Hydroxychloroquine and mood

[Tinylittlemac]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if anyone here has had a similar experience to me. I’ve been on hydroxychloroquine for a month and my mood has really been affected. It’s not massively low but I just feel flat and uninterested in everything and very easily irritated.

Is this normal?

Thank you!

Mac x

[Ilovepuppies88]

Hi tiny littlemac

Been on hydroxychloroquine for a year, no mood changes, no probs at all. I would advice speaking to your gp or rheumatologist, hopefully they can find the cause. All the best

[Djlr in reply to Ilovepuppies88]

rheumatoidarthritis.net/liv...

ehealthme.com/ds/hydroxychl...

healthline.com/health/drugs...

Take your concern SOON to your dr - maybe reducing DOSAGE OR “switch” manufacturers or switch to PLACQUENIL (name BRAND) can make a big difference.

This is not good for you, so discuss with your doctor. Best Wishes .... we have a JOURNEY living w/Lupus & its trial & error.

Keep STRESS LOW - big TRIGGER for lupus flares. Stay PROACTIVE & “RESEARCH” 💜

Learning from others is a GREAT HELP 😊

[dg70]

I've been on it a year and a half with no psychological issues. Good idea to go back and see your specialist. Maybe try a different brand of hydroxychloroquine they can have different ingredients depending on the maker. I had stomach issues and nausea with my first brand (bristol labs) quite quickly so switched to a different one (zentiva) and all ok now.

[Djlr]

Yes - Many side effects can be small nuisances (such as tinnitus & hearing loss 🥴) but for most Lupus Patients Hydroxychloroquine helps to keep MAJOR LUPUS SYMPTOMS in check.

But - it does seem that you should talk to your Doctor about the MENTAL ISSUES that should be addressed:

drugs.com/sfx/hydroxychloro...

[cgbe]

I had similar reactions. Actually very depressed the first weeks, and people told me I was really off at least a couple of hours after taking it, like not talking, very little interaction, etc. I switched to taking it before going to bed, and eventually with time it got better. I guess you just get used to it at some point. I’ve been taking it for over 6 years now and I don’t really feel anything anymore. Interesting to see what would happen if I stopped though.