Waking up with leg cramps

[Julesster84]

My Rheumatologist upped my Methotrexate to 4 pills a week, and now I’m having severe leg cramps in the morning in the past three days. I’m not sure if anything is related or not but would like any help before I call the dr for advice.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Muscle weakness and cramps are listed as a side effect of mtx and also for pred because the pred makes you shed magnesium and calcium through the urine - the combination will make it even more likely. You could try magnesium supplements - that would be what my doctor here would say first of all. If that doesn't work - she'd then do blood tests for the calcium.

[Rimmy in reply to PMRpro]

Now thinking PMRpro my muscle cramps may be - even if just partly - facilitated by too much calcium (I take supplements) and not enough magnesium (not up till now taking supplements) - quite a complicated balance when taking Prednisone !

Best wishes

Rimmy