Splitting dose of pred 40mg

[vsapey]

Hello

is anyone on 40mg of prednisone and splits the dose to help with side effects. I feel very agitated, stressed, mood swings, tremors and then fatigued. Usually take them when I wake at around 5-6 am.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi vsapey,

As you are on 40mg assume you have been diagnosed with GCA. If so, then it is not recommended that you split your dose, you need the full dose taken all at once to control the GCA.

The symptoms you describe are well known side effects of Pred unfortunately, particularly at higher doses. They do usually lessen as you reduce the Pred, but if you feel you cannot cope with them, then I urge you to speak to your doctor.

Take care.

[vsapey in reply to DorsetLady]

hi DL

I have spoken to my doctor, who says not to reduce yet because of GCA symptoms . She is waiting for a reply from my neurologist as I have MS and some GCA symptoms could also be MS symptoms. She is not convinced I have GCA even though my typical symptoms recede with pred.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to vsapey]

Ok, hope you get it resolved soon.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

i do know of a few people who have split their dose at the level you are at for GCA. As DL says, it isn't really recommended - but if you really can't cope, do contact your rheumatologist and ask them what they think.