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Can you take melatonin with prednisone |
Can you take melatonin with prednisone
I adore my rheumy, but no mention was ever given of these types of things, or even a diet for inflammation. I found all of this on my own. We really have to question everything, and do our own research. I was just too sick and discouraged. So many good ideas. It really changed my life, and then we got adjustable beds, and I now sleep well, but after 2 major back surgeries it is difficult to lie flat and the adjustable bed has really helped.
Thank you for your kindness. I'm glad you're sleeping well because sleep is important. I think I would kill for 6 hours again. When I'm restless, I find it best to get out of bed and go read. Usually, I get drowsy and can get a little more sleep when I go back to bed.
You're right — we do have to advocate for ourselves, take the initiative to research, keep records of what's going on with our symptoms, speak up when something is amiss, and write down questions to ask the doctor. It's hard to do that when in the throes of the malaise and depression that are part of PMR and GCA — just easier to collapse on the couch and watch tv after getting a couple of things done! That pretty much described what my life was like for 5 years.
The turning point for me was this spring when I stopped the melatonin. I didn't realize it until being on this site, but I kept saying to people "it feels like a miracle". I actually was searching for what had changed, but it never occurred to me that it was just stopping that little over the counter pill. I read online that some people began to feel better at the 5 year mark, and I asked my rheumy if that was what was happening, and he said that 'it can happen' with some people, and he was cautious, but in retrospect I'm now wondering if it was ceasing the melatonin.
I felt like I had been robbed of 5 years of my life. I basically took care of my personal needs, and some days did a bad job of that. Malaise and depression was a perfect way to describe it. Thanks for the use of your words.
My husband made me get up out of my chair, turn off the TV and leave the house every day. He was a saint, a lovely patient man. He'd make me get out the door and into the car, and we'd have a little drive, he'd do the errands, and we'd get a bite to eat. I rarely socialized. That was so not me. And then the cloud lifted. I'm so grateful that this is behind me.
I'm not home free. I'm still on 8 mg. I have my mental clarity back, and that's huge. I'm a crafter, and I'm in the process of actually constructing a very difficult project that I designed. More research is needed to confirm these results.
Other Substances -- Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol can all diminish levels of melatonin in the body while cocaine and amphetamines may increase melatonin production.
Reviewed By: Ernest B. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Doctors St. E-mail Form. Possible Interactions with: Melatonin Melatonin If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use melatonin without first discussing it with your health care provider.
All Video Images Tog. The Basics. Advanced Study. Related Information. Furthermore, prolonged use of prednisolone can cause atrophy of the brain, which also leads to sleep disturbance. Research has demonstrated that the use of prednisolone is associated with the disturbance of this cycle, decreasing the production of melatonin, and causing sleep disturbance.
Orexin antagonist is a newer class of sleep medications aimed at reducing the hyperarousal and insomnia caused by the steroids. Prednisolone causes a decrease in the production of GABA that results in hyperactivity and sleeplessness. There are certain drugs that mimic the action of GABA and have anxiolytic and sleep-inducing properties. This remains true with prednisolone: all the effects, including sleep deprivation, are at their highest at the time of administration. If we administer the prednisolone in the morning, the level of the drug will be lowest in the evening, and chances of getting a night of good quality sleep will be increased.
The NHS also recommends taking prednisolone in the morning before breakfast to minimize side effects. Click here to find out if Afrin keeps you awake. The side effects and toxicity of prednisolone are dose-dependent, which means if the dose is increased, the side effects — including insomnia — will also increase [2]. Although the dose of prednisolone is different for different diseases, I always recommend that my patients start with the minimum dose, and increase only if symptoms are not controlled.
Sometimes it is not possible to use a low dose due to the nature of the disease; in that case, the best solution is to use the prednisolone in small, divided doses, rather than taking a single, large dose.
R Turner and Elson have demonstrated that bad dreams and insomnia are resolved when the dose of the steroid is decreased [3]. Here are 8 ways that chamomile tea can help you sleep better. Using prednisone for a shorter time period can help you avoid the side effects caused by chronic use. I always tell my patients to use it only when the disease flares up and to taper off as soon as possible after discussing with their doctor. For the sake of discussion, here is a proposed method for tapering prednisone off, but always discuss it with your doctor first.
