My understanding is Mistinion and predisone are the first line of defense to see how it works for you then they tweak the medicine going forward But yes, prednisone should not be taken for a long period of time. At least that’s what my neurologist told me.
January 10
Why does your doctor prescribe prednisone with Mestinon if prednisone seems problematic?
Prednisone isn't actually "bad" for MG—it's one of the most commonly used treatments because it can dramatically improve MG symptoms by reducing immune system activity. The confusion might come from its side effects rather than its Show Full Answer
Why does your doctor prescribe prednisone with Mestinon if prednisone seems problematic?
Prednisone isn't actually "bad" for MG—it's one of the most commonly used treatments because it can dramatically improve MG symptoms by reducing immune system activity. The confusion might come from its side effects rather than its effectiveness.
Prednisone works differently than Mestinon. While Mestinon helps improve communication between nerves and muscles, prednisone calms down the immune system that's attacking those connections in the first place. Together, they tackle MG from two angles.
The challenge with prednisone is managing its side effects, which can include:
- Insomnia and sleep disruption
- Mood changes and anxiety
- Weight gain and increased appetite
- Long-term risks like osteoporosis or high blood pressure
These side effects can contribute to brain fog and fatigue, which might make it feel like prednisone is worsening MG. As one MGteam member shared, "Prednisone always prevents me from getting a good night's sleep."
Your doctor prescribes both medications because the benefits of controlling MG symptoms often outweigh the side effects. If you're struggling with prednisone's effects, talk with your doctor about adjusting your dose or exploring newer MG therapies that might reduce your need for steroids.
January 9
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