Reducing dosage slowly but having problems with light headedness??

I had no problems such as yours but I didn't, know what I was doing by reducing regime, but I have started with cataract, just another problem that has occurred

Francis, how slowly are you reducing ---- 0.5 mg a month?

You haven't said how slowly you are reducing but I am now at 1mg and the one time I really encountered a problem was when I was advised to go from 12.5 to 10mgs. I realised it was too much and went back up to 12.5 for a short time and then reduced to 11mg. which worked for me. We are all different so it may be that you need to reduce even more slowly.

I had this experience. I had what I referred to a as a "skippy" heart. I discovered by accident that I was sodium deficient (very low salt intake for many years and with pred gave up most prepared foods which tend to be high in salt). After I increased my salt intake I found several symptoms disappeared, including the "skippy" heart. Not saying salt is your issue, but I understand that pred can affect our electrolytes so it's possible it is an issue like salt or magnesium or possibly a vitamin deficiency. A family member has been diagnosed with Vitamin B12 deficiency (although he doesn't have PMR) so I know vitamin deficiencies of various kinds can cause disturbing symptoms. Can you get your doctor to have you tested for the most likely suspects?

Hi Frances, that a new side effect, I have not had that problem and I thought I had them all. I do taper very slowly. Good luck hope you get it sorted out soon.

Could it be that your blood pressure is too low? Pred causes loss of liquids. Certainly would be worthwhile to visit your GP and try to sort this out. No danger if you lay down, but what if happens while you are out shopping and you lose your balance?

I have the same problem, I feel I am going to faint. In fact I did faint in the greengrocers a couple of weeks ago and in a cafe a few weeks before that. I do have some warning. I am on 6mg at the moment and I think it is low blood pressure, I did mention it to my GP who just nodded. I only do one thing when I go out now and just hope I am OK.

Frances,

Closely associated with PMR is GCA (Giant Cell Arteritis) which tends to affect the vessels leading to the head. Go do some research on that and tell your doctor about all your symptoms and hopefully go to a rheumie who has good knowledge of PMR and GCA.

Sounds like blood pressure. I suffer badly with either much too high and then so low i nearly faint. It is a terrible sensation and the best thing is to stay as still as possible when you feel feint. I believe mine is a side effect of the Pred. My symptoms go from continual headaches when it is high and weak and unable to do anything when it is low. I had a blood pressure machine from the doctor for a week and when it was low it was averaging 50/80 daily. The only trouble is when you are reducing the Pred it can go either way.. just one of the wonderful side effects we get from the lovely steroid. Do speak to your doctor and mention if this could be the cause. Good luck