Hydroxychloroquine

[Poohbear3053]

I just started on Hydroxchloroquine 200mg twice a day. I have only been on it for two days but I feel worse, I was already having problems with fatigue and itching but now I feel worse. Has anyone else taken this and had the same symptoms? And if so, did it get better in time?

[claradias]

I had the same symptoms for the 1st month, it takes a while to kick in ...

i know its upsetting, but be patient and you will see that you will feel better sometime soon!!

love and light

clara

[Poohbear3053 in reply to claradias]

Oh it is so comforting to know I just have to wait this out. Thank you so much!

Angela

[claradias in reply to Poohbear3053]

Hey Angela!

always remember you not alone! theres a cozy place here to put your anxieties and thoughts!

ask away and stay positive! (thats what i try to do )

If the symptoms don't improve after that i strongly advice to see your gp/rheumy consultant!

Take care

[Poohbear3053 in reply to claradias]

Thanks so much. The itching and fatigue I had for over a year so when the doctor said I think I have an answer and a med to put you on, I was so happy. But after seeing an increase in symptoms (just when I thought it couldn't get worse) in the first few days I was overwhelmed. I am so glad I found this group!

Warm well wishes to you all!

Angela~

[DiamondDust]

Hi, sorry you're not feeling well. I started taking hydrocychloroquine 5 years ago and experienced the same thing. Just keep an eye on it as my rheumatologist ended up cutting the dose to 200mg once a day (this is the dose most people take long term) and just letting it take longer to kick in so I could cope better with the side effects. Try taking it with food if you're not already doing. Take care and hope you feel better soon x

[Poohbear3053 in reply to DiamondDust]

Thank you for the support. I already had the itching and fatigue but this medicine has just made it worse. But if staying on this will eventually make the symptoms better, I am encouraged. Thanks so much for sharing your story and giving me hope. Hope you are well these days as well.

[DiamondDust in reply to Poohbear3053]

Fingers crossed it will help you. I also got very bad headaches from taking 2 tablets, so just be sure to mention it to your rheumatologist if you're struggling. I've recently started methotrexate along with the cocktail of other things I also have to take, so not feeling great at the moment. Hoping the side effects will pass and it'll start to help soon. It seems like lupus is a constant battle between symptoms and meds! Take care x

[meggie83]

I agree with Diamond Dust.I have now been on hydroychlorquine for a year and tolerate it well.take 400 mg daily after breakfast with my prednisone which is being reduced by 1 mg a month until I reach 5 mg which will be my maintenance dose. Keep smiling.

[Poohbear3053 in reply to meggie83]

[adrienneioannou]

I started this year's ago. I started on one tablet then added a second one. When I increased it I got terrible headaches so have stayed on one. Good luck.

[Poohbear3053 in reply to adrienneioannou]

Thank you, and I hope you are well these days.

[loretta1106]

I agree. I've been on it for a year and have no side effects now. I didn't feel that it was completely effective for about 9-10 months. Unfortunately, it took my body this long to have it kick in completely and to have all side effects go away. Be sure you have regular eye check ups but I'm sure your doctor explained this to you as hydroxycholoroquinine can effect your eyesight.

[Poohbear3053 in reply to loretta1106]

he did not but after researching for myself I found this out. thank you. Hope you are doing well.

[kimc]

Remember to take hydroxychloroquine with good amount of liquid and foods, if the liver have to working hard to digest this pill, it will make you itchy. Additional, reduce alcohol, coffein in stake, sugar, fried and spicy foods also affect the liver. In 3 months, if your symptom not get better you will need different medicine.

Good lucks

[Poohbear3053 in reply to kimc]

Good to know, thanks!!