Low Mood on Pred

[SudsSuds]

I restarted 10mg of pred 4 weeks ago. It works wonders physically but I have noticed that I now seem to have what I call low mood. I am pretty sure this happened previously. I have looked at the FAQs but cannot find an answer. Is this something others have experienced?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Pred can play with mood and emotions for some people. It often improves as your body gets used to being on it and the dose falls. If it is a big problem do speak with your GP who should be able to help.

[SudsSuds in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for confirming it could be the pred. I had the low mood before but did not know if it was PMR or pred. This time I think it's more likely to be the pred as I restarted after a 10 month break so it was out of my system, then the "low mood" started up. I went to my GP before and had some counselling sessions. I have my 3 month review/sign off from the counselling in a couple of weeks so I will ask for more sessions I think.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to SudsSuds]

Good idea to continue with counselling- as PMRpro has said if can affect some in that way -and mood changes are listed in side effects - but then what isn’t !

This is in FAQs and was added after Covid -I realise you haven’t said you are anxious as such -but might be worth reading through.

nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/m...

[SudsSuds in reply to DorsetLady]

I was ticking a few of those boxes when I was referred to counselling earlier this year. It does not feel as bad at the moment so the plan is to get stitching before things deteriorate further.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to SudsSuds]

🌸

[SheffieldJane]

Yes and irritability unfortunately, by far the most disruptive of the two. A sleep often helps me with feeling blue. I wake up in a different mindset.

[SudsSuds in reply to SheffieldJane]

I am more can't be bothered with anything. Sleep is helpful but I can nod off at a bad time and then I'm awake until the wee sma' hours. I try to stay awake during the day/evening otherwise I get in a very bad routine.

[SheffieldJane in reply to SudsSuds]

I honestly felt quite desperate when I tried to avoid my after lunch nap. It seemed to help me get the maximum out of my day and evening. I am currently taking a supplement to help me sleep at night. It mainly consists of vit B Group Vitamins and Valerian extract. It is called relax-B and seems pretty effective, in that I now sleep too late. I listen to audio books and the right reader and book sends me off to sleep like a baby.

[Miserere in reply to SheffieldJane]

I can't sleep without audio books!! Love them.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Miserere]

I do have to roll mine back to the beginning though. They work like magic though.

[readingbooks in reply to SheffieldJane]

I have tried looking for relax-B, but can't find it. Do you have another brand name or manufacturer ? I have tried many things and, after more than 6 years of Pred, still have trouble sleeping and therefore, I think, anxiety and low mood that I can't otherwise account of. Many thanks and best wishes.

[SheffieldJane in reply to readingbooks]

The manufacturer appears to be Vegavero. The main constituents appear to be vit B, Magnesium and Valerian. They are made in Germany and I got them using a Google search for sleep remedies. Please ensure that your doctor is on board with sleep supplements for you. Being tired does make you miserable. Anxiety and low mood does affect some people on Pred unfortunately.

[readingbooks in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you ! I was just curious and plan only to look into it for now.

[SheffieldJane in reply to readingbooks]

Try the regular nap, after lunch. You get used to the routine. I always have 90 minutes - body’s choice.

[SudsSuds in reply to SheffieldJane]

I will give that a try, thank you.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SudsSuds]

Possibly better to plan a siesta in the early afternoon - you can get too tired to relax and sleep at night so sometimes a nap then helps. But you need to be discipled, get into the habit and not sleep too long.

[SudsSuds in reply to PMRpro]

Yes I will give it a try. I think I'll give myself an hour to begin with.

[Bramble2000]

100%. To the point that I couldn’t take the Pred.