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Advice/experience about going back on Prednisone

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Feb 12 6:43pm | Replies (48)
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@prestol

Thanks @seniormed. About melatonin. I have tried it before (3-4 mg) without success. My problem isn’t getting to sleep, it’s staying asleep past 3 am. Maybe I’m not using it correctly. Appreciate any specific suggestions.

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Replies to "Thanks @seniormed. About melatonin. I have tried it before (3-4 mg) without success. My problem isn’t..."
Teri | @tsc | Feb 1 3:19pm

Every bottle of melatonin I ever purchased had a warning not to use if you have an autoimmune disorder. PMR and GCA are autoimmune disorders. When I shared this with my Rheumatologist, he was surprised.
I just Googled this topic again, and what I found was complex and confusing.
On 40 mg of prednisone to treat GCA, I'd startle awake after two hours of sleep. I chose not to take melatonin. I got out of bed, read a book and drank lemon balm or valerian tea. After a couple of hours, I went back to bed and slept for a couple of hours.
I just read that lemon balm can interact with a thyroid medications and sedatives so use with caution.
As I tapered prednisone down to 10 mg and under, sleeping became easier.
I hope this helps.

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