Do sulphsalasine and insomnia go hand in hand?

[juliep]

I have not had a decent nights sleep since taking sulphasalasine. I go off ok but then wake up around 2.30am and then dont go back to sleep until at least 5am. Is this normal. Its driving me mad not to mention feeling exhausted all the time.

[Marnie87]

Yes yes yes! I used to wake up every hour or so. Not sure if it's normal as I was taken off of it before getting to ask but your not alone.

There are some good tv programs on at that time

Good luck

Marnie x

[Hidden]

I had the same thing with Sulfasalazine Julie - but same as Marnie I had to come off it after a month so not sure if the wakefulness was that or other stuff that was going on. Worth finding out though because there's nothing worse for state of mind or health than insomnia.

Good luck - Tilda

[patty]

I have been on sulfasalazine for two years now. The insomnia started as soon as I started on it. I have the same as you - wake up a couple of hours after I have gone to sleep and cant get back to sleep till 5am ish. Have told the RA specialist nurse and she agrees it is a side effect but the consultant only says 'how do you know it is the sulfasalazine' etc. The only cure is to come off it - I was supposed to reduce it when the methotrexate has improved the RA, that has never happened!! I read my kindle now and dont stress about it. Hope you find a way through.

[juliep]

Thank you all. It drives me mad as i know its only a week until the kids go back to school and there is no way on earth im going to be able to get up at 6.30am if this carries on. its ok at moment as i dont have to rush in the mornings but i know next will i wont have that luxury. Its good to know that it could well be the sulphsalasine causing it though. Ju xx

[abednegomonkey]

I'm on this and I definitely think it affects sleep. I therefore only take it in the morning before 11 am. If I forget I leave it for that day and wait until the next. Taking it in the morning seems to help. I think it is because of the additives, yellow/orange colouring... I take the liquid version.

[patty]

Yes, I agree with this though the idea received some disbelief when I mentioned it in clinic. I take all mine before 5 pm now and it does seem to make a difference though I still have insomnia at times. Try the suggestion of taking it all in the morning and see if that helps.