1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Melatonin and PMR

Posted by novabill @novabill, Jun 27, 2021

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.

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kathleenkapes | @kathleenkapes | Nov 26, 2021

Really??? I’ve been taking melatonin as needed for years! 😥

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novabill | @novabill | Nov 27, 2021

Recently my GP and Rheumy okayed 5mg melatonin with 10mg prednisone.. I’m sleeping much better no flare ups but “normal” background pain and stiffness.

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1 reply
novabill | @novabill | Nov 29, 2021

Although my two MDs said okay to Melatonin, it appears I'm experiencing, rather quickly, the same increase in symptoms I experienced last time I took Melatonin. The first time the symptoms went back to "background" level after stopping the Melatonin. I stopped the Melatonin last night and hope for a reduction in pain and stiffness.

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kmeikle1 | @kmeikle1 | Nov 30, 2021

It's difficult to find much good information on melatonin. I did find a study or article from Mayo Clinic not too long ago that mentioned that melatonin boosts the immune system so people with auto-immune issues should avoid that.

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2 replies
Teri | @tsc | Nov 30, 2021
In reply to @kmeikle1 "It's difficult to find much good information on melatonin. I did find a study or article..." + (show)
@kmeikle1

It's difficult to find much good information on melatonin. I did find a study or article from Mayo Clinic not too long ago that mentioned that melatonin boosts the immune system so people with auto-immune issues should avoid that.

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All the melatonin bottles I have seen have warnings that say do not take if you have an autoimmune disorder.

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kmeikle1 | @kmeikle1 | Nov 30, 2021

Thanks...I'll check that out.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 30, 2021
In reply to @kmeikle1 "It's difficult to find much good information on melatonin. I did find a study or article..." + (show)
@kmeikle1

It's difficult to find much good information on melatonin. I did find a study or article from Mayo Clinic not too long ago that mentioned that melatonin boosts the immune system so people with auto-immune issues should avoid that.

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I found the article, kmeikle1.

Mayo Clinic - Melatonin https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-melatonin/art-20363071
See the section on "Safety and side effects"
"Don't use melatonin if you have an autoimmune disease."

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1 reply
kmeikle1 | @kmeikle1 | Nov 30, 2021
In reply to @colleenyoung "I found the article, kmeikle1. Mayo Clinic - Melatonin https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-melatonin/art-20363071 See the section on "Safety and..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

I found the article, kmeikle1.

Mayo Clinic - Melatonin https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-melatonin/art-20363071
See the section on "Safety and side effects"
"Don't use melatonin if you have an autoimmune disease."

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Thank you!! I appreciate that.

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abbeyc | @abbeyc | Jan 20, 2022
In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @novabill, Welcome to Connect. My PMR is currently in remission. I don't have any experience..." + (show)
@johnbishop

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.

"Steroids and immunosuppressant medications -- Melatonin may cause these medication to lose their effectiveness. DO NOT take melatonin with corticosteroids or other medications used to suppress the immune system." -- Melatonin: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/melatonin

Have you asked your rheumatologist or pharmacist about a possible interaction between the Melatonin and prednisone's effectiveness?

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I recall reading that something happens to the body at night which causes inflammation to increase during the night and it is correlated to your body's own melatonin. I took 5 mg of Melatonin every night for the past 5 years. My PMR started 1 month ago and I stopped the Melatonin immediately when I read this. I don't think the Melatonin caused the PMR, I just am cautious that it could make it worse.

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2 replies
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 20, 2022
In reply to @abbeyc "I recall reading that something happens to the body at night which causes inflammation to increase..." + (show)
@abbeyc

I recall reading that something happens to the body at night which causes inflammation to increase during the night and it is correlated to your body's own melatonin. I took 5 mg of Melatonin every night for the past 5 years. My PMR started 1 month ago and I stopped the Melatonin immediately when I read this. I don't think the Melatonin caused the PMR, I just am cautious that it could make it worse.

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Welcome @abbeyc, What you mentioned about Melatonin and inflammation is interesting. I haven't seen that and would love to read it if you can remember where you saw the article. From what I've read, Melatonin possesses anti-inflammatory properties.

"Melatonin has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory effects, among a number of actions. Melatonin reduces tissue destruction during inflammatory reactions by a number of means. Thus melatonin, by virtue of its ability to directly scavenge toxic free radicals, reduces macromolecular damage in all organs."
-- Melatonin and its relation to the immune system and inflammation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11268363/

Are you currently taking prednisone for your PMR?

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