ways to counteract the ‘spaced out’ feeling on high pred dose?

[Angel_doll]

Following a visit to the GP because of persistent ‘tension’ headaches, with some temporal pains, I was put on a reducing dose of pred, 40mg - 30mg - 20mg, then decrease by 2.5mg, two weeks at each dose. I am 4 days into the 30mg dose, and am struggling with disturbed sleep patterns, and feeling rather spaced out for a lot of the day. OK, not really a problem, but in just over a week I’m planning to travel into London to meet up with some dearest school friends, to celebrate the school year that we all reach 70, and would really rather be feeling a lot more with it than I do currently. I’m wondering if there’s anyone out there that can offer me any tips as to how I can tackle this?

I was on 6.5mg, reducing to 6mg before this happened. I have had a temporal artery biopsy and am awaiting the result.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Unfortunately both feelings are very common with higher dose of Pred.

The spaced out feelings should subside as your body acclimatises to the extra Pred…and as you reduce. Sleep disturbances you just have to learn to manage, but they also should decrease - have a look at this - the replies which gives others tips etc, and maybe the related posts it’s also brings up -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

I’m sure you will still enjoy your time away, but perhaps explain to your friends beforehand that you are on some pretty hefty drugs that make you feel a bit weird ….

[winfong in reply to DorsetLady]

I like that last bit. I get manic and rather aggressive on high doses of pred. Family, friends & work colleagues all got warned. I think it really helped.

[Sillydogsmum]

I find 500mgs Paracetamol at Midnight seems to combat the wretched prednisolone insomnia......sometimes. The sleep meditations on the Calm app are restful even if dont actually fall asleep. Brain starts to buzz the minute ones head touches the pillow which is a bit rich seeing as during the day it turns to mush! Courage!

[SheffieldJane]

You seem to have arrived at a low dose pretty quickly. I’d feel incline to increase my dose to the last one I felt reasonable at. After all your biopsy may come back positive for GCA, although they have to have taken it from an affected spot to be sure. As for your celebration. You might manage with rest before during and after. The stimulation and interest in the reunion may carry you through. You won’t be the only one with issues, I bet.