Mepacrine and sleep: I am on mepacrine 100mg, one... - LUPUS UK

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Mepacrine and sleep

Gail63 profile image
4 Replies

I am on mepacrine 100mg, one tablet five days a week for my sle, plus azathioprine and have been taking them for about 6 months now. They have improved symptoms greatly, but I am having trouble sleeping. Can mepacrine cause this?

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Gail63
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4 Replies
Happykins profile image
Happykins

Hi Gail, I take mepacrine for uctd, recently upped the dose to 1 tablet 4 days/week & 1/2 tab on the other 3 days, so 550mg/week.

Although I'm still getting flares, it has helped greatly & I'm able to do far more than I was, 4 years' ago.

I don't sleep particularly well much of the time, waking up tired, but this was a pattern before starting the mepacrine so I don't think I can blame it.

Has the azathioprine helped you? At my last rheum. appt in December it was suggested I try this or alternatively, mycophenolate mofetil with the aim of reducing three monthly depomedrone jabs. I asked my GP for her advice, only for her to be very dismissive & say 'Oh you don't want to go on those, they're poisonous!'

Sorry not to be much help re the mepacrine - it's good to hear the experiences of someone else who's taking it though x

Gail63 profile image
Gail63 in reply to Happykins

I tried mycophenolate, but my hair when very brittle and started to fall out.

I was on azathioprine, before they introduced mepacrine as well. My joints & muscles at the moment are a lot better on these drug.

Bare in mind I’ve had lupus for the past 35 years and was a guinepig for lots of different drugs.

Penicillamine, methotrexate, Corticosteroids, Naproxen , NSAIDS, Retuxamab and lots of other meds in between. All seemed to work for a short time, then they stopped working or had bad reactions to them over time.

I’m also on clopridogrel, for blood clots & citalaptam for depression & panic attacks.

Now on zopliclone 7.5 mg to try to sleep, but it’s not working

All I can say to all lupus sufferers and it’s taken me a long time to learn, live oneday at a time, don’t push yourself too much. If your tired or in pain, give yourself permission to rest.

I’ve been hospitalised so many time over the years because I wanted to be “ Normal “ so never said no and pushed myself all the time. Learnt the hard way, your lupus wins and you end up in hospital.

Thanks for all the reply’s

Coffeetime profile image
Coffeetime

Hi Gail63, like you I was prescribed mepacrine and azathioprine. I did have problems sleeping and when I brought this up with my dr I was told that those drugs can have that effect. He suggested that I weigh the ups and downs of the drugs , I decided to get use to it and nap when I could, it helps and you do get use to it. Talk to your specialist about it . Best of luck.

Chanpreet_Walia profile image
Chanpreet_WaliaLUPUS UK

Hi Gail63,

According to The Lupus Encyclopedia, a potential side effect of mepacrine is insomnia. This side effect is known to be common and can be reduced through a lower dosage – this must be discussed with your doctor.

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