stick with the Pred to see if it helps.
Good Luck
Lou

Title: Re: Is it the Predisone?
Post by Susanne on May 11^th, 2002, 2:53am

Jim... Pred does the same thing to me. My Dr.said it was a listed side affect of the med. I had noticed it before when I had injections for other things. But when I had a cervical nerve block done a few months ago I thought I was going to die with the headache. This was just before I was diagnosed with CH.Another side affect it has, is it makes my hips ache. So Pred is out for me. That is if I survive until my first appointment with the neurologist !!

Title: Re: Is it the Predisone?
Post by jmorgan52 on May 11^th, 2002, 6:49am

My exp with Pred is that it works fairly well for about 5 days on about 40mgs a day in split dose morning and night. But you just get a "Prednisone holiday" from the big pain. The baby ones are still there in the background but you can handle them. Then it just stops working and wham! A week later you can get another break for about five days with another course. I am also sure it makes the episodes last longer before cycle breaks.

I have also tried a 10 day taperdown 80mg, 80mg, 70mg, 70mg, 60mg, 60mg, 50mg, 50mg, 40mg, 40mg all at night. The result wast the same. 5 days fairly good relief then wham!

I was told that a detox diet (Lots of water and mainly fruit and veg at first, and then some light meat and grain, etc) for about 20 days every 6 months or so, and then 3 -7 days a month for ever on might help. The rest of the time just be normal. Am giving it a bit of whirl and have been on it now for 14 days and have been PF since 2 days after starting. whoopee! I also lost a little wieght and feel less stressed and more energetic. I was told this was normal postive side effect. Might be all BS but for some it might be worth a try. It sort of makes sense after the fact. Maybe our bodies have had enough of all the toxic stuff we put in. Moderate it a bit more and give the system a clean out from time to time.

love J