Nocturna a side effect of predisone?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I am having to get up every hour at night to urinate. It's not just a sensation but a large volume every tie. I've always had the opposite problem of retaining liquids.

I looked it up and apparently it is quite a common side effect of predisone as it alters circadian rhythm.

It disrupts my sleep and my energy level is surely affected by having to wake up at least once every hour to pee which is also confusing as to whether the pain in my legs is caused by PMR or dehydration. I am taking potassium, magnesium and calcium along with the vitamin D.

I've been taking the predisone at 2 am. Would it help to take it at another hour? It's kind of ironic that I take it at 2 am precisely to mimic the natural circadian rhythm of cortisol production.

2

Sorry.. I meant nocturia.

3

I have had the same problem - every two hours. Without some quality sleep it is a downward spiral. I asked the doc and he gave me Furosemide to take to at 5pm to encourage me to urinate more before going to bed rather than after. I didn't take it as I have enough drugs without adding more into the mix. However, by reducing my water intake a little, especially from late afternoon, it seems to have settled down and I am now sleeping for four hours before having to get up. Water retention is a common problem as we age and there is information under Idiopathic Oedema on this Patient website. The Mayo Clinic website has lots of information on Edema and as you point out, taking steroids is one possible cause. As ever, damned if we do and damned if we don't!! Mine has (for now) improved by taking less fluid but must try not to go below 1.5 litres or else I tend to get UTI .....  Good luck!

4

My doctor said that Furosemide should not be taken with pred as they are contra indicative.

5

Thanks for that - the doctor knew what drugs I was on but still prescribed it. Makes me wonder sometimes how we manage to survive despite the best efforts of doctors!

6

I had trouble with frequent loo trips in the night for the first 6-12 months on pred, but it's settled down now as my dose has decreased (currently on 7.5mg) and I have learnt to 'manage' my PMR - eg pacing, avoiding stress - saying NO!