Side effects

[Sjhoney]

Hi, I’ve just started on methotrexate for a second time and was wondering whether side effects wear off? I’m feeling quite tired, slightly nauseous, not very hungry and a bit zoned out. Finding it hard to deal with but also that I should persevere as I need to protect myself against this horrible disease (RA). Any testimonies/advice would be much appreciated. Thank you 😊

[MorgseyMorgs]

Hello

It may be different person to person but I also had the symptoms you stated but after a while (took me about 5 months or so) my symptoms reduced and I found it more bearable to be on MTX, and appreciated not having the joint pain which MTX worked a miracle.

As you said any kind of symptom is better than a flare up which takes its toll (emotionally/physically)

I hope the side effects wear off soon and MTX works for you ❤️

[Sjhoney in reply to MorgseyMorgs]

Thank you for your reply. That’s good to know, I really feel I need to sit this out. As you know living with pain every day is so incredibly wearing and affects every part of your life. Ta 😊👍

[Arthurritis]

I was and still am on two types of methatrexate used to be on injections now tablets the side affects where of avenculy my doctor gave me ondansatron which helped with the sicknesses

[Anikins]

I'm now 7 weeks into Methotrexate and I've definitely noticed the side effects reducing. I felt 'drunk/zoned out' for the first few weeks but that now appears to have settled. I do feel extra tired for a day or two afterwards but still managing to work/function etc. I also take the MTX an hour or so before bed so think I sleep off the worst. All the best, hope it all settles for you

[Sjhoney in reply to Anikins]

Yes I take mine in the evening also. Thanks for your reply, I’m hanging in there! 😊

[Ruth12345]

Took me about 3 months for side affects to fade. With methx and a other meds im much improved. All the best.

[Sjhoney]

Thanks, that really helps. I know I have to stick with it but it’s good to know it will improve. 😊

[Happygranny1958]

Side effects have definitely lessened for me, I am on injection, still feel more tired the following day though but I can cope with that. Best wishes.

[Sjhoney]

Thanks 😊

[Maeve31]

I used to be totally exhausted and barely able to function but over a period of about six months it hugely improved

Now, 13 years on, I don't find any negative effect when I take it. I take it with my porridge in the morning and that seems to stop any upset tummy. But if I take it without the porridge then I'll be burping and upset for the day!

So stick with it and hopefully you'll find each week is just that little bit better.

Best ok luck, Maeve

[Sjhoney]

Thank you for your advice! I just keep telling myself it’ll get better and all you helpful folk are telling me it does 😊

[Hidden]

Are ou also taking Folic Acid. Some take it one day a week but I have one every day for six days. Not MTX day.

[Sjhoney]

Hi, yes I take it 6 days a week 😊

[Millysmum]

Hey, it's great you are keeping positive, I've been on it since mid May, I take mine in the evening with a meal 15mg, and folic 24hrs later. The tiredness does wear off, still get a little brain fog, spots and a bit of foot cramp, but all bearable. I drink plenty of water, and keep myself busy the day after, so as to forget about it, and it works! What mgs are you on? Hope you get on okay x

[Sjhoney in reply to Millysmum]

I’m actually on 20mg but I started on 15mg for the first couple of weeks. I’m thinking of going back down to 15 tho and see how it goes. I’m never sure whether the side effects are caused by the drugs or me worrying about them! It’s a lot to deal with and I just try and be kind to myself. Thanks for your reply 😊

[JanetMaryBishop]

Hi Sjhoney

It's difficult to know which components actually cause the side effects if you are on more than one drug. At the beginning I was on Methotrexate, Sulphasalazine and Hydroxychloroquine, plus Folic Acid, 6 days. I was like a zombie for 2 months, then I switched to Methotrexate injections, which convinced me that the tablets had been the problem. However, the next one I had to ditch was Sulphasalazine as it gave me a terrible taste and smell all the time and also digestive problems that were becoming very antisocial! So now I am on Methotrexate injected weekly 15mg and folic acid other 6 days plus Hydroxychloxychloroquine 400mg each day. Now, on that last one I have had an improvement this prescription as they have given me coated ones, which makes the taste much better and I have to say that that little change makes such a difference. What I find most with the cocktail I am taking is that my mouth reacts to certain things I eat - cold is much better than hot and/or spicy, but as long as I realise that is the case things are fine. Broccoli and asparagus like things are a No no as they react with the Methotrexate to give me a really bad taste and 'fizzy' tongue. I believe this is because Methotrexate affects the metabolism and the mucosa, and this has an effect on the mouth and taste buds.

I am only 7 months in after diagnosis and start of treatment, but last appointment shows that at the moment the drugs are working, side effects are minimal and bearable, and that it was worth persevering with the initial effects. Do keep in touch with the RA nurse as she can liaise with the consultant and experiment and jiggle about to make things bearable. Coated tablets certainly are a thing to watch as a pharmacy will give you the cheapest when for just a few pennies more than can make life easier. Good luck.. Janet

[Sjhoney in reply to JanetMaryBishop]

Hi, thanks for your reply.

I’ve stopped taking methotrexate as I begun to feel very anxious and depressed, which is how I felt the first time I took them a year ago! Not to mention very tired and nauseous. I just couldn’t function at all and was very distressed.

I’m now waiting for a rheumatologist appt so we can try another course of treatment.

My pain isn’t so bad, I’m able to walk about and am mobile but I realise the disease can worsen.

It’s been a pretty shit couple of years for me but I remain positive, what else can I do?

Thanks again 😊