“After” Prednisone

Snap!!!!!!!

I think it is a duck egg bluey colour packet.

 

It is not recommended to use melatonin together with corticosteroids - the supplement may make the steroids less effective and you may need a higher dose of pred as a result. Melatinonin is also not available in the UK except on prescription and for a quite narrow indication. 

As Eileen says melatonin should not be used with steroids. If you do it can actually work in the opposite way you think and cause insomnia and depression. You should not take melatonin without checking with your doctor first. 

Thanks .....  that's why I suggested to ask the doctor.

Was not aware of that so I did some research on it. But that is why I also tell any medical professional what supplements I'm taking.  Guess when my treatment starts I'll have to find something that can be used with prednisone. 

I wasn't aware that Melatonin needed a prescription in the UK. It is sold as a supplement here in the US, in 3 and 5 mg. 

Thanks Eileen

We do always tell people to check - though your average GP hasn't a clue! Pharmacists can be good - or sometimes not...

I always mention when I know US/UK things are different - people can get so upset when they discover how different the systems are! Quite a few thigs you can't have in the UK - some good, some less so!

We can get melatonin here. But have you tried valerian?  That's good to help break a pattern of bad sleep.  I used it a bit long ago pre-PMR/pred.  It gave me what I felt was a really good quality of sleep.  But I think the effect wears off quickly so you'd just use it for a few days to break the bad habit, and then maybe occasionally thereafter, not very night. 

My last primary physician knew enough for a diagnosis but that was about it. Since we transferred to Michigan my primary is an internist and has a lot more knowledge of PMR. I didn't think it was a recurrence, he was the one that told me I didn't need all the symptoms for it to be PMR. Although I hope he refers me to a Rheumatologist especially as I will be on prednisone. 

I have family in Northern Ireland so I know there are differences, some are good, some not so good. But I guess that is in every system.

I'm curious .... do you know why melatonin is a prescription only supplement? 

 

I haven't tried it.  Don't know much about it other than that it is a root. I'm leery of it as Melatonin is something that our bodies already produce which minimizes potential side effects. Valerian, although not man made can still cause reactions.  I'm very "funny" about taking any supplements or meds...(my doctor hates me for that!  LOL)

Fair enough, but taken to its logical conclusion what could you eat? 

I believe medicines, whether herbal, like valerian or manufactured like prednisone, at their root are really designed to rebalance our ailing bodies.  And, equally, all should be used with caution.  

 

Well...taking it to that conclusion is a little out there. However, there are also food allergies, fortunately I'm not allergic to any foods. Herbal medicines are a different story, as I said I don't easily take any medication, herbal or otherwise. 

You're spot on about taking anything with caution.

Every country has different rules I suppose. And some are more sceptical about certain things than others??????

I looked up valerian uses and side effects and there are a number of contraindications and interactions, the most significant I suppose for someone like me is to avoid taking with a medicine which is broken down in the liver (e.g. prednisone I guess).  But it is effective in sleep disorders, should only be taken short term as I said.  But, although I was a lifelong insomniac, since regularly taking a dose of calcium at bedtime I appear to be cured.  This effect has lasted for over two years.   I only used valerian for a few weeks many years ago.  

I don't have a problem with regulations etc.. on prescription medications. I  guess living where supplements are pretty much left alone I was surprised that they would be restricted  elsewhere.  Although I realize that many "natural" remedies can do as much damage as manufactured ones.