When I Take Other Meds It Seems The Effect Is Magnified Currently - Is That Because Of The Abrupt Change?

Posted on Mon, 25 Nov 2024

Question: Hi, last week I was in the hospital for Covid shortness of breath and on Medrol 35 mg to start, 35, 35, 24, 24, 16, 24 - then to taper at home at 16, 16, 8, 8, 8 but I made a mistake and thought the pills I had were higher doses, so I really took 4, 4, 2, 2 (oddly, the last tiny dose made me feel the worst). I felt very off during this taper which ended yesterday. I realized my mistake later. I had insomnia, night sweats, nervousness, and very dry mouth and airway like no salivary production esp at night. Better today but still have dry mouth, but the doc said not to worry. I was on Medrol two weeks ago for one week as well, small doses - 16, 8, 8, 8, 4, then in the hospital at higher doses for two days, then nothing. In January I had asthmatic bronchitis and was also on Medrol for two week taper. It's nuts. The last time I took steroids was in the hospital many, many years ago. I am worried about any rebound or damage I could've done to my system with the current taper mistake. Should I be worried? Also, would the dry mouth be from Medrol usage? How long does the med side effects last? I don't want to go back on them again. Also, when I take other meds it seems the effect is magnified currently - is that because of the abrupt change?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
See details below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I read your query and here is my advice.

I think you stopped it abruptly so this can be an explanation about the side effects you were having yesterday. The dry mouth or even excessive thirst can be related to medrol usage. I think that the side effects will subside gradually. I also don't think that you did any damages to your system. You still had a bit tapping off .
Night sweats, insomnia, bad mood feeling low may all be related to stopping medrol. These side effects may last for some days to a week.
If it still persists then cortisol and ACTH levels are measured in blood, urine etc to check for HPA axis dysfunction.

You are saying that when you take other medicines their effects are magnified but this can't be related to medrol usage. It could be related to your own body not able to tolerate some medicines or a possible drug-drug interaction.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (7 hours later)

Hi again,
I am having horrible GERD from my meds. Particularly eloquis which I take to treat a pulmonary clot. I am suddenly very nauseous and have pain in my esophagus when I take it. I have been tolerating it for nearly a month until now. I have dexilant which I haven’t used at home, but have used famotodine periodically. As well as MAALOX. Any suggestions? I cannot tolerate carafate very well. I reflux up to my airway. This is new. Will dexilant work right away if I take it with the eloquis?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can use either dexilant or famotidine.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.

You can use either dexilant or famotidine which can be used to reduce stomach acidity and improve reflux. Domperidone helps in GERD as well as nausea as its a prokinetic and anti-emetic drug. You can discuss about this medicine with your doctor.
Sitting upright or walking after food should help with reflux.
Corticosteroids also can make reflux and symptoms worse.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

Ok thanks - could it be the withdrawal effect that is returning it? I also started an antifungal lozenge for my mouth called clotrimazole - which I stopped because I’m afraid it is interacting with gerd??

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Better use it later

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thank you for asking again.
I think it is not related to withdrawal effects but to corticosteroids usage.
Clotrimazole lozenges may make gerd worse , increasing abdominal cramping , nausea and vomiting.
Better use it later as you feel better regarding to GERD.
Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (6 hours later)

Ok - yesterday I noticed a of couple strange spots on the top of my tongue. Today three. Any idea what this could be? I hope to be over all this soon! And, that my immune system will kick in to gear soon after being on the steroids

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload a picture.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. It would be advisable to upload a picture of the spots in order that I can have a better idea about them .
You can upload a picture in reports or send it by email at YYYY@YYYY .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (4 hours later)

Tip of tongue spots

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seems like irritation.

Detailed Answer:
I see the picture you uploaded and there are three white circles ,normal colour in the middle located in the lower tongue.
I think it can be caused by irritation of any food or substance you used.
I don't think it is thrush or any other significant issue. I believe it can go away by itself.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)

Ok thank you. Can you tell me if I have to take an antacid or carafe with Eloquis if I tolerate it with food as I take it? I’m not finding an antacid that agrees with me. Famotodine does ok but it dries me out so much - I can also just do carafate I guess one hour prior to taking eloquis so I can eat something with the Eloquis? I have two more months of taking Eloquis…..I just don’t want to get an ulcer…

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can take omeprazole or pantoprazole.

Detailed Answer:
You can have omeprazole or pantoprazole to reduce stomach acidity and reflux.
It can safely taken with eloquis .
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. LAKSHMI