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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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abbeyc | @abbeyc | Mar 24, 2022

I called my Rheumatologist today because of my sleep trouble and asked if I can go back to taking Meletonin. He said yes. But I am concerned that there are so many differing opinions out there on this subject

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2 replies
Teri | @tsc | Mar 25, 2022
In reply to @abbeyc "I called my Rheumatologist today because of my sleep trouble and asked if I can go..." + (show)
@abbeyc

I called my Rheumatologist today because of my sleep trouble and asked if I can go back to taking Meletonin. He said yes. But I am concerned that there are so many differing opinions out there on this subject

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Hi @abbeyc Every bottle of Melatonin I've seen says not to take Melatonin if you have an autoimmune disorder. PMR and GCA are autoimmune disorders. The simplest explanation I've come across is that Melatonin stimulates the immune system. With PMR and GCA our immune systems are already overstimulated and attacking our own bodies. On high doses of prednisone, I had problems sleeping. I gave my melatonin away and used lemon balm tea, and sometimes, valerian tea or blends like Organic Nighty Night. There are also breathing exercises for sleep (Google Dr. Andrew Weil) and an exercise where you go back to your childhood home and tour it room by room. Usually, I never made it out of the kitchen without falling asleep. Also, lavender oil is supposed to be calming. Good luck...sweet dreams!

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sharon20 | @sharon20 | Apr 10, 2022
In reply to @lizzier "Good luck on your journey. I also started out like you on 40 mg. For about..." + (show)
@lizzier

Good luck on your journey. I also started out like you on 40 mg. For about 4 years I struggled with insomnia, and was taking melatonin. I was desperate. I had allergic reaction to sleep meds. Finally I stopped the melatonin, also began just using an over the counter sleepy time tea, and it was a huge help. Amazing. What a simple solution. I've been in recovery ever since. I adore my rheumy, but no mention was ever given of these types of things, or even a diet for inflammation. I found all of this on my own. We really have to question everything, and do our own research. I was just too sick and discouraged. Finally the light came on when I took the course on Living Well With Chronic Pain. So many good ideas. It really changed my life, and then we got adjustable beds, and I now sleep well, but after 2 major back surgeries it is difficult to lie flat and the adjustable bed has really helped.

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How did you access this class you mentioned

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linda7 | @linda7 | Apr 10, 2022

My internist, who I originally saw about my pain that turned out to be caused by PMR, diagnosed me with spine problems and prescribed Gabapentin (Neurontin). It turns out that doctors often prescribe this drug for spine-related pain since they can't give narcotics. I filled the prescription but had tried it before and all it does is make me sleepy. As soon as I got on prednisone for PMR I had insomnia. I had difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. I had the Neurontin so figured I would try taking 200 mg at night. My insomnia problem was solved and I woke up in the morning feeling alert. I noticed no side effects. My rheumatologist knows I'm taking it. It did not trigger any drug interaction warnings at the pharmacy. I hesitate to share this because I do not like taking prescription drugs and did not take any before I got PMR. Now that I am getting down to lower prednisone doses I'm not taking the neurontin every night and plan to taper off of it. I'm just reporting my own experience and it is an off-label use to take it for insomnia. I just thought that there was no way I was going to be able to heal from the PMR if I couldn't sleep! If teas or meditation work for you, that is preferable.

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tillysam | @tillysam | Apr 11, 2022
In reply to @abbeyc "I called my Rheumatologist today because of my sleep trouble and asked if I can go..." + (show)
@abbeyc

I called my Rheumatologist today because of my sleep trouble and asked if I can go back to taking Meletonin. He said yes. But I am concerned that there are so many differing opinions out there on this subject

Jump to this post

My husband’s psychiatrist told him not to take more than 1 mg of Melatonin for no more than 2 weeks so not to cause problems. He also mentioned not to take Melatonin if you have an autoimmune disease.

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