Click here to find out if nicotine can keep you awake. Steroid sparing agents decrease the requirements for prednisone and help in the prevention of side effects, including sleep disturbance. Most of the side effects of prednisone are caused by high doses, and by taking the medicine for an extended period.
I always advise my patients to keep the dose of prednisone as low as possible and to taper the dose off when the disease improves. Steroid sparing agents are drugs that alter the immune system so that it is easier for steroids like prednisone to work. They also perform the same functions as the steroids themselves, so that steroids can be safely stopped.
These agents include azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, methotrexate, etc. Please remember that these medications can only be used when prescribed by a specialist, and they may have their own side effects.
These agents are used only when steroids are ineffective, or cannot be used due to significant side effects [4]. Click here to find out if DayQuil can keep you awake. It is essential to avoid drugs that may worsen sleep disturbances or increase the side effects of steroids.
The worst thing you can do while taking prednisone is to add another medicine to your prescription that shares these side effects. Therefore, it is essential to keep in mind the medications that should be avoided by patients taking prednisone.
Eating a balanced diet and avoiding foods that can disrupt our sleep are integral parts of the sleep improvement plan.
❿Does prednisone cause insomnia? Tips for better sleep.Corticosteroid therapy exacerbates the reduction of melatonin in multiple sclerosis
In addition, fluoxetine a member of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs has led to measurable depletion of melatonin in people. Antipsychotic medications -- A common side effect of antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia is a condition called tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder of the mouth characterized by a constant chewing motion and darting action of the tongue.
In a study of 22 people with schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia caused by antipsychotic medications, those who took melatonin supplements had significantly reduced mouth movements compared to those who did not take the supplements. Benzodiazepines -- The combination of melatonin and triazolam a benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders improved sleep quality in one study. In addition, a few reports have suggested that melatonin supplements may help individuals stop using long-term benzodiazepine therapy.
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive. Blood pressure medications -- Melatonin may reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications like methoxamine and clonidine.
In addition, medications in a class called calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem, amlodipine, nimodipine, felodipine, nisoldipine, and bepridil may decrease melatonin levels.
You can easily google Melatonin and Autoimmune disorders for more information. Good luck on your journey. I also started out like you on 40 mg. For about 4 years I struggled with insomnia, and was taking melatonin.
I was desperate. I had allergic reaction to sleep meds. Finally I stopped the melatonin, also began just using an over the counter sleepy time tea, and it was a huge help. What a simple solution. I've been in recovery ever since. I adore my rheumy, but no mention was ever given of these types of things, or even a diet for inflammation. I found all of this on my own. We really have to question everything, and do our own research.
I was just too sick and discouraged. So many good ideas. It really changed my life, and then we got adjustable beds, and I now sleep well, but after 2 major back surgeries it is difficult to lie flat and the adjustable bed has really helped.
Thank you for your kindness. I'm glad you're sleeping well because sleep is important. I think I would kill for 6 hours again. When I'm restless, I find it best to get out of bed and go read. Usually, I get drowsy and can get a little more sleep when I go back to bed. You're right — we do have to advocate for ourselves, take the initiative to research, keep records of what's going on with our symptoms, speak up when something is amiss, and write down questions to ask the doctor.
It's hard to do that when in the throes of the malaise and depression that are part of PMR and GCA — just easier to collapse on the couch and watch tv after getting a couple of things done! That pretty much described what my life was like for 5 years. The turning point for me was this spring when I stopped the melatonin.
I didn't realize it until being on this site, but I kept saying to people "it feels like a miracle". The body produces cortisol in response to stress , which increases blood sugar and energy levels and regulates blood pressure. These effects help the body cope with stress. Cortisol naturally has a diurnal rhythm, meaning that it is highest in the morning and lowest at night. When a person takes prednisone for long periods, it may disrupt the usual rise and fall in cortisol, causing insomnia.
Additionally, corticosteroids such as prednisone decrease serum melatonin levels. Melatonin is another hormone involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Lowered melatonin levels can contribute to insomnia. Adverse effects such as insomnia are more common in people who take glucocorticoids at high doses, for extended periods of time, or both. A high dose of prednisone is 40 milligrams mg daily or more. Doctors generally prescribe prednisone for short periods to reduce inflammation and bring a medical condition under control.
If insomnia develops, doctors should reduce the dose or stop treatment. If a person experiences insomnia while taking prednisone, taking the medication in the morning may help minimize the disruption to the sleep-wake cycle. Alternatively, a doctor may suggest splitting the dose between morning and night. If a person has concerns their dose may be too high or cannot find relief for their insomnia, they should speak with a doctor about changing it, or about trying another medication.
Do not change the dose without medical supervision. Yes, stopping prednisone may cause sleep difficulties. This can be part of a condition known as steroid withdrawal syndrome. Steroid withdrawal syndrome is a group of symptoms that can occur when a person suddenly stops taking prednisone or other steroids. The symptoms can include :.
These symptoms occur because, while taking prednisone, the body slows or stops natural cortisol production. Therefore, it is essential to keep in mind the medications that should be avoided by patients taking prednisone. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding foods that can disrupt our sleep are integral parts of the sleep improvement plan.
A recent study published in has demonstrated that consuming foods high in carbohydrates and refined sugars increases the chances of developing insomnia [5]. Examples of such foods include cakes, cookies, processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, white bread, sodas, etc. I always recommend that my patients avoid the following foods to decrease the chances of insomnia:. This lifestyle includes fruit, vegetables, fish, low-fat dairy products, nuts, grains, and other healthy foods.
A study published in states that adherence to the DASH diet is associated with lower incidences of insomnia [6]. Click here to find out if kiwi can help you sleep better. Several studies have reported difficulty falling asleep, and poor quality sleep after consuming caffeine. Although the sensitivity and tolerance of each person to caffeine is different, caffeine consumption should be avoided close to bedtime. Alcohol consumption at bedtime can cause increased wakefulness during the second half of the night.
Here are 15 ways to sleep better after drinking coffee. Melatonin is a hormone released by the pineal gland, which tells the brain to prepare the body for sleep. Melatonin decreases the length of time required to fall asleep and improves the reduction in steroid levels that cause sleep disturbance and insomnia.
Research has demonstrated that the use of prednisone and other steroids results in the reduction of melatonin levels in the blood [7].
Therefore, restoring normal levels of melatonin is essential to improving the quality of sleep for patients taking prednisone, as it improves sleep and boosts the immune system. However, melatonin supplements can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, depression, tremors, drowsiness, and may reduce the effect of prednisone — so you should always consult your doctor before starting to take melatonin.
Exercise promotes sleep by reducing anxiety and creating a thermogenic effect that has a positive influence on the circadian system [8]. I recommend doing moderate aerobic exercises such as walking, as these are most beneficial for insomnia.
Vigorous exercises like lifting heavy weights and running are not very good at improving insomnia. Practicing sleep hygiene recommendations is essential for the success of any sleep-promoting therapy. Sleep hygiene is defined as a set of environmental and behavioral changes intended to promote healthy sleep. I have always given special attention to practicing sleep hygiene recommendations as unhealthy habits destroy the normal sleep-wake cycle, making it impossible to sleep well, even with sleep medications.
❾-50%}Can you take melatonin with prednisone
Eating a balanced diet and avoiding foods that can disrupt our sleep are integral parts of the sleep improvement plan. A recent study published in has demonstrated that consuming foods high in carbohydrates and refined sugars increases the chances of developing insomnia [5]. Examples of such foods include cakes, cookies, processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, white bread, sodas, etc. I always recommend that my patients avoid the following foods to decrease the chances of insomnia:.
This lifestyle includes fruit, vegetables, fish, low-fat dairy products, nuts, grains, and other healthy foods. A study published in states that adherence to the DASH diet is associated with lower incidences of insomnia [6]. Click here to find out if kiwi can help you sleep better.
Several studies have reported difficulty falling asleep, and poor quality sleep after consuming caffeine. Although the sensitivity and tolerance of each person to caffeine is different, caffeine consumption should be avoided close to bedtime.
