side effects from 40mg for GCA

[Buster1610]

I have had PMR for two years down to 5mg last week headaches sore scalp and jaw. Put on 40mg br Rheumy back to see him this week . All pains gone but horrible side effects dizzy nausea and very gassy. Is this normal?

[SnazzyD]

Yes, they can be. Are you taking the Pred with a good amount of food? Pred made me quite uncoordinated and wobbly for the few hours it was highest in my blood so I took it at bedtime or had to lie down. High doses also gave me morning diarrhoea. Racing mind can also make one more reactive to your physical and emotional feelings so it is easy to panic about it. Your body does get a bit more used to it after a few weeks but otherwise it’s a case of waiting for the dose to ease off.

[Buster1610 in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you

[SnazzyD in reply to Buster1610]

Are you taking Pred with a decent amount of food or been given new anti acid meds?

[Buster1610 in reply to SnazzyD]

Table spoon of yogurt and pomegranate also on 20 mg Omeprazole was on 10 mg

[SnazzyD in reply to Buster1610]

It might be that you need a bit more to line the stomach while on 40mg. Also, it may well be the increase in Omeprazole dose; gastrointestinal issues can be a side-effect.

[Buster1610 in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you again . I am seeing Rheumy tomorrow. I will ask him .

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Not for me... but as we always say, everyone is different.

[Leafsong66]

Yes! I was dizzy, blurry vision and extreme weakness whilst on those high doses for several weeks.

[Buster1610 in reply to Leafsong66]

Not great but quite reassuring to know thank you

[kalgoorlie]

When initially on those doses recently I felt completely out of it. Always with a reasonably large breakfast and don't take omeprazole. I have no stomach problems.

[Buster1610 in reply to kalgoorlie]

Why don’t you take omeprazole

[kalgoorlie]

I drink kefir,or have some greek yoghurt, then take pred with breakfast. Breakfast is usually eggs on smashed avo and spinach on seeded bread, or greek yoghurt with seeds, nuts, a little fruit and peanut butter. I don't have any digestion or stomach problems at all.

[Buster1610 in reply to kalgoorlie]

Thanks for your advice

[potterylady]

Yes, I had vertigo on and off throughout my days. Also hard to sleep. Very upset stomach! Burning esophagus! I had to take omeprazole for a while. Blurry vision, shaky hands, very hard to write.

[Buster1610 in reply to potterylady]

Thank you that sounds like me