Hi friends,
I have a killer headache that I can't shake that's been coming and going over the past several days. It suddenly occurred to me that it may be the prednisone. I've been on 40 mg for about 10 days and will be tapering down starting the middle of next week. Has anyone else experienced this? Is the only remedy to get off the stuff, slowly, of course?
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Prednisone headache?
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Hi Elizabeth,
I'm sorry to "hear" that you have a headache. Yes, headaches are a labeled side effect of corticosteroids, but MC can cause them, also. Headaches were one of my most aggravating symptoms before I reached remission (even though I never took any corticosteroids). Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) worked for me back when I was getting headaches and migraines while reacting. However, I had to take two of the maximum strength capsules, tablets, or caplets, in order to get any relief, and they didn't work if I took them on an empty stomach, or if I waited until the headache was already at a severe level.
If the headache was already severe, then a couple more Tylenols four hours after the first treatment (or whatever the minimum interval is) would usually begin to bring some relief. Narcotic type painkillers can also be used, but of course they are available by prescription only (except for Tramadol). Tramadol (Ultram) is available OTC in most states, and it's considered to be generally safe for nursing mothers (though the manufacturer discourages such use).
I hope you can find something that works,
Tex
I'm sorry to "hear" that you have a headache. Yes, headaches are a labeled side effect of corticosteroids, but MC can cause them, also. Headaches were one of my most aggravating symptoms before I reached remission (even though I never took any corticosteroids). Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) worked for me back when I was getting headaches and migraines while reacting. However, I had to take two of the maximum strength capsules, tablets, or caplets, in order to get any relief, and they didn't work if I took them on an empty stomach, or if I waited until the headache was already at a severe level.
If the headache was already severe, then a couple more Tylenols four hours after the first treatment (or whatever the minimum interval is) would usually begin to bring some relief. Narcotic type painkillers can also be used, but of course they are available by prescription only (except for Tramadol). Tramadol (Ultram) is available OTC in most states, and it's considered to be generally safe for nursing mothers (though the manufacturer discourages such use).
I hope you can find something that works,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thanks so much, Tex. Yes, I think this is prednisone-induced. I think I'll start the taper tonight, just a few days early. The tylenol really isn't touching it. I've been taking 3-4 maximum strength and chugging water, and it still refuses to budge. This is worse than my migraines! But at least I know it's going to be short-lived. Thanks again.
And many congratulations on your book! I just saw it on Amazon. I need to order a copy for my GI. Thank you so much for all of the research and work and time you have put into helping us manage and recover from MC. You are a gift to all of us.
And many congratulations on your book! I just saw it on Amazon. I need to order a copy for my GI. Thank you so much for all of the research and work and time you have put into helping us manage and recover from MC. You are a gift to all of us.
You're most welcome, and thank you for the compliment, but most of what I've learned about MC was taught to me by all the members of this discussion board. We're all trying to learn more about the disease.
Tex
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Beth- I hope your headache is better. Tylenol has never helped with my headaches either. Although I used to take six ibuprofen at a time for my migraines and headaches too 
and that didn't help much either. Too bad I didn't know the consequences of that twenty years ago.
I had many horrible side effects taking prednisone so I know how you feel. Good luck with the taper.
and that didn't help much either. Too bad I didn't know the consequences of that twenty years ago.I had many horrible side effects taking prednisone so I know how you feel. Good luck with the taper.