Tiredness ! Advice

[cpr02]

I work full time shift work and have recently been feeling exhausted

I take methotrexate on Saturday and today my whole shift has passed in a cloud of exhaustion

Is this tiredness due to the methotrexate or arthritis

Thank you!

[KittyJ]

It’s hard to know what is causing your tiredness, do you sleep ok? Are you new to taking mtx? If it’s happening the day after you have taken mtx then it’s seems quite common to feel like this the day after. Is your RA controlled at present, as this too could be making you feel exhausted. So it could be either or both or something else. Did you see your GP about your dizziness and tiredness you asked about recently ? What was the outcome of that?

[Hisue]

Most likely fatigue is from both. Try to take your once weekly mtx in evening with supper when you will be off work the next 2 days. Sounds like you work weekends, so Fri dosing would leave you tired on Sat & Sun.

[lornaisobel]

I think the tiredness is worse than the disease/pain. I try to keep my work load down - I dont clean the house as much as I use to - I find ways to make life easier - for about 18 months now I ve been walking more - joined ramblers and a walking group and try to walk most days and I find it really helps also I feel the longer Ive been on mthrx the less tired I am - perhaops Im getting use to the drugs?? I remember years ago asking the rhuemy nurse if it was the drugs or the disease and she said a bit of both !! I think pacing yourself is best idea

[Hidden]

cpr02 I have changed days so I know I feel upto 48hrs after taking MTX tired/fatigued so I now take Tues 10mg and then Thurs 10mg (after consult with Rheumy) then see how this works.

I work Mon and Tues I take Wed off (recover day) then work Thurs and Fri off weekends (most weeks).

[LippyLu]

Copying part of my response to another recent post: The best thing I have found for MTX reactions is taking Vitamin A, 8,000 IU/day to prevent nausea and diarrhea and dextromethorphan (20-50mg) taken with the MTX dose and again 8-12 hours later for the neurotoxicity (fatigue, headache etc.). I use the tablets (Mucinex DM) but in a pinch you can use liquid Robitussin. Both are over the counter, of course. See rheumnow.com/content/dsb-ma... for explanation of why these work. I take two Mucinex tablets with the MTX and one 12 hours later. It eliminated the intense fatigue. I used to spend an entire (weekend) day in bed the day after dosing, but no longer. Also MTX toxicity is related to dosage and studies show lower doses generally work just as well, so I suggest talking to your doctor about reducing it. I went from 20 to 15 mg and felt no difference.

[LesJames]

Hi I have been on Mtx for 10+ years now and apart from sores in my mouth and nose I don't have or notice any other symptoms. As for your tiredness , I do feel shattered and exerted but this is put down to Adrenal insufficiency. I am sorry I could not ne more help.

[Hidden]

Sounds like you are challenged with full time shift work let alone having to take methotrexate as well. It’s awful to spend your days off being without energy. I feel for you. Your new regime sounds a good idea. Best wishes.