Methotrexate Side Affect?

[CockapooWalker]

I have had antiphospholipid syndrome for 23 years (now 46) and in 2019 finally diagnosed with RA at which point I was put on methotrexate. Prior to that I had been on hydroxychloroquine for years.

In the last 12 months I have started to feel 'mildly depressed' which I cannot pin point to a specific reason, on one occasion I also had a verbal outburst at someone (which is completely out of character for me). Could this be attributed to the methotrexate or that RA can cause it through increased inflammation in the body.

I have done some Google searching (but not a fan of self diagnosis). I have a consultant appointment at the end of next month and GP next week, but just trying to research or get a further understanding as I feel its not improving.

I am not after an answer, I think I am trying to understand if anyone else has felt or experienced anything similar? Maybe I am just going mad with age😀

[Boxerlady]

Are you on Folic Acid? When I started Methotrexate in 2019 I found that a had a low mood for the 1st few days after each dose. I mentioned it to the rheumy nurse, half expecting her to ignore it but she increased my dose of Folic Acid from once to six times a week and it did help.

[CockapooWalker in reply to Boxerlady]

Thanks for replying, yes I take Folic 6 Days a week. I did struggle initially with side affects so have been on this dose for some time.

[Scottishlad]

I've found that having RA or simply having a long term illness has made me feel down at times. I wouldn't put my symptoms down to the medication as that has changed over the years.

Currently I am still dealing with the loss of my wife 15 months ago and a lung condition which has been under investigation for the last 6 months and I'm finding it difficult at times.

[helixhelix]

having an incurable chronic disease can cause all sorts of psychological issues, even when one feels like a strong person. Especially in the first few years I had periods that were difficult.

So may be the disease, not the drugs.

But equally I have had a few nights - maybe once every 18 months - where I experience a very nasty wave of depression after taking MTX, which lasts maybe a few hours. That I put down to the drug.

[JanetJAM]

hi I had a bit of mild depression but when I mentioned it to the consultant she assured me it wasn’t a side affect of the methotrexate but my hair was thinning too so I started having folic acid 6 days and my mood is now so much better and my hair has thickened up too so I now believe it’s all connected.

[BeachsideVia]

I am no stranger to depression, and I have noticed that piling on of worries and fears can affect my mood. I noticed during Covid I was very irritable and got into altercations with people about no masks etc. at my core I was terrified of the unknown. I did not like my behavior so I changed, in my situation with the help of my faith. My gosh I am not the only one struggling to get through the day! I am on MTX 17.5 mg, 7 weeks, and if anything, my mood has improved, because I have hope this drug will help.

[VeronicaF]

I have never felt depressed on hydroxychloroquine, but when your in a flare with RA that can cause depression, I feel its part of the condition plus brain fog and so on, thats what I have noticed in myself, but not part of the meds

I think you need some TLC and rest

Hope you feel better soon xx

[Createsomething]

Hi i have RA , was on methotrexate many years ago, and it made me very depressed. I couldn't tolerate it so tried something else. However everyone's different, so your depression could be down to side effects, or having to live with long term illness. I could pinpoint my depression and out of character anger outbursts to methotrexate. I hated the way it made me feel. I've not met or spoken to anyone with anti phospholipid syndrome which I also have. Please would you mind telling me how this impacts you ? I'm very interested. I feel tired and sluggish all the time, plus I think it affects my ability to think clearly sometimes. However this could be my fibromyalgia which gives me brain fog. I get headaches especially when I go out in freezing cold weather. I'm not sure what it's called, but if I go out on my mobility scooter when it's cold, I get sudden numbness all over my head, with pain and swelling around my scalp. Maybe this is my Raynaud's as I have this in my hands and feet. I like your profile photo..it looks like a streptocarpus called Polka dot purple. I had a few of these beautiful plants years ago that were gorgeous but silly me, I over watered them.