Methotrexate and Anxiety

[Hiland]

Hello all,

I have GCA and PMR. Diagnosed 2 years ago. A few months ago my medication was changed from Tocilizumab to Methotrexate. I am now down to 7 mg of Prednisone but not tapering down further as the result of an MRI showed Aortic involvement. I have recently been suffering from Anxiety and wondered if anyone else on Methotrexate has this problem? I have never suffered from Anxiety in my life even during times of stress.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Can’t comment on MTX effects, but would say at 7mg Pred it could be adrenals causing it, for done it can be a sign they are struggling -maybe have a look at this -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Hiland in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for that. I have read it and did wonder, but given the recent introduction of MTX I was curious if others had similar symptoms. I have been on 7mg for a few months now.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hiland]

In that case - you sent me off on a trawl and yes, anxiety is found in some patients on MTX, but it isn't something I can remember anyone mentioning before.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I agree with DL - 7mg is adrenal function territory and anxiety can be a feature of adrenal insufficiency.

[PMRCanada]

I’m at the same dose as you currently and on MTX (since January), but I don’t have anxiety. How long have you been on MTX? Were you worried about switching from TZB toMTX?

The only time I felt anxious was when I started pred at diagnosis of PMR. I chalked it up to being afraid to start pred because I heard awful stories about it and the many side effects. I was also on 20mg pred at the beginning and this certainly affected my moods.