Alcohol consumption at bedtime can cause increased wakefulness during the second half of the night. Here are 15 ways to sleep better after drinking coffee. Melatonin is a hormone released by the pineal gland, which tells the brain to prepare the body for sleep. Melatonin decreases the length of time required to fall asleep and improves the reduction in steroid levels that cause sleep disturbance and insomnia.
Research has demonstrated that the use of prednisone and other steroids results in the reduction of melatonin levels in the blood [7]. Therefore, restoring normal levels of melatonin is essential to improving the quality of sleep for patients taking prednisone, as it improves sleep and boosts the immune system. However, melatonin supplements can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, depression, tremors, drowsiness, and may reduce the effect of prednisone — so you should always consult your doctor before starting to take melatonin.
Exercise promotes sleep by reducing anxiety and creating a thermogenic effect that has a positive influence on the circadian system [8]. I recommend doing moderate aerobic exercises such as walking, as these are most beneficial for insomnia. Vigorous exercises like lifting heavy weights and running are not very good at improving insomnia. Practicing sleep hygiene recommendations is essential for the success of any sleep-promoting therapy.
Sleep hygiene is defined as a set of environmental and behavioral changes intended to promote healthy sleep. I have always given special attention to practicing sleep hygiene recommendations as unhealthy habits destroy the normal sleep-wake cycle, making it impossible to sleep well, even with sleep medications. There are a lot of prednisone support groups available on the internet, and joining a support group may help you adapt better to your situation.
Here are 21 ways to sleep better if you have back pain and sciatica. Prednisone and other steroids cause decreased melatonin production, so melatonin is prescribed to counter this effect. However, melatonin could make the steroid ineffective in some cases, so it is essential to discuss it with your doctor before starting melatonin supplementation.
Taking your prednisone dose in the morning, or reducing the dose and switching to other steroids, are alternative options. Studies have found that foods that contain tryptophan or L-theanine can help the body relax [10]. It increases the production of glucose by the liver, while decreasing utilization, and it stimulates the breakdown of fats and proteins to generate energy. All of these changes increase the availability of glucose that serves as an energy source, which is why you feel more energetic while on prednisone.
Prednisone is a wonder drug used for a variety of disorders but tends to cause sleep disturbance. You can decrease the severity of insomnia by taking the dose in the morning, reducing the dose, or switching to an alternative medicine, but this must always be discussed with your doctor first. Sleep hygiene recommendations are inexpensive and easy-to-follow lifestyle modifications that can make much difference to your quality of sleep. Liu et al. Turner and E. Agrawal, M. Daniel, S. Srinivasan, and V.
Indian Acad. Oral Med. Gangwisch et al. Rostami et al. Dokoohaki, M. Ghareghani, A. Ghanbari, N. Farhadi, K. On two hours of sleep a night, I felt like a zombie. The doctor prescribed 50 mg of Trazodone, which helped somewhat, but I still woke up at or am unable to get back to sleep.
I found a calming herbal tea with valerian and checked with the pharmacist, who said it was okay to take. The valerian tea has really helped. I looked at melatonin, but every bottle I saw has a warning label not to take it if you have an autoimmune disorder. PMR and GCA are autoimmune disorders, prednisone is an immunosuppressant, and melatonin interacts with the immune system — so I think it can undermine the effect of the prednisone.
You can easily google Melatonin and Autoimmune disorders for more information. Good luck on your journey. I also started out like you on 40 mg. For about 4 years I struggled with insomnia, and was taking melatonin. I was desperate. I had allergic reaction to sleep meds. Finally I stopped the melatonin, also began just using an over the counter sleepy time tea, and it was a huge help.
What a simple solution. I've been in recovery ever since. I adore my rheumy, but no mention was ever given of these types of things, or even a diet for inflammation. I found all of this on my own. We really have to question everything, and do our own research.
I was just too sick and discouraged. So many good ideas. It really changed my life, and then we got adjustable beds, and I now sleep well, but after 2 major back surgeries it is difficult to lie flat and the adjustable bed has really helped.
Thank you for your kindness. I'm glad you're sleeping well because sleep is important. I think I would kill for 6 hours again. When I'm restless, I find it best to get out of bed and go read. Usually, I get drowsy and can get a little more sleep when I go back to bed.
