Do side effects to methotrexate change over time?

[Susan1705]

Just started taking methotrexate today 15mg, feel tired and a bit more achy in shoulders than normal. Do the side effects just continue or do you become more tolerant to the medication over time?

[MrsNails]

Hi SusanYes most definitely, you ‘get used to’ the effects of the MTX & for me when l started or restarted MTX there’s a definite ‘Kick In’ when you know it’s becoming more effective.

It’s always a good idea to keep the following day free so if you feel tired you can just chill, l hardly notice any side effects now but please drink plenty of water to flush the toxins out of your system.

I’ve written a few posts which you’ll find in FAQ under Methotrexate.

Kind Regards

MrsN

[Susan1705 in reply to MrsNails]

Thank you that is useful to know

[MrsNails in reply to Susan1705]

I’ve taken MTX for a long time so if you have any questions please ask.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

My experience was that the effects that started in the first week got worse until the 4th week when I said no more - I couldn't function for the fatigue and just felt awful. Maybe it would have improved but I couldn't take the risk of not being able to do anything, But with most drugs, the adverse effects usually improve as your body gets used to it.

[Susan1705 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, will give it a go for a few weeks and see how I go.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Susan1705]

I think it is something you have to try and see how you get on. I felt worse than I ever have on pred and I really wasn't prepared to feel that bad for months when I have never had problems with pred.

[Coffeebeans]

The tiredness for me continued and I ended up stopping it after 9 weeks.

Many others find it ok so only time will tell. I would certainly factor in a quiet day after you take it if possible.

[Susan1705 in reply to Coffeebeans]

Thank you, luckily I am now off from college for 7 weeks and see my rheumatologist end of August to review meds.

[Nagswoman]

After 3 years of sort of being OK, I started getting nauseous. Got sick of 4 days of nausea after taking 20mg MTX. Had to take folic acid for 3 days. No improvement.Dose got reduced to 10mg. No improvement. Chose to stop. GGT then gradually dropped from 80 to neae normal 45 over the past 2 years. Evil drug. Can't have Tocilizumab, no idea why. Other things were suggested.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Nagswoman]

TCZ - possibly they are concerned about the liver reaction - it does the same sort of thing

[Blackcat1M]

Hi Susan this is my third attempt at trying to reply to you,my iPad is playing upI have been on mtx for a few years now,started at 5mg and now I take 20mg.

I had bruising as my side effect when I first started it was not too bad,and now I don't have it.

I know other people on this forum who take it and I am sure they will reply to you, all I can say is try it,and if you are not happy about it speak to your doctor.

[Saintmalo]

Hi Susan, I have been on MTX for 7 years now and I honestly don’t have a “normal ‘

Some times the reaction is actually soothing but in my case I can have quite a violent reaction within 10 minutes of taking it l always have something small to eat with it. I take it at 21.00 and I am always safely in bed by 22.00 Sometimes I sleep soundly and others not at all It’s really a case of what works for you I am slow the next morning but able to function normally - as normally as I ever do function!! Do whatever makes you feel comfortable

[Bcol in reply to Saintmalo]

Just wondered if you realised this post was three years old.