1st session of MTX

Last night I popped the first 10mg of the course and large glass of water and to bed. Woke up with raging first at 3pm and feeling queasy but back up 630am for work. I think I would class myself at ok level this week for me even though hands are a nightmare with open sores so pen holding and typing tad difficult.

Went to work and had a stressy day but stayed sane.

5pm in the car- OMG a wave of tiredness kicked in and all I can say is thank god hubby was working to take me home.

Fighting to keep eyes open as I type but happy as off for 2 days before I work the weekend so hoping recovery mode by then!

So MTX life begins......feeling positive today as felt I coped but assume as dose goes up the side effects could get tougher?

[Dspooky01]

Hi Dee,

For me they did but after 3 months the relatively minor side effects disappeared, I hope you also only get minor side effects (or none!)

My only advice is to take rest when you can.

Good luck

[Hidden in reply to Dspooky01]

thank you Dspooky01 next 2 days rest rest and a few wee walks

[Hidden]

For me Deeb side effects were minimal and came and went some weeks nothing others slightly nauseated or tired . It will be a while till you reap the benefits.

Have a good sleep.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

out like a light comes to mind x

[Stowe]

Hi Deeb,

Well done so far, it does get better, I've been on Methotrexate since April, did find I felt abit quesy Sat (take mine Friday night) and would come over very tired in the day, but I found if I kept myself busy I didn't notice the side effects. Did have to take myself off to bed for an hour some weekends, but now don't have many symptoms from it. Now getting used to Hydroxy as well and then reduction in steriods in Novrmber, really hope the pain doesn't come back. Good luck, I'm sure you will be good. X

[Hidden in reply to Stowe]

oh this sounds good Stowe thanks for info.

[glenpains in reply to Stowe]

I am interested to know how you feel after getting off the steroids. Thank you for sharing.

K.P

[Ruth12345]

I struggled but it did pass. As said rest well and hopefully time will minimise side affects. All the best.

[Happygranny1958]

Initially I had terrible migraine the day after and nausea, I changed to injections which suit me better and now usually just have tiredness the day after injecting. Good luck, it will improve. X

[TPaine]

Hi there, I have been on MTX for 3 years now and I actually take it with my lunch on a Tuesday now and then drink plenty the rest of the day and by bedtime if the nausea is kicking in or the headaches I normally then sleep through them ok. Sometimes I feel a bit iffy the next day but that was more so in the beginning. I think I have developed tolerance for it now. At first I took it after dinner but then if it made me feel a bit bloated, then it meant I stayed up later for it to settle. That's why I tried the different time, which works for me.

Good luck and make sure you stay really well hydrated 👍

[Hidden in reply to TPaine]

TPaine ah that is interesting the timelines you have used wil store that info in the brain if I can. I am trying night at the moment to see how it works. Definitely trial and error for all.

[Sumdy]

As you say the medication journey has begun. Glad it seemed to go not too bad and fingers crossed that you will get something that suits you quickly. I think the reason for starting on a low dose and slowly increasing is to minimise the side effects so hopefully they'll get no worse for you and maybe even decrease as your body gets used to it 🙂

[AgedCrone]

Did you take your Folic Acid the morning after taking the Mtx? ... I found that & drinking plenty of liquid negated all the nasties.

Good Luck.......you will now feel much better I’m sure........

Do remember there are 26,000+ members on here...many of whom will have taken Mtx at some point....but we only hear from the tiny percentage who have problems.

Let’s hear from all those who do really,really well on it!😇

[Hidden in reply to AgedCrone]

AgedCrone I am being positive but also aware that if it does not work dont stress try another once the timelines or body change. As my boss said the other week I have a strong mind and a healthy disregard for worrying,

[AgedCrone in reply to Hidden]

Sorry to contradict you Deeb......but if you are already thinking about Mtx not working & trying another Dmard after one 10mg dose ......think about it...that is NOT Really being positive is it?

Take the pills & forget them! Have something you are really looking forward to doing the next day....then you won’t have time to think about pills! 😇

It was a leap in the dark for all of us who took Mtx....thankfully most of us had a really positive experience......& got on with our lives with great relief.

Often the side effects are not the pills at all....but just the thinking about them

darned pills!

[MandiS]

I have met so many people who have been on MTX for years with little or no side effects and they are all doing well. Hopefully the side effects will pass and you will be feeling better soon. Unfortunately it didn’t work for me even as combination therapy. All the best.

[Hidden in reply to MandiS]

thanks Mandi I have fingers x for me I have to say

[MandiS in reply to Hidden]

Hi Deeb

Please remember that it’s hard when you first start but do stay positive.

I took MTX for 1 year and then combination therapy but it didn’t work for me I continued to flare my CRP continued to increase. I’m now on biosimilar and my life has improved dramatically.

It’s all about trying to find out what works for you. I’m hoping that things improve for you soon . Stay positive and all the best .

[Faith4]

Hi Deeb, I’ve been on 20mg of Methotrexate for 2years taking 10mg Friday morning & 10mg Friday night. Like you I suffered unbelievable fatigue. That actually improved for me in the last few months on changing rheumys. Originally I was also taking folic acid Mon,Tue,Wed but my new rheumy has put me on folic acid for 7 days instead of 3 to help combat the fatigue, and for me it made a big difference.

Good Luck

[Hidden in reply to Faith4]

thanks Faith

[Lyneal]

Hi, the side effect did get better after about three months, but I was told by my RA nurse to take a folic acid tablet every day to counteract side effects. This did help. Also I got foam aids to put over my pens so much easier to write. Hang in there it will get better.

[Fall18]

Hi, the best advice I received when I started on Methotrexate 11 months ago was to eat a stodgy meal (lots of pasta, rice, or potatoes, etc) for dinner on the day and drink loads of water. I tend to drink a lot of water anyway, but on Methotrexate day I usually drink about 2 litres after taking the pill at night (around 9 pm). I've been very fortunate that I've not had any nausea, headaches or fatigue, but I have been experiencing hair loss. I wish you much luck.