Salazopyrin side effects

[NjoeK]

Hi. New here. Started on Salazopyrin like 3 weeks ago and the side effects have been terrible include fatigue, constant headaches, nausea and insomnia. Has anyone else experienced this? I took a break from the meds yesterday and feeling better today. Anyone experienced this? Any suggestions? I want to go back to my Gastroenterologist in a few weeks

[AgedCrone]

if I were you I’d go back to see your gastroenterologist now.

[NjoeK in reply to AgedCrone]

Ok, I'll try get the earliest available slot

[rmros]

Assume you were started on one or two tablets a day and building up to a full dose? When I took it I think they increased it every week until I was taking 6 a day, but each time the side effects were severe so I dropped back down again.

I think it took me about three attempts to get to the full dose. It might be that you need to increase more gradually but talk to whoever prescribed it.

[NjoeK in reply to rmros]

I started on 500mg twice a day. The symptoms have been getting worse as the days go by

[Gottarelax]

I've had to stop taking them due to the side effects that you mention. I had them as an add on to methotrexate but never really felt that they worked for me. I was on them for 8 months and the symptoms got worse over time. Somehow it seemed to make my methotrexate side effects worse too so I felt awful for a couple of days after MTX injection. Since stopping couple of weeks (and I really need to inform Rheumy nurse) I feel better. So far no impact on my joints and the MTX side effects are minimal now.

[Jackie1947]

I don't know about your area but a fast track appointment took me 4 months to see the Gastroenterologist. You could ring his/hers Secretary and leave a message with them or ask for a telephone appointment.