What Is The Dosage Of Prednisone For Severe Neck Arthritis?

Posted on Fri, 9 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 9 Sep 2016 Answered on

Mon, 3 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : For the past seven days I have been on 60mg prednisone daily for headache caused by severe neck arthritis. The headache has now come back - Can I increase dosage to 80mg/day?

Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (-3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take ibuprofen, do not increase the dose of Prednisone without consulting

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome
I have gone through your query.
No, don't increase the dose of Prednisone without consulting doctor who has prescribed. And increasing its dose won't help much.
You can take NSAIDS like Ibuprofen which is prescribed to you. It has both analgesic and antiinflammatory property and will be helpful.
Hope this helps
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Harish Naik (17 hours later)

Thank you. My PCP is in agreement with you. Would a lidocaine patch help reduce the pain?

Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I feel ibuprofen will be enough

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome
I have not examined you, but based on the information I feel ibuprofen will be sufficient.
Hope this helps
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj

Follow up: Dr. Harish Naik (34 hours later)

Is Melatonin of any use?

Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
If feel it is less likely to be very effective

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Your headache is related to the arthritis, so I feel the melatonin won't be of much help.
Hope this helps
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj