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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> Prednisone as Preventive
        
(Message started by: ddespain on Mar 15^th, 2004, 12:45pm)

Title: Prednisone as Preventive
Post by ddespain on Mar 15^th, 2004, 12:45pm

Hey everyone. I have chronic cluster headaches and sometimes will go only 1 or 2 days without headaches in several months. I have been on Prednisone many times to stop the cycle of pain and it works pretty well. I just finished my cycle of Prednisone yesterday and of course I can now feel the ch's coming back on again. I was taking 40mg/day for 3 days and trickled down to 5 mg/day for 3 days (this took about 15 or so days). I was wondering if anyone could tell me if being on a moderate dose of Prednisone all of the time would be of benefit to me? This seems to be the only thing that works consistently for me. I'm on Verapamil and Lithium as well. I tried Topomax but couldn't handle the side effects. I know that Prednisone causes side effects, but I think I'm willing to put up with these if the med can keep me out of pain. Any and all advice would be helpful. Thank you.

Title: Re: Prednisone as Preventive
Post by Bob_Johnson on Mar 15^th, 2004, 1:12pm

The side effects are too severe for long term use.

There are sufficient alternative preventives to try. Look under meds on the left and look at: www.headachedrugs.com for ideas.

Title: Re: Prednisone as Preventive
Post by Rock_Lobster on Mar 15^th, 2004, 1:38pm

Exactly as Bob stated. Pred is a 'transition' med. Intended for use until a less severe long term preventative such as Verapamil or Topamax (or a host of others) takes hold.

Pred can really ruin your day... ulcers... joint problems... end up looking like Jerry Lewis did. Sure does stop the CH's though.

Rock

Title: Re: Prednisone as Preventive
Post by Melissa on Mar 15^th, 2004, 1:49pm

Please check out http://www.clusterheadaches.org under "Cluster Help" for a list of preventative medications for cluster headaches. Also, what is the amount of verap and lithium dosage you currently taking? Many find that the amount of verap and lithium doctors are prescribing is too low.

:)mel

Title: Re: Prednisone as Preventive
Post by pokemom on Mar 15^th, 2004, 1:57pm

I agree with other's also. I allready have to take steriods when I have a Mustiple Sclorosis. attack like 3000 mgs.IV- I hate having to take more steriods for these cluster headaches to....Just to much. And it will hurt your tummy for long time. Make sure you take something like tums or zantac while on it. Varapamil is a good preventive for cluster's

Poke :)

Title: Re: Prednisone as Preventive
Post by Dave in Merced, Ca. on Mar 15^th, 2004, 2:36pm

I, too, have used prednesone in the past. My dosage started at 60mg/dayx4 days, then 40x4,then 20x4,then 10x4. When i got down to 20, the shadows appeared. When I stopped, the ch's returned.
Just because it didn't stop this cluster, doesn't mean it won't stop the next. I tried it again last fall and aborted the cycle right away. The only thing I did differently (and you can take that for what its worth) was instead of taking the 60 all at once in the morning, I staggered them through the day (20/20/20) I stopped after 6 days because I couldn't sleep and guess what, no CH's. Not sure exactley why, but i'll try it again next cycle.
I tried 30mg for 30 days one time. I had no CH's but as soon as I stopped, they returned. NOT RECOMMENDED. There are better meds out there (but not cheaper)
Dave

Title: Re: Prednisone as Preventive
Post by 9erfan on Mar 15^th, 2004, 2:52pm

NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did I mention, NO???

The long term effects of Prednisone are a NIGHTMARE!

No doctor in his right mind would give you Prednisone to use on a regular basis.

Check out clusterbusters.com for alternative treatment.

Title: Re: Prednisone as Preventive
Post by ddespain on Mar 15^th, 2004, 7:18pm

I appreciate everyone's input. I now take 300mgs of Lithium twice a day and 240mg SA of Verapamil once a day. I use to take the Verapamil twice a day, but honestly I really didn't notice a defference. As I stated before, I tried Topomax, but really had a lot of wierd side effects.

All other suggestions would be welcomed and appreciated. Thanks again.

Title: Re: Prednisone as Preventive
Post by sandie99 on Mar 16^th, 2004, 4:18am

Glad to hear that prednisone works for you... it helped me a while, but the side effects made my life hell - and I had a only a four-week treatment. Can't imagine someone would like to take it longer, I was ready to switch after a week...

Best wishes & PFdays,
sandie99