Does Methotrexate affect your balance

[NathanT]

Good evening all,

Please can i check with those people who have taken methotrexate (MTX) if it has affected their balance?

I have been taking 20mg of MTX for the last 6 months and have managed very well with little or no side-affects (apart from 1 flare up in my knee during Jul / Aug). It was not until i started MTX that i realised how much those flare up's were preventing me from getting on with life's adventures.

The reason i ask is that 20 years ago i used to play competitive county and professional golf. After a long break due to focusing on a new career, plus struggling with lots of flare ups ... and with the relief from MTX, i thought its time to give it another whirl.

I'm not naïve to expect to play to the same standard, but did notice a slight difference (i promise I'm not looking for excuses for playing badly).

Thank you

Nathan

[helixhelix]

Mmmm, how long is it since you exercised at a level where you would notice your balance? It could just be that you are a little bit out of condition perhaps?

Methotrexate hasn't affected my balance, but age, eyesight changes and the RA changes to my feet have. Recently I started a weekly gym session that does a lot on balance, so I realised that I could no longer stand on one leg with my eyes closed without starting to fall over. A few weeks of weekly sessions and I can do that fine... You'll get back to it in no time!

[NathanT in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you for feedback ... I will keep persevering!

[stbernhard]

MTX hasn't affected my balance. Balance is just a question of training and core strength as Helix says. Whenever I am in a queue, I stand on one leg only. I only do it with my eyes closed at home though. Get enough funny looks as it is. All the best.

[NathanT in reply to stbernhard]

It's good to hear MTX has not affected your balance ... i will try standing on one leg to improve my core strength!

[piggiewiggle]

One of the side effects of Methatrexate would appear to be in altering my balance. I tended to overbalance if I tried to swivel to look sideways. Never had this trouble before but then at 78, I do not know what effects result from the drug and what from age. The MTX was not reagarded as being effective so I was prescribed Mycophenolate. My balance has not improved so i think I must concede to old age.

[NathanT]

Thank you for your message ... i hope you get better results from Mycophenolate.