Which medications are you taking for PMR, and which do you suspect may be causing the dizziness?

I was in the same boat taking Methotrexate and Prednisone at the same time. Sent me to neurologists, cardiologist, ENT, etc. and they ran every test they could I believe. All were inconclusive for cause of dizziness. Quit the methotrexate and dizziness got a little better. Rheumatologist said to try another cup of coffee? Started Kevzara about 5 weeks ago while tapering Prednisone. Currently down to 6 mg Prednisone and still have dizziness but less frequent and severe.

I just started Methotrexate 10 days ago and I have taken it two Friday/Saturdays so far. This weekend I attended a convention at an indoor stadium. I feel mushy headed with head pressure (not sure I would call it a full blown headache) since I started the Methotrexate. Especially the next two days after taking it. Yesterday, when I sat down in my seat after walking a little after my lunch, I thought I was going to pass out. Very light-headed and nearly blacked out. Scary, since I had to drive home for over two hours after the convention. I also had quite a bit of pain yesterday. I am also on 10mg of prednisone daily.

I have been taking 15 mg Prednisone for 6 weeks & 3 weeks into it started getting headaches & feeling dizzy or like I was going to pass out. It happens if I bend down & stand up or if I stand from sitting. The rheumatologist said to see a neurologist, he doesn’t think Prednisone & Tylenol are causing it. Could it be from the PMR? I don’t feel like I am getting answers to my questions. I almost passed out at the hardware store & now I am concerned about driving.

Thank you. I quit taking the prednisone on my own this week. I’m afraid to drive but I have to.
I just want my life back.

Diagnosed with giant cell arthritis and PMR in November 2023. I had eight months of prednisone therapy. I was believing that my equilibrium problems were caused by the prednisone. I tapered down to zero prednisone in June 2024. I still experience equilibrium problems on and off. I’ve mentioned it to the rheumatologist but he does not seem concerned nor does he seem to have an answer as to why this is happening. Overtime, I have come to believe that the equilibrium issues are just a part of inflammatory PMR. On bad pain days I usually will take an Aleve or ibuprofen…. nothing else. Would love to hear what others think about dizziness, and equilibrium in relation to PMR.

Prednisone and methotrexate can cause dizziness as side eeffects. It often improves with the dose of pred getting lower over time. And PMR/GCA can cause issues if it's impacting on the blood supply to the ears and sinuses. As witgh everything PMR trying to tease out what is exactly causing the issues is complicated; side effects and PMR symptoms seem to overlap.

Dizziness occurred asvI was tapering from 5 mg to 0 mg Prednisone. I found drinking a copious amount of water helped until I could stabilize. Now I have been off Prednisone for 3 weeks, only slight dizziness once until I consumed much water. I take 1 mg Tylenol on mornings I feel pain in my shoulders, but so far I have weaned off Prednisone without the other drugs discussed often on this thread. I do wonder if the meds are worse than PMR, if you can lick the pain and let your adrenal glands come back with cortisol slowly. Drink your water.