HEADACHES AND PREDNISONE

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Goodmorning

I am on Day 6 of taking prednisone and have horrible headaches. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can maybe take and is this a side effect of meds?

Appreciate feedback

Thank you

Carleen

2

What dose did you start on? Are you PMR or GCA or both? On 60 mgs, for example, your headache should be gone. Am concerned about your eyes with headaches, Ann11195

3

Hi Carleen - Like Ann, I am concerned that you have horrible headaches.  Check out the symptons on this website for GCA if you are currently only on 15 - 20 mg pred.  I think you should contact your doctor or emergency department straight away if your condition mirrors the symptons of GCA.

4

I found that I had headaches when I started on steroids and was slightly concerned about GCA as I also had blurred vision. A relative warned me about the possibility of headaches on the steroids  and they settled. I did not take anything for them but I have always avoided medication as much as possible. I have PMR and not GCA.

5

Hi Ann

I was diagnosed with PMR last week. The Rhumy has me on 15mg/day. I have blurred vision if I read to long. Under my jaw, neck area was hurting when my flair up was full blown. Also had headaches everyday too. I spoke to Dr. 2 days ago and she said prob from steroids?

6

I know prednisone and aspirin together are a nono, but I have used aspirin for headaches while on pred.  I am very careful to eat something, and I do not take it close to pred dose.  I have also bought OTC aspirin with codeine which I use if I'm really in a bad way.  Can get codeine with acetaminophen also.  Avoid heavier duty NSAIDs like naproxyn.

7

Hi Carlsen

I was put on 15 MG in September 2015 and increased to 20mg within 1 week to get the pain under control but once on prednisone suffered from terrible headaches and was worried about GCA so I got into a rumi immediately.

I didn't have GCA however it took about 2 months for the headaches to totally go away. It got better every week however if you have GCA symptoms get in ASAP you could loose your vision.

Don't want to scare you but get help.

Mariane Toronto

8

I forgot to mention that it also effected my vision and saw my ophthalmologist ASAP. I see her every 6 most which we all should do. If in Canada it is covered.

Mariane

9

I saw my ophthalmologist after being on pred for seven months and because my ocular pressure is up he wants me to return in four months.  He was very knowledgeable about PMR, GCA and prednisone!