Changing time of pred dose ?

[Devoid]

Hi I was just wondering if anyone takes pred at night. I have got on much better with it since dose lower , now on 5 mg which I normally take about 5 a.m but of late it’s more like I’ve taken a sleeping tablet, I just can’t get up , which isn’t such an issue with shielding, but particularly in the summer months I’ve always been an early riser . Would be interested to hear your thoughts

[Portobello]

Hello- I used to take (uncoated) Pred about 2am but due to stomach issues I requested the coated version which I now take at night. Sleep has greatly improved and I'm doing well tapering slowly to 7mg. Unfortunately the stomach problems haven't resolved ☹️

[SheffieldJane]

You could try it. These things change. It is however, common to experience fatigue, particularly at this stage of the illness. Your Adrenal System will be trying to wake up after having an adequate supply of cortisol provided by Pred. I have just increased to a GCA dose and am finding sleep completely eludes me. I miss the ease of sleep. If you have other symptoms, you may have dipped below your optimum dose and need a bit more.

[Devoid in reply to SheffieldJane]

Yes sleep in the early days was virtually nonexistent so I shouldn’t grumble! , the other thing that has changed is that I can nod off during the day, previously I had horrendous fatigue but wasn’t tired, do you think this could be more adrenal function? .

[SheffieldJane in reply to Devoid]

I followed that pattern. My Synacthen test was eventually normal ( potential to produce your own cortisol). My Rheumtologist says that they are not that accurate. My pattern was the same as yours and being lazy I quite liked having sleep at my fingertips. Once I stopped thinking about the ingrained work ethic. 🤫

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There have been several who took pred at night - it is particularly good with enteric coated as it takes longer to absorb and by taking it at night it is working by the time you get up. With ordinary pred it MAY keep you awake as it is all absorbed very quickly. But some found taking pred at night meant they slept through any side effects that bothered them. It is an individual thing - you have to try it to find out. Some need to split the dose to get a good morning and evening effect if the antiinflammatory effect isn't lasting the full 24 hours. Others get away with taking it all at night.

[Lochy]

I’ve split my dose for a few years now and not really sure if it makes a difference anymore! In the beginning it did as I felt more comfortable over night. I’ve just managed to get the coated tablets again so might try them again and see if I notice any difference.

Like most things with this condition it is trial and error!

[Phoenix51]

Hi. When I first started on Pred (60mg) for GCA I was told to take it in the morning which I did. Sleep pattern was horrendous but I was just glad to be free of the GCA pain. More recently I read a post on this forum where a member was having problems with blurred vision. This made me wonder if the blurred vision I was experiencing was linked to the Pred and that because I was taking it in the morning it was affecting my vision in the day. I started taking it in the evening, around 6 pm with my evening meal and not only did this help my vision but I also sleep much better now. I may add that I am now on a much lower dose of Pred and this may not have been the case when I was on a higher dose. As others have said, you could try it and see. Hope this helps