Purpose of dexamethasone???

• By dbfc
• Posted March 14, 2008 at 12:02 am
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The main reason is to reduce nausea and vomiting with the chemo. It is quite effective combined with the other drugs like ondansetron/tropisetron/granisetron. It also have a general stimulant effect, and some people feel quite good for a short while, but there are the other side-effects you mentioned.
You could reduce the dose, or take some short-acting sleeping tablets like temazepam for a couple of nights.

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• By SparklesVA
• Posted March 14, 2008 at 1:02 am
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Hi, Kathy -

My mom takes dexamethasone right now to combat inflammation and swelling. If you visit www.understandingcancer.tv you can learn more about this drug and several other common drugs used during cancer treatment.

Good luck!
Sparkles

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• By SusanL1
• Posted March 14, 2008 at 9:10 am
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In addition to using Dexamethasone for naseau, it is also used to avoid getting a reaction to the Taxol (or other chemos) during infusion. You should not reduce the dosage without speaking to your doctor, because you cannot just stop taking steriods, they need to be "tapered off". You probably take more pills the day before and day of chemo, and then less the day after, correct?
I have the same problems you do with eating and sleeping, except my sleepless nights go almost a week. I've tried Luenesta, benadryl, and Tylenol PM and nothing really works to help me sleep, and, like you, I can't stop eating for a week. Although it is no fun sleeping or gaining a ton of weight, I just let it go for the week knowing there will be an end to it for at least a week and a half before the time time. Next week (chemo week), I am going to try Ativan (one of the anti-naseau drugs) to help me sleep. Talk to your doctor. He/she should be able to give you something to try to help you sleep.
Good luck.
Susan L

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• By kosby
• Posted March 14, 2008 at 11:15 am
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Thanks for responding - I am going to talk with my onc - I only take it 3 days - 2 4mg tabs twice a day for 3 days - I almost think I would rather be neauseated!!!!! I never took tabs with my Taxol/Carboplatin but did take Anzemet that worked well for neausea. Oh well, it's all different and I am sure my onc will have some alternatives.

I have finally ended up getting some Ambien CR 12.5 for sleep and other than my dex nights it works quite well.

Miracles & blessings . . .

Kathy

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• By Karen54
• Posted March 14, 2008 at 12:05 pm
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The reason my husband was told that he had to take it was because it helped to prevent nasuea and vomiting during the 3 days of his chemo, He never did get sick sick just tired a few days after treatment.

good luck to you :)
Karen

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