You're right — we do have to advocate for ourselves, take the initiative to research, keep records of what's going on with our symptoms, speak up when something is amiss, and write down questions to ask the doctor. It's hard to do that when in the throes of the malaise and depression that are part of PMR and GCA — just easier to collapse on the couch and watch tv after getting a couple of things done!
That pretty much described what my life was like for 5 years. The turning point for me was this spring when I stopped the melatonin. I didn't realize it until being on this site, but I kept saying to people "it feels like a miracle". I actually was searching for what had changed, but it never occurred to me that it was just stopping that little over the counter pill.
I read online that some people began to feel better at the 5 year mark, and I asked my rheumy if that was what was happening, and he said that 'it can happen' with some people, and he was cautious, but in retrospect I'm now wondering if it was ceasing the melatonin. I felt like I had been robbed of 5 years of my life.
I basically took care of my personal needs, and some days did a bad job of that. Malaise and depression was a perfect way to describe it. Thanks for the use of your words. My husband made me get up out of my chair, turn off the TV and leave the house every day. He was a saint, a lovely patient man.
He'd make me get out the door and into the car, and we'd have a little drive, he'd do the errands, and we'd get a bite to eat. I rarely socialized. That was so not me. And then the cloud lifted. I'm so grateful that this is behind me. I'm not home free. I'm still on 8 mg. I have my mental clarity back, and that's huge. I'm a crafter, and I'm in the process of actually constructing a very difficult project that I designed.
Probably one of the more difficult ones I've ever done, and I'm near completion. So there really is hope.
Prednisone is a steroid medication that can cause side effects. One common side effect is insomnia. People taking this medication may have difficulty falling asleep, awake during the night, or sleep less overall. The mechanisms by which prednisone disrupts sleep are not entirely clear. However, prednisone mimics cortisolwhich is a hormone involved in the sleep-wake cycle.
It also decreases melatonin levels, another hormone involved in sleep regulation. This article looks at whether prednisone causes insomnia and what a person can do if they experience this side effect. Yes, prednisone can cause insomnia. Prednisone is a glucocorticoid that doctors may prescribe to reduce inflammation. It can help reduce the symptoms of autoimmune diseases and asthma. When a person uses glucocorticoids for long periods, they can develop side effects, including :.
People who take this medication may find that it takes longer to fall asleep or that they wake frequently during the night. They may also sleep for shorter periods and find that overall sleep quality is lower.
Scientists are not completely clear on the mechanism by which prednisone disrupts sleep. However, there are some theories.
Prednisone mimics the natural hormone cortisol. The body produces cortisol in response to stresswhich increases blood sugar and energy levels and regulates blood pressure. These effects help the body cope with stress. Cortisol naturally has a diurnal rhythm, meaning that it is highest in the morning and lowest at night. When a person takes prednisone for long periods, it may disrupt the usual rise and fall in cortisol, causing insomnia.
Additionally, corticosteroids such as prednisone decrease serum melatonin levels. Melatonin is another hormone involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
Lowered melatonin levels can contribute to insomnia. Adverse effects such as insomnia are more common in people who take glucocorticoids at high doses, for extended periods of time, or both. A high dose of prednisone is 40 milligrams mg daily or more. Doctors generally prescribe prednisone for short periods to reduce inflammation and bring a medical condition under control.
If insomnia develops, doctors should reduce the dose or stop treatment. If a person experiences insomnia while taking prednisone, taking the medication in the morning may help minimize the disruption to the sleep-wake cycle.
Alternatively, a doctor may suggest splitting the dose between morning and night. If a person has concerns their dose may be too high or cannot find relief for their insomnia, they should speak with a doctor about changing it, or about trying another medication.
Do not change the dose without medical supervision. Yes, stopping prednisone may cause sleep difficulties. This can be part of a condition known as steroid withdrawal syndrome.
Steroid withdrawal syndrome is a group of symptoms that can occur when a person suddenly stops taking prednisone or other steroids. The symptoms can include :. These symptoms occur because, while taking prednisone, the body slows or stops natural cortisol production. If a person stops taking prednisone abruptly, the body does not have the cortisol it needs. It is for this reason that doctors suggest tapering off of this medication gradually, as it allows the body to start making more cortisol on its own.
