Any advice on what to do.

[Prettystuffed]

Hello all.

I have stopped taking methotrexate as the side effects were not good for me. I found I felt unwell for 4 days then as I felt better it was time for next shot. It also seemed to make me feel more depressed. Since stopping I am much more mentally happy. However I am now only on sulfasalazine 3x 500mg daily. Which seems not to be enough as I had agonising pain in the top of my right hand . For eight hours I could not put my hand anywhere as It was so painful. All night Lol. Nothing touched the pain . My hand is still swollen but not so painful. 2 days later.

I could easily topped myself the pain was so bad. My consultant doesn't want to give me steroids because of addiction possibilities.

Any suggestions? Anybody else think that Meth. causes depression? Am on Sertraline for depression prior to RA diagnous.

[Nettac]

Yes methotrexate does cause depression in some people. I have the same problem with methotrexate wiping me out for four days. I'm waiting to hear from rheumatology.

I have to say though, that for me sulfasalazine caused worse depression.

[ripecherries in reply to Nettac]

Yes sulfasalazine caused me very bad depression too. I have never felt like that in my life.

[helixhelix]

Presumably you tried increasing folic acid and drinking extra water to see if that helped at all? And have you discussed it with your consultant? As he or she could increase your dose of Sulpha or add in other drugs like Leflunomide or hydroxychloroquine. There are different drug options that should be available to you.

[farm123]

There should be other options for you. Have you tried your rheumy nurse helpline - they may be able to advise you or if necessary give you an earlier appointment. For me some anti-inflammatories would make me depressed.

[Parker16-]

Hi yes I had to come off them because of high liver readings. However when I was on them I was so ill and I did feel depressed and felt I didn’t want to live . I am now off them but having flair ups but I just don’t know what to try next the Hospital will not advise say say I must go on something else but not allowed to advise so I have been avoiding it but know I am getting worse by the day .

I hope you get yours sorted soon (I Must)

Pam x

[Billybongos]

I would ring the nurse advice line , I had a similar thing and you have to tell them you have stopped methotrexate there are lots of options. In my opinion you need sort this sooner rather than later as you don't want the dreaded flare

[Brikel]

I’m on Sulfasalazine 3x morning and 3x evening 3000 mg Total. Also using benepali weekly injection

Now in clinical remission so talk to your consultant

Btw no depression for me

Hope you improve

[Hidden]

Addiction possibilities? I'm not sure what that is referring to. Have you tried anything like Ibuprofen? It is really good for reducing inflammation...

[jane1976]

Hi, I was feeling ill after methotrexate, including an upset stomach. RA doc halved my dose to 10 mg, so far so good. I’m also on Naproxen, hydroxychloroquine, & Benepali injections.

I hope you solve your problems with your meds’ soon!?

[Hessie5]

Hi - I was the same in terms of tummy, ulcers couldn’t tolerate the mtx. I am now on a biologic, can you request this from your consultant? I know it’s not easy! Also I found vitamin B12 helped my mood. Wishing you well.