Dexamethasone

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I am beginning chemo this coming Tuesday (3/16).  I was instructed to take two tablets, twice a day of dexamethasone beginning on Monday thru Wednesday.  I am thinking that the nurse told me to be sure to take the medicine before noon each day or I won't be able to sleep.  How would I get TWO doses of two pills in before noon?  Maybe I misunderstood.  Would you please share with me the times you took this medication?  I don't want to be awake all night from this medication.  Comments or suggestions appreciated.  Thanks.

Karen

Comments

  • ElaineD
    ElaineD Member Posts: 2,265
    edited March 2010

    You can be reasonably flexible with the timing. I reckon that as long as you don't take later than 2pm, you should be ok. I say "should" as they do have quite severe effects-at least for me.They keep me awake-but it's not because I don't feel  tired-although they help with energy levels, it tends to be a "buzzy" not very nice feeling. Consequently I only take one dose rather than the two prescribed-and find I can cope a bit better with this.

  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited March 2010

    I also took that medication before my chemo treatments. For me it didn't matter what time I took it, I didn't sleep for the 3 days I took it and even beyond the 3 days.

  • ElaineD
    ElaineD Member Posts: 2,265
    edited March 2010

    I was surprised that it was primarily to help with nausea-I thought it was just to give me an energy boost! But, if you find after your first treatement that the nausea isn't bad, you could reduce, and use the anti nausea tabs instead. I get a dose of the steroids by IV before the chemo, and have found that I can quite easily reduce the oral steroids.Like hrf, I find it plays havoc with my sleep patterns-at a  time when you really need sleep. The effect does linger for a while-so maybe have a few good books to hand for restless nights! Good luck.

  • ThereIsHope
    ThereIsHope Member Posts: 62
    edited March 2010

    Thanks, everyone!  I didn't realize this was to help with nausea, also.  Books?  Well, I've got several I've been wanting to read, so I'll be prepared.  I'm a lover of sleep, so I know this will be an adjustment.  Oh well, this too shall pass! 

  • Karen09
    Karen09 Member Posts: 320
    edited March 2010

    I took it when I was having chemo too - it was the only thing that helped my nausea.  I sure loved that little pill.  lol!  I took it twice a day I believe, every 12 hours or so, once during the day and then during the evening.  I never had problems sleeping when I took it.  Just make sure you take it with food because it can be very hard on your stomach I hear.

  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited March 2010

    I experienced the same side effects as hrf posted above.  It does tend to 'wire' you.  Gave me a grand appetite too!! 

  • Marie45
    Marie45 Member Posts: 31
    edited March 2010

    I took it too.  They told me not to take the end of day dose late in the evening or you won't sleep.  I took one in the morning around 9 and the evening one around 8pm.  I don't usually go to bed until 12 or 1 so it was a long enough time that it didn't disturb the sleep 'too bad'.

    Yes, it's an antinauseant as well.

    I took it on an empty stomach for almost a year before I figured it out that if you take it with food, that crazy wired feeling is lessened - still not gone, but not so much.  I found that although I had the energy, it was misdirected energy because my mind had trouble focussing on things.  Good things for me would be raking leaves, ironing, laundry, grab a bottle of Pledge and dust - things that were no brainers because again, my mind would race.

  • EZH
    EZH Member Posts: 48
    edited March 2010

    I am 12 days out from my first chemo, I'm a March 2010 starter. Here is my two cents worth in regard to the Decadron:  at first I tried to act normal, even though I totally had that "buzzy", "crawling out of my skin" feeling.  That was virtually impossible...I couldn't sit and read or go on computer or relax on the couch.  Forget napping or sleeping (though, add Ambien and get a few good hours per night).  I was anxious because I couldn't think clearly and as Marie45 said, I was misdirecting the energy.  So, I decided to go with what I thought would make me feel better:  cleaned out half the basement, closets, cabinets...made up donation bags and garbage bags and I felt much better once I figured out how to use the energy.  Marie45:  good idea, next round maybe I"ll do some yard work!

    My onc said it is useless to fight the steroid buzz, best to go with it.  Then it fades away after a few days and whew!  Now you can rest!  

  • ThereIsHope
    ThereIsHope Member Posts: 62
    edited March 2010

    Thank you all SO MUCH!  I am up at 5 a.m. (been awake since 4 a.m.) mulling over in my mind what is to come over the next few days.  Your responses have put some of my concerns to rest.  God knows that I have plenty of laundry, dust and flower beds that need cleaned out!  Today I will be babysitting my 2 and a half yr. old granddaughter and 8 month old grandson.  I'm sure they will love all the energy grandma has to play with them!  Hugs to y'all.  Karen

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