Prednisone is a steroid medication that doctors may prescribe to treat inflammatory conditions. Although it is effective, it can cause side effects such as insomnia. People taking high doses of prednisone or who have taken it for long periods are most at risk for developing insomnia.
To minimize the risks, doctors prescribe prednisone at the lowest possible dose for the shortest time possible. One way to reduce the risk of sleeping problems is to take prednisone early in the day or to split the dose if a doctor says this is okay. Speak with a doctor for help managing this side effect, and do not change the dose or stop taking prednisone without their supervision. Corticosteroids are a fast-acting class of drugs that can reduce inflammation and overactive immune system responses.
Learn more about them here. Treatment options for multiple sclerosis MS flares include steroids. These can help reduce symptoms such as visual disturbances and weakness. Prednisone contains synthetic cortisol. Using it can cause the body to stop making enough cortisol.
Learn how to manage withdrawal symptoms when…. Topical steroid withdrawal can occur when a person uses topical steroid creams or lotions. Learn more here. How to understand chronic pain What is behind vaccine hesitancy? The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cure New directions in dementia research Can psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain? Medical News Today. Health Conditions Discover Tools Connect. Does prednisone cause insomnia?
Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Link Cause Risk factors What helps Prednisone withdrawal Summary Prednisone is a steroid medication that can cause side effects. Can prednisone cause insomnia? Why can steroids cause insomnia? What factors make insomnia more likely? What helps with prednisone-related insomnia? Can coming off prednisone cause insomnia? How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.
We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Share this article. Latest news Having a sense of purpose may help you live longer, research shows. Dementia vaccines: What are they, and when could they become available? Exercising between 8—11 am may be best for cardiovascular health. Cancer: Intravenous delivery may improve nanoparticle vaccine efficacy. Related Coverage. What to know about corticosteroids. What to know about steroids and MS. Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm. How to deal with prednisone withdrawal.
Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD. What is topical steroid withdrawal?
No interactions were found between melatonin and prednisone. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare. Steroids and immunosuppressant medications -- People should not take melatonin with corticosteroids or other medications used to suppress the. After taking 40 mg or Prednisone for 3 days the PMR symptoms were mostly gone. However, once back on 20 mg dosage the morning pain and. Steroids and immunosuppressant medications -- People should not take melatonin with corticosteroids or other medications used to suppress the. Since corticosteroids cause a reduction in melatonin serum levels, an important hormone in sleep regulation, their prescription to MS patients should be. What factors make insomnia more likely? Sign In. I don't have any experience using Melatonin with prednisone but hopefully other members may be able to share some feedback or suggestions for you.After taking 40 mg or Prednisone for 3 days the PMR symptoms were mostly gone. However, once back on 20 mg dosage the morning pain and stiffness has returned not too mention during the night also this has happened three times.
Most nights I take 10 mg of Melatonin, I'm not confident in what I read on effect of melatonin on prednisone — so any feedback will be appreciated. Interested in more discussions like this? Hello novabill , Welcome to Connect. My PMR is currently in remission. I don't have any experience using Melatonin with prednisone but hopefully other members may be able to share some feedback or suggestions for you.
I did a search on several drug interaction websites and did not find any information on melatonin and prednisone have an interaction but I did find some information supporting what you may be experiencing. Both occurrences of PMR I was started on 20 mg prednisone and it made me pain free and I was eventually able to taper off. DO NOT take melatonin with corticosteroids or other medications used to suppress the immune system. Have you asked your rheumatologist or pharmacist about a possible interaction between the Melatonin and prednisone's effectiveness?
Thanks for the reply. The article you sited is what caused my question. I was not sleeping…only two hours a night, and I was exhausted. So I began to take it, and held onto it for quite some time. Never have regained my old wonderful sleep pattern, but when I was hospitalized I decided to put my stimulus check money back into the economy and we bought adjustable beds for myself and hubby.
We got twins because at our age bed care could happen, and we're forward thinking. I'm now able to sleep about 6 hrs. Now I'm wondering how much that melatonin was interfering with my pred.
