Tapering from 2.5 to 2mg and feeling like I’m drunk in the morning

[Exflex]

I’m not drinking, so it’s not due to alcohol

This effect occurred on wk 1 of a slow taper schedule (actually I’m using DL’s, but the method is somewhat immaterial). Recover sufficiently about 2 hours after 2.5mg.

I suspect it’s adrenal related and my level of cortisol is insufficient, 2mg of corticosteroids being insufficient to make up the shortfall but 2.5mg just enough.

Of course it could be myriad causes, eg a virus of some form.

I’m sticking with 2.5mg and if I don’t feel better by Friday of this week I’ll phone my GP for advice.

Maybe a request for a morning cortisol test, and blood test.

PS I’m taking 2.5mg bisoprolol fumarate, but I’ve been stable on this prescription for 2 years.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Does sound as if could be adrenal related - but have you checked BP during those couple of hours?

How you mean -feel drunk?

Headache, light headed, nauseous, dizziness? …they are all symptoms of adrenal insufficiency….

Best to get it checked …and let us know please

[Exflex in reply to DorsetLady]

Lightheaded and dizziness, both. Most disconcerting when I go to the toilet during the night (due to a prostate issue, meaning my bladder never completely empties).

I had an appointment with a nurse practitioner on Monday for a persistent cough that had been treated with antibiotics and wondering if the bacteria had won the battle (apparently the ABs won) but I’m having a CT scan in a couple of weeks to check my bronchiectasis, so they will tell from that.

She measured BP and my pulse and both were ‘normal’. I asked her about dosage of Prednisolone but she said I would need to make a Dr’s appointment.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Exflex]

Well if BP check has ruled out those symptoms, then maybe get cortisol levels tested - and maybe ears - if CT scan doesn’t show up anything.

[Charlie1boy in reply to Exflex]

I had similar issues having to get for the loo during the night, when I, too, had prostate issues. I resolved this greatly with “ double voiding”, which I learned about on this Forum!

If you Google this, you should be able to find all you need to know.

Good luck

Paddy

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Charlie1boy]

There was a post in the last few days!

[Charlie1boy in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. Yes, I remember seeing it. Hopefully, Exflex finds the information.

Paddy

[Exflex in reply to Charlie1boy]

can you remember the thread, or title? Voiding the bladder?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Exflex]

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

just beat me to it!

[Exflex in reply to PMRpro]

thank you

[MrsNails]

If your OK on 2.5mg - l’d stay there a bit longer & maybe try splitting your 2.5mg tablet in half, add a 1mg to the 1.25mg so you have 2.25mg - that’s provided you have the plain tablets & not EC ones

Slow but steady 🍀

[piglette]

Sounds very like the adrenals are making a fuss!

[SheffieldJane]

I wondered about Diabetes. Whatever it is needs checking. Someone I used to work for suddenly started weaving about when he was out. This turned out the be the onset of diabetes. Raised blood sugar goes hand in hand with Prednisalone. Just a long shot, I was only 19. An initial raft of blood tests for both Adrenal function and Diabetes 2.

[Exflex in reply to SheffieldJane]

I will ask for a blood sugar test as well. Thanks for mentioning it.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Yes - sounds very adrenal insufficiency issue-like. The fact the situation improves 2 hours after you have taken the pred would seem to confirm it.

[Singr]

Totally with you on this one. I keep over balancing and bumping into things too. Like I've been on a binge.

[Exflex in reply to Singr]

What dose of Pred are you on ?

For a small organ, the adrenal (x2) make a huge impact. No wonder why we have 2 of them, you’d be somewhat buggered without.

[Hidden]

Hello Exflex,

It sounds as if it could be adrenal, related to reducing your pred. If you can increase the dose a little with the agreement of your doctor and this improves the situation, this would indicate that you need to stay on that dose for a while before trying to reduce again. If your symptoms don’t improve after an increase in dosage then your problems could be due to other causes. I have gained dramatic relief by increasing my pred a little.

[SMH4CRNA]

I am not sure what is normal, but all i can say is that is exactly how i feel. Along with heavy fatigue and fevers. Only started to feel these aggressive withdraws since tapered from 8mg to 7mg. So, yes, according to how i feel presently, i would say it is normal withdraw symptoms from prednisone.

[Amkoffee]

I developed adrenal insufficiency after being on prednisone for 4 years. My PMR is in remission now but I still have to take a steroid replacement. During an adrenal crisis your blood pressure may be low. Nausea is also a big indicator. I also get a terrible headache and neck pain. But this is only during a crisis. I wonder if your headed into a crisis just before taking your pred. If possible, take your BP the next time you feel drunk. If it's low it is very possible that you've developed adrenal insufficiency.

[Wallysma]

I have the same issues all morning long....but I am on high dose.now 20. My stomach is upset and I'm kind of dizzy and spacy. I get up anywhete from 3:30 to 5:00...take my thyroid meds and have my coffee...then at 6:00 I can finally take my.pain meds...then lite breakie so I can take pred and other pain meds. Eventually it clears up some around noon or so. Very strange. Oh I don't drink at all so.....PMR IS SUCH A CHALLENGE. IF IT'S NOT ONE THING IT WILL BE ANOTHER. sorry.just felt like capping.......

Be well.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Wallysma]

You know you can take thyroid medication at night before bed? Said to improve control too.