Does azathioprine cause severe mood swings

[Cathywp]

I am having really hard to control mood swings and I think it may be medically induced. I am down to only two mg prednizone daily but I also take 125 mg of azathioprine. I take both together in the morning at about nine and by ten I am in tears. I am wondering if I should take the aza at night instead? Thoughts

Thanks. Cathy

[Main1234]

Hi my husband has GPA and on 4 mgs prednisolone and 150mgs Aza. He has 2 in the morning and 2 at night and seems ok.

Have you reduced your steroids quickly? Sorry can not be of any more help.

[PMRpro]

How long have you been on pred? What were your higher doses?

[michichgo]

Hi Cathy,

It's difficult to determine if a side effect is from medication or the disease. If you can correlate your change in mood with the start of taking the medication, you may have found the cