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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> prednisone
        
(Message started by: alann on Dec 5^th, 2004, 12:19pm)

Title: prednisone
Post by alann on Dec 5^th, 2004, 12:19pm

Hi out there,I haven't been in cluster for 18 months (my longest stretch without cluster in 20 years) but came back 2 nights ago and it appears its baaaccck. In the past Ive taken the Verap/Prednisone combo (it works for me). Before I embark on the 6 week prednisone ride I wanted to ask if there are any new thoughts on prednisone particularly the downside - I've been out of touch on research etc for the past 18 months. Thanks for any help.
Alan

Title: Re: prednisone
Post by unsolved1 on Dec 5^th, 2004, 1:28pm

Nothing has changed about Prednisone or it's side effects.

A "6 week ride" is a long ride. Wondering what kind of dosing schedule you follow and it's probable side effects.

Unsolved

Title: Re: prednisone
Post by alann on Dec 5^th, 2004, 10:55pm

Sorry, its not 6 weeks, its 1 week at 60mg, then a 12 day taper down. The last few times I took this stuff I did a fair bit of research, was OK with the day-day side eefects, a little worried of the long term side effect on my bones. Also last cluster I "rebounded" very hard after the prednisone course. I feel like prednisone will continue to be a part of my life (and I feel so grateful to have something that works) but I worry about what damage I'm doing to my body and think I should learn moer from others more familiar with the drug.

Title: Re: prednisone
Post by survivor13 on Dec 6^th, 2004, 1:39am

One quack dr.left me on 60mg. a day for 18 months. almost killed me, gained 55lbs..short term it's a miracle drug. i would'nt do it more than two weeks.at a time. for 10 years i hadno more than 2 weeks PF at a time. predisonne does help break the cycle.

Title: Re: prednisone
Post by Bob P on Dec 6^th, 2004, 9:49am

Quote:

short term it's a miracle drug

Agreed. Instant stoppage of the attacks for me.

Title: Re: prednisone
Post by allan_r on Dec 6^th, 2004, 9:34pm

Long term side effects? Look at Jerry Lewis.

I love prednisone. No CH that day. until you get down to 20mg in a few weeks that is. I know the feeling.

I've read in the treatment papers online that two courses of prednisone per year is acceptabe-- This year I went through three 21 day cycles, My doc doses 70mg x 3days with 10 mg tapers every three days. He said he wouldn't do a fourth. I geuss you should be fine. However, maybe you need to go to higher doses on the Verapamil more quickly, if the HA is back at the end of the taper. Verapamil doesn't sound like it is taking effect.

Talk to doctor about the dosage on the verapamil this time, or adding lithium to the mix. That may work as well- the headache seems to change over time and adapt to what we attempt to do to it.

allan r.

Title: Re: prednisone
Post by marieinthesprings on Dec 10^th, 2004, 4:59am

I got an Rx yesterday, first time for me to use prednisone, but doc did not say anything about a taper. Its 60mg a day for 10 days. Whats with the tapers and what are rebounds?...........thanks....Marie

Title: Re: prednisone
Post by Bob P on Dec 10^th, 2004, 10:02am

taking pred causes your body to stop producing some similar substance which it does naturally. You have to taper off pred to allow your body to resume production of whatever that stuff is (I'm too lazy to go find the name). If you stop taking the pred at a high dose, you got no pred and you got no natural production. You're screwed. It's like taking verap at high dose for a long time. If you stop cold turkey, you're blood pressure is liable to skyrocket. Gotta give the body time to readjust slowly.

Pred doesn't cause rebounds, it just stops working on the clusters as you get to a low dosage.

Title: Re: prednisone
Post by Virginia on Dec 11^th, 2004, 1:27am

Marie,

Be very careful with Pred. you HAVE to taper down at the end of the cycle. One time I tapered down too quickly and had the weirdest episode. I thought for sure I was going to pass out....my heart was racing and sweat was POURING off of me from head to toe....it was not fun.

(I also gained 60 lbs when put on Pred for a year and a 1/2). I have a severe hatred for Pred and will never go on it again no matter how bad the pain gets...

Virginia :-/