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Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> PREDNESONE EXPERIENCE http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1254152319 Message started by Marc48 on Sep 28th, 2009 at 11:38am |
Title: PREDNESONE EXPERIENCE Post by Marc48 on Sep 28th, 2009 at 11:38am
Hey all....Marc Here :-/
I would like to hear about any experiences with the short vs. long term use of Prednesone....This is the third time I have used this drug.....the 1st time, 2005 was 10 days and it aborted the cycle, but I think I was at the end anyway. The second time, 2007 I was on it for about 2 months, 30 mg per day and I had a real hard time coming off of it....stopped cold (didn't know I had to taper off, doc never told me) and boy did I suffer for about 8 weeks :-[...and now I have been back on it for a week....doc started me at 70 a day for 4 days and am tapering down to a maintenance level...the doc said that he is not too concerned because I am only on it for about 6-8 weeks every 24-30 months. I have read just about everything I can....I was just wondering if anyone can shed anymore on the subject :-?.....Thanks in advance and Wishing all PFDAN. |
Title: Re: PREDNESONE EXPERIENCE Post by Marc48 on Sep 28th, 2009 at 12:19pm
Thanks Bejeeber.... But no, it is still the same doc and he was so apologetic that I thought he would cry...he is a good neurologist and was the first to really give me some relief that worked.....My problem with this Prednesone is not knowing what they really consider long term....is it weeks or months that is considered long term? And I have confusion on what is considered high dosage....30,40,50 mg??? It is funny even after 26 years of the beast, I'm still learning!!!! ;)
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Title: Re: PREDNESONE EXPERIENCE Post by bejeeber on Sep 28th, 2009 at 12:44pm
My impression is that 60-80 mg is considered high dosage (I was usually on 60), and at that dosage, a couple weeks would be be considered long term, pushing it to the limit.
Months would be dangerous as all hell and fraught with peril. I imagine we'll get some more knowledgeable people piping in about it here too. :) |
Title: Re: PREDNESONE EXPERIENCE Post by Aussie6330 on Sep 30th, 2009 at 5:17am
Sorry to see you here Marc,
Can only relate what my Doc did. Put me on Prednisone 25mg x 7 days followed by 10mg x 4 days, followed by 5mg x 3 days. This was immediately followed with 160mg Verapamil daily. Fingers crossed it seems to have done the trick. Hope it helps dude and wishing you a very short cycle. Cheers from Down Under :D |
Title: Re: PREDNESONE EXPERIENCE Post by Emma_s on Oct 1st, 2009 at 9:39am
I cannot believe a doctor wouldn't slowley lower the dose if you have been on them long term, its pretty common! Sorry to hear you had such a problem :(
I have a very long history with this medication, not from a cluster point of view by regarding my asthma. When I was younger I had very serious asthma and was on the steriods for weeks at a time, but as soon as I came off of them I would end up in A&E and not being able to breathe. I did the 'on and off' thing for 9 years. I think personally I was lucky as when I came off them completely I did struggle and boy did I suffer but the only after effects really I found was that my skin has remained thin, I shake a little (though this is gradually going), I still have a roundish face (the 'moon' face) and it did stunt my height (I did have a growth spurt about a year after being off of them!) I think it is important that they are managed in a proper manner (coming off them slowly). During my years of being on them, I saw a different doctor and she refused to give me my prescription and I was on 40mg at the time - my mum was very angry on my behalf and that was sorted out quickly. |
Title: Re: PREDNESONE EXPERIENCE Post by Joni on Oct 1st, 2009 at 12:12pm
I will only use in case of emergency now. Years ago, I was given this and it worked miracles to stop the cycle but I couldn't get off of it without having another cycle (even on the other side of my head which had never happened before) and the side effects were horrible! It ended up taking a total of 9 months to get completely off of it and I will never be the same. Be careful. Use only for short term and taper slowly!
Joni |
Title: Re: PREDNESONE EXPERIENCE Post by MadHatter on Oct 1st, 2009 at 9:17pm
Marc,
Prednisone is surely nasty stuff. Every time I've been on it (about 6 times in the past 10 years), it's been a tapering dose for about 10 days. It has worked about 80% of the time to break the cycle enough for Verapimil to take root, but each time, I become almost impossible to be around and found my kids or any irritant unbearable. The worst result I personally know of is with my brother who, out of desperation, had 100 mg Prednisone via IV. His doctor did not warn him of the potential risk and it has pretty much made him a cripple. High doses of prednisone can affect blood flow to the bones and now both his femures are dead, meaning no blood flow and brittle. He can no longer do anything physical that may cause a break (such as falling down) and is in terrible pain most of the time. He's also having joint pain and swelling, though they don't know if the Pred is the cause or something else. Hope it all works out for you. I've had excellent success with Taurine. Cheap and no ill effects. |
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