alcohol

[Lilymaerose]

Has anybody else had any adverse effects from drinking alcohol, except for the obvious - hangover

particularly Scotch whisky, while taking preds.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I - and others - found our tastes changed and we stopped drinking almost all red wines as they didn't agree with us. I went off some whites, developing a liking for medium to sweet which was very uncharacteristic but am back to normal now.

Do I gather your weekend away has identified forms of alcohol you can no longer drink?

There is no direct evidence of interactions between steroids and alcohol - but if you are on prednisone (as opposed to prednisolone) there could be a problem with the liver processing the prednisone to change it to prednisolone which is the active form of the drug.

"Although actual data is scarce, healthcare providers believe that the risk of toxicity or complications from simultaneous consumption of alcohol and prednisone is dosage-dependent and responds greatly to alterations to the intake amount.

Alcohol and prednisone can be consumed without any complications; however, symptomatology differs depending on individual cases. If you have any questions or concerns, it is suggested that you speak to your healthcare provider directly to know if you can consume alcohol while using prednisone."

The same article also suggests there is anecdotal evidence of gastric upsets when drinking alcohol.

[Lilymaerose in reply to PMRpro]

Hi PMR

I am going away with a couple of girl friends who do like a drink, Normally I very rarely do but I thought I might have a couple of whiskeys while away with them. No looking as getting drunk or over the top.

I was just under the impression that you shouldn't drink alcohol with preds.

I am actually on prednisilone, not prednisone, I didn't realise until I read your reply they were different. Which is it better to be on.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lilymaerose]

Yes I remembered that - I thought maybe you were already away and had met a problem!

It all depends on the doctor what they say about drinking, rarely gets mentioned here with anything - but the pharmacy websites suggest prednisolone is fine. Which is better? Prednisolone is probably faster in onset of action because it works as soon as it is absorbed whereas prednisone has to pass through the liver first to be turned into prednisolone, the active form.

However, which you get depends far more on where you live. Prednisone is more likely to be used in the US, methyl prednisolone (Medrol) is used in the US and a lot of Europe, prednisolone is the usual option in the UK. I live in Italy - you can't get prednisolone at all here.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Never could drink whisky, and find I can't take heavy reds any more, but am partial to a crisp white, and more into rose now they are a bit more sofisticated. Oh hark at me! As for champagne, could drink it for England, unfortunately the wallet won't permit! Never mind, we can all dream I suppose!

[Lilymaerose in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi Dorset lady

I normally don't drink but every now and then I like a wiskey. Just not had any since I have been ill as I was under the impression you shouldn't drink with preds.

It sounds to me like it's not a problem in moderation, as with most things

Thanks any way

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Lilymaerose]

Lilymaerose, I drink rarely nowadays, not due to pred but since my hubby died. don't like to drink on my own, but do enjoy the odd tipple when in good company. As the saying goes - a little of what you like does you good!

[Lilymaerose in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi Dorset Lady, I cannot imagine what it must be like for you, my husband has been a rock. You have my deepest respect, dealing with this condition is bad enough but to have lost your husband as well and your eye sight! you still come across so strong.

Thank you for all your replies, maybe not a good idea to drink while I am away, I prefer to stay on the side of caution and not do anything to make my condition worse, especially when away with friends. Not feeling too good today as it is. The 15mg have not taken all the pain away from my arm, shoulder and left side and am debating whether I should up the preds again and go back up to 20mg. or just keep taking all the pain killers

Just so sick of being in pain all the time. Looking forward to 4 days of rest and relaxation even without a drink.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Lilymaerose]

Might be an idea to increase especially if you are going to be doing more than usual. Hopefully then you can reduce again once you return routine. Most importantly enjoy time with friends!

[Lilymaerose in reply to DorsetLady]

I think your right, I have been over doing things recently just so I can get away. Also the end of the month with wages and books as well as the kennels

it has been a bit hectic.

I have been trying to force myself to rest but not always possible

I will increase to 20 mg tomorrow and see how I get on hopefully the pain will settle down.

[Annodomini]

I live alone but have never been a solitary drinker. I don't drink spirits nowadays but when I visit my family I partake of white wine or rosé and suffer no ill effects. Cheers!

[Lilymaerose in reply to Annodomini]

Thanks annodomini for your reply it's a shame I don't like wine, red or white. Does nobody drink whiskey?

[Ida-June128 in reply to Lilymaerose]

I used to drink whiskey but found I liked it too much! Just to see a glass of it on the tv I can almost smell it. I'm now limited to a hot toddy with lemon etc for colds and a whiskey mac (ginger wine) in very cold weather. I can't help on the pred. and alcohol question as I am on high dosage Tramadol so get wobbly after one glass of wine now. How times have changed.....

[Lilymaerose in reply to Ida-June128]

Hi Ida-June

Yes I know what you mean, its the only alcoholic drink I have ever enjoyed, my dad was a Scot and he gave me some to try as a child thinking to put me off and I loved it.

Just awful hangovers and makes you quite fiery if you drink too much, mind you that could also be the scots blood and red hair. I like it neat with ice cubes. I have a 22 year old malt given to me by a friend of my husbands from the Forces brewed specially for them.

[Ida-June128 in reply to Lilymaerose]

I can't believe you pollute a good scotch with ice or water, you should be ashamed of your heritage.

From one ginger to another.....although the white has taken over now.

[Lilymaerose in reply to Ida-June128]

Giggle giggle giggle, I know its naughty but nice, I only have one ice cube, I like it the cold.

as for the white I am getting there too.

[PamelAnneCT]

Don't drink alot but have always been partial to dark rums, vodka but have noticed that they disagree with me now. Wine has been ok so far when I've had some.

[Griggser]

I have always liked a drink and loved whisky. However I am now finding alcohol in general makes my symptoms worse and I have cut right back. Currently on 12.5mg of prednisolone. Red wine was also a favourite but drink white now, but only a glass or two. Off on holiday to Madeira this morning and will be very much limiting myself on the alcohol front as the short term gain of feeling the good effects of alcohol are far out weighed by the pain and discomfort the next day. Hopefully the rest, some time in the pool and a bit of late summer sun will help me feel good.