I was telling others that something miraculous was going on because I was feeling so much better. I have much better cognitive ability than I had when I was in a constant brain fog.
I'm like my old self only with bad knees. LOL I have amazing mental clarity back. Jump to this post. The only side effect I experienced from prednisone was insomnia.
On two hours of sleep a night, I felt like a zombie. The doctor prescribed 50 mg of Trazodone, which helped somewhat, but I still woke up at or am unable to get back to sleep. I found a calming herbal tea with valerian and checked with the pharmacist, who said it was okay to take. The valerian tea has really helped. I looked at melatonin, but every bottle I saw has a warning label not to take it if you have an autoimmune disorder. PMR and GCA are autoimmune disorders, prednisone is an immunosuppressant, and melatonin interacts with the immune system — so I think it can undermine the effect of the prednisone.
You can easily google Melatonin and Autoimmune disorders for more information. Good luck on your journey. I also started out like you on 40 mg. For about 4 years I struggled with insomnia, and was taking melatonin. I was desperate. I had allergic reaction to sleep meds. Finally I stopped the melatonin, also began just using an over the counter sleepy time tea, and it was a huge help.
What a simple solution. I've been in recovery ever since. I adore my rheumy, but no mention was ever given of these types of things, or even a diet for inflammation. I found all of this on my own. We really have to question everything, and do our own research. I was just too sick and discouraged. So many good ideas. It really changed my life, and then we got adjustable beds, and I now sleep well, but after 2 major back surgeries it is difficult to lie flat and the adjustable bed has really helped.
Thank you for your kindness. I'm glad you're sleeping well because sleep is important. I think I would kill for 6 hours again. When I'm restless, I find it best to get out of bed and go read. Usually, I get drowsy and can get a little more sleep when I go back to bed. You're right — we do have to advocate for ourselves, take the initiative to research, keep records of what's going on with our symptoms, speak up when something is amiss, and write down questions to ask the doctor.
It's hard to do that when in the throes of the malaise and depression that are part of PMR and GCA — just easier to collapse on the couch and watch tv after getting a couple of things done! That pretty much described what my life was like for 5 years. The turning point for me was this spring when I stopped the melatonin. I didn't realize it until being on this site, but I kept saying to people "it feels like a miracle". I actually was searching for what had changed, but it never occurred to me that it was just stopping that little over the counter pill.
I read online that some people began to feel better at the 5 year mark, and I asked my rheumy if that was what was happening, and he said that 'it can happen' with some people, and he was cautious, but in retrospect I'm now wondering if it was ceasing the melatonin. I felt like I had been robbed of 5 years of my life. I basically took care of my personal needs, and some days did a bad job of that. Malaise and depression was a perfect way to describe it.
Thanks for the use of your words. My husband made me get up out of my chair, turn off the TV and leave the house every day. He was a saint, a lovely patient man. He'd make me get out the door and into the car, and we'd have a little drive, he'd do the errands, and we'd get a bite to eat.
I rarely socialized. That was so not me. And then the cloud lifted. I'm so grateful that this is behind me. I'm not home free. I'm still on 8 mg. I have my mental clarity back, and that's huge. I'm a crafter, and I'm in the process of actually constructing a very difficult project that I designed.
Probably one of the more difficult ones I've ever done, and I'm near completion. So there really is hope. Nice chatting with you. There really is reason to hope. Unfortunately by the second day I was in so much shoulder, wrist, back pain I felt like I was back to square one with my PMR. Thank goodness for this discussion thread!! Hello jmcc — A high dosage of prednisone for Giant Cell Arteritis made it so difficult for me to sleep. I ordered some melatonin — then saw the warning on the bottle not to take if you have an autoimmune disorder.
I did a little research that confirmed that so did not take the melatonin. I did find that lemon balm herbal tea worked pretty well helping me get back to sleep. Good luck. Like Helpful Hug 1 Reaction. Next Last. John, Volunteer Mentor johnbishop Jun 27, Copy link to clipboard Bookmark Report Comment.
Like Helpful Hug 3 Reactions. Teri tsc Jun 30, In reply to lizzier "I never connected the use of Prednisone in combination with Melatonin, but I began to miraculously Like Helpful Hug 2 Reactions.
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