Headache

[SudsSuds]

I am currently tapering from 3.5mg to 3.0mg using DL's slow taper. I have read a lot about stuttering adrenals and like many others am in the throes of deadly fatigue, random pains in my limbs, dizziness etc. etc.. Because of the great information and support on here I am not in the least surprised by these symptoms. I have a plan and hope taper off pred eventually - no hurry I have learned that.

Something that I have not seen mentioned is headache. Mine is there most of time varying in intensity. It's been there a while since before last Christmas at least. Mainly it is across my forehead but can be across the top of my head and feels like a big pressure.

My supportive GP gave me a blood test - inflammation markers are low. She prescribed nefopam which made little difference. She has now prescribed amitriptyline but I am yet to take it. I am not too worried about yet another drug and have read the FAQ on the topic which is reassuring.

Could the headache be a result of adrenals stuttering? Has anybody else in a similar position to me experienced headaches?

Thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Yes - headache can be a feature of adrenal insufficiency. This article seems a sensible check-list - and headache is the first they deal with:

pituitary.org.uk/app/upload...

[SudsSuds in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, that's reassuring.

[SnazzyD]

It certainly can be but have you checked for issues musculoskeletal in neck and shoulders?

[SudsSuds in reply to SnazzyD]

No that's not been checked, my gp did not mention that as a possibility. How could that manifest. I have no recent injuries or strains etc.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SudsSuds]

But are you tense? Where are your shoulders - hunched up to your ears????

[SudsSuds in reply to PMRpro]

Shoulders ok and I am my usual pretty chilled self so not tense. As I said I understand my symptoms and now the headache. I also have my plan which is on track which gives me confidence going forward. Having said that I have a very conservative plan as I have had so many flares, all of them before I found this group.

[TandemTime]

I never usually get headaches but since taking the Prednisolone I can get one in the same place as yours, especially if I have changed a dose. Mine is manageable with some paracetamol..

[SudsSuds in reply to TandemTime]

Like you I rarely had headaches previously. Paracetamol did not make much difference. The jury is out on the Amitriptyline.

[Bedwell]

yes.. have just woken up with a headache on top of my head. It has gone … but sometimes I take a painkiller.

[Numptybrain]

I’ve been on prednisone a while now and yo yo ing a lot too. I have a constant headache back of my head and a pounding sound, like the sound of my heart daily. It drives me mad at times.

Take care

Wendy xx

[SudsSuds in reply to Numptybrain]

That does not sound at all pleasant. Can't suggest anything but I hope it stops soon.

[Suet3942]

Hi. Every time I reduce my pred I get a headache. I used to be worried about it but I’ve put it down to withdrawal as it goes away after a couple of weeks.

[SudsSuds in reply to Suet3942]

I'm pretty much the same as you just the headache is always there for me. It just goe4s up and down.

[Creas]

I was given amitriptyline and found it made no difference whatsoever to anything. But then again, I never had headaches. I think my doc gave it to me when they were wrongly convinced I had fibromyalgia and was depressed. It's an anti-depressant, isn't it? I never had fibromyalgia or depression...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Creas]

Some doctors seem to think that PMR pain is nerve pain - and hand out the amitriptyline. Helps some people sleep.

[SudsSuds in reply to PMRpro]

It certainly zonked me out last night.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SudsSuds]

And this morning? It needs to be taken early-ish in the evening to avoid the hangover effect I believe.

[SudsSuds in reply to PMRpro]

I read that on the post on this group 👍. Took it 8pm, went to bed normal time 11pm ish. Slept till 5am (up to the loo, man thing) then my wife woke me a 9.00 (very late for me) because we were going out. I felt ok - no "hangover".

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SudsSuds]

Well you certainly slept!!!!

[SudsSuds in reply to PMRpro]

Like a log.

[SudsSuds in reply to Creas]

Depends on the dose. Low dose treats pain I understand.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SudsSuds]

Nerve pain ...

[SudsSuds in reply to PMRpro]

and long lasting pain according to the NHS website. So maybe effective for me. My GP said it's the next step on the analgesia ladder, next rung if needed - codeine.

[Lovetobe]

Hi SudsSuds I suffered for a year with awful headaches whilst going through the adrenals waking up, I too was offered Amitryptaline but refused , eventually got through it. Although I'm suffering headaches again now I'm at 1.5mg! From reading a previous post it could be my neck impingement 🙄I do hope you get through this stage soon.

Take care