If you are taking cortef for adrenal fatigue, how many times a day do you take it and when?
My LLMD has suggested this for me in addition to other adrenal support supplements and said once a day in the morning.
For some reason I thought Cortef was taken many times throughout the day.
Thanks.
Posted by thomasx (Member # 13431) on :
I believe it's supposed to be taken at breakfast, lunch and dinner, in diminishing doses. Too much in the evening might keep you awake.
[ 03-03-2012, 10:31 PM: Message edited by: thomasx ]
Posted by opus2828 (Member # 15407) on :
Thought so. Up for more.
Posted by opus2828 (Member # 15407) on :
Nobody else takes cortef?
Posted by skies (Member # 28064) on :
Yes, I take it. I take 5 mg. with breakfast and 5 mg. again at lunch (around noon). Taking it for low adrenal fuction. My cortisol is lower than normal at those times of day according to the results of my testing, so that's when I take it. If I take more than that, I feel way too wired and jittery, but the above dose seems to help me.
Posted by opus2828 (Member # 15407) on :
Thanks skies. Did you do blood testing or saliva testing to find out your levels?
Posted by fourwinds (Member # 14114) on :
I also take Cortef, usually 5 mg when I wake up, and dosing about every 3-4 hours for a total of 20 mg.
I have had to stress dose a couple of times (once when I had stomach flu last year...)
Excellent book is "Safe Uses of Cortisol" by Dr. William Jeffries...
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I take it once in the morning. I used to take one at lunch but I've cut back.
Posted by opus2828 (Member # 15407) on :
Thanks everyone. It seems to vary - some take it once a day, some twice or more.
I thought my doc was crazy to only recommend once a day, but perhaps not........
Posted by mbdq (Member # 26277) on :
I took it just once per day in the AM
In the early AM is when cortisol is naturally supposed to be the highest.
Posted by opus2828 (Member # 15407) on :
Yes, in the AM is when my new LLMD (and you know who that is!) is recommending it in addition to an adrenal supplement protocol.
But if my testing comes back super low, may need it at other times as well.
Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :
the times you take it depends on what your testing said
i take 10mg in morning now---used to take 5 and also took 15 at one point.
cant taake if afdter lunch or insomnia
Posted by cactus (Member # 7347) on :
I take it also... 15 mg in the am, and 5 mg with lunch.
I also take Florinef in the am.
With any colds/illness I stress dose - 30 mg per day. Had the flu recently and LLMD upped the stress dose significantly for 3 days.
You might ask about stress dosing, see if that is necessary. I have Addison's, so it may not be necessary for you.
BTW, I suspect that had I cared for my adrenals earlier in Lyme treatment, I might not have moved into full blown Addison's, so good thing you are supporting your adrenals!
Posted by skies (Member # 28064) on :
Opus--my issues were confirmed using a saliva test.
Posted by opus2828 (Member # 15407) on :
OK, my saliva test showed a normal morning cortisol level and then very low levels the rest of the day - within range but barely. My second saliva test showed a low morning cortisol. Seems to fluctuate.
So, LLMD is saying adrenal fatigue and I think I am going to try the supplements first.