Hydroxychloroquine ....what to do for the best

[sarahsea]

Dear All,

I have been taking hydroxychloroquine since March and persevered despite the headaches and nausea, not forgetting the low mood.

I am starting to think they don't agree with me. The last few days I have had uncontrollable anxiety, and a upset stomach. This aside I already know I have a Hernia and GERD, could this drug be making it all worse? Is there an alternative?

Thank you x

[katidid]

I feel for you! after almost a decade of tummy issues and headaches i finally got it under control until they put me on this stuff. now headaches everyday and let's not even get into how often i'm in the restroom!

[sarahsea in reply to katidid]

How long have you been on it?x

[katidid in reply to sarahsea]

I'm on week 6. I thought the stomach issues were a temporary side effect, so I'm hoping it goes away soon. To make it easier, I take a medicine called Viberzi (brand name). Seems to help control it a bit and I'm digesting my food better. I'll keep you posted!

[sarahsea in reply to katidid]

Good luck, yes please let me know how you get on, I'm on month four and pushing hard to get to six xx

[Lupiknits]

Hydroxy upset my stomach and made me very itchy at first, but it settled down. On it 18 months now. I had a number of gastric problems before hydroxy, which has not made them worse. However, as others say, we all react differently. It took a good six months until I felt a difference. Later down the line I thought it wasn't helping and didn't take it for two months only to realise what a difference it did nake

[sarahsea in reply to Lupiknits]

Thank you, did your stomach improve or settle down? X

[sarahsea]

Thank you for that reassurance, I think I just need to ride it out a little longer and rest as much as I can. Xx

[whisperit]

I had chronic gastritis for years before all this started, and the hydroxy made it worse for the first month or two. I made a few adjustments, including being very careful that every drug that i could get gastro-coated was gastro-coated, including the 1mg prednisolone tabs. Also adjusted my eating schedule a little. But I am sure you will have done all this. I now have the occasional episode of heartburn but it is manageable. I did not experience the deterioration in mood that you mention, which surprises me in the circumstances.

I wouldn't rule out your concerns, though. This is just my personal experience x