MTX headaches and folic acid ,other meds

[Liz018]

I have been taking MTX for 2 weeks now , I take it on a Saturday night tablet form . I was then told to take 1 folic acid on Mondays . Every Wednesday / Thursday I get awful headaches could this be a coincidence ? I have also been taking Naproxen , hydroxychloroquine.lansoprazole .also had steroid injection a couple weeks ago and the pain is hardly there (for now)

Only getting the headaches since MTX .

I see some others take folic acid more often would it hurt to do that ? Would it help ?

[helixhelix]

It could help, so talk to your rheumy about this. If I forget to take my folic acid I get a headache, which goes away as soon as I take it! Could be coincidence, or psychological but it works for me...

[Simba1992]

Here is. some useful information of how to deal with MTX side effects.

rheumnow.com/content/dsb-ma...

[Mmrr]

I don't get MTX headaches if I drink plenty. By plenty I mean a minimum of 2 and half litres of water per day, plus a few cups of green tea. So overall, well over 3 litres of fluid per day. If I don't drink I get the MTX headache.

It works best for me if drink plenty in the morning. 2 mugs of green tea, a large glass of water and milk in my porridge at breakfast time. More tea and water mid morning.

I carry a 250ml bottle of water with me, evrrywhere I go, if I begin to feel headachey I drink it immediately and no headache develops.

I also have water beside my bed and sip it everytime I wake during the night. I can easily drink 200 mls overnight.

I stay off coffee/ breakfast tea and alcohol, (actually I have developed a dislike for them) apart from the occasional small 1 shot latte, if I'm out.

Like HH I also take folic acid everyday except MTX day and think it helps with all MTX side effects. It might be worth asking about increasing it.

But the main thing is fluid, never let yourself get thirsty.

[Liz018 in reply to Mmrr]

Thank you !

[Angels54]

How many MTX do you take , I take 1 folic acid on Friday MTX on Sunday, I get headache for couple of days . good Luck

[Ali_H]

The main thing is to drink loads of water but do report the headaches. It is also possible to split your MTX by taking 1/2 at tea time and 1/2 at bedtime and that might ease bits a bit. I split mine 1/2 at breakfast and 1/2 at tea time and when not working split it further with 2 tablets at breakfast, lunch and teatime.

All the best

Ali

[Liz018]

Thanks all I will drink more and try splitting the tabs !