Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine for Scleroderma and Raynauds

[Nnms]

 I was prescribed Hydroxychloroquine 200mg daily and MTZ in 2019. started MTZ in tablets 7.5mg and gradually increased to 20mg and changed to injection too.

I had lots of headaches and at times dizziness sometimes headaches starts as I am approaching the day the injection is due.t hen dizziness after taking the injection.f or a year now,i have had continuous ringing in my two ears which is not pleas ant. My rheumatologist suggested that it may be a side effects of the hydroxychloroquine and offered to increase the MTZ and stop the hydroxychloroquine. I had tried not taking the hydroxychloroquine for a month and there was no change to the ringings to my ears. I have these lesions or rashes,they call it morphea on my chest. l noticed it got better with hydroxychloroquine and so i was not keen to stop the hydroxychloroquine.

In the last month, i am now on reduced MTZ 17.5mg and taking hydroxychloroquine2 00mg 4 days a week rather than daily. The headaches and dizziness has reduced.t he morphea is still thereb it not getting worse. The ringing in the earsa re stillt there. Worried thati t may completely causem e long termh eating problems.

I was also started on Nifedipine 10mg daily for the Raynauds.

took it for a year. No significant improvement. I choose to try walking exercise daily. curgently i have stopped the Nifedipine and check my BP and weight on a daily basis. Both are stable. Raynauds are not getting worse. But I wear thick gloves when outside and try to generally keep warm.

I have decided to fight this illness with grace and fortitude and leave the rest with God.

[cwresearch]

Hi, I am firstly sorry to hear that you are still having side effects and issues with the medication. I too have all the same medications as you, for the same reasons, but fortunately I am now doing well. I am on 22.5mg injectable MTX and found that this is the dose for me, after lower doses were less effective. The added hydroxychloroquine has also helped, thus I am sorry that you are not having the same good luck. I also admire your attitude and your desire to "fight this illness with grace and fortitude and leave the rest with God", as that is very positive and may, in itself, help the situation. I do hope so for you. I have no advice, only to say that you are not alone and do persevere, as you will get there in the end. Good luck and God bless.

[RevaMarie1965]

Nnms

[RevaMarie1965 in reply to RevaMarie1965]

I'm sorry you are having these problems. I can not take either medication. They both have side effects to many to list.I prefer to take very few medications as I am highly sensitive to anything . Take

[SBQ1971]

Hi Nnms, I too am sorry for your ongoing problems, but do keep positive. I have been on Methotrexate for over 20 years now, presently 10mg weekly. I have LSSc with overlap, and Fibromyalgia. I also take Hydroxychloroquine 200 five days a week, though I have been given the all clear to up it a bit as I have been having some mild flares recently. I am fortunate in not having any real problem with side effects. I too have constant Tinnitus so can empathise with you on that. It is good to know that we are not alone with this nasty condition, sharing our thoughts can be very helpful. Have you thought of joining a support group? God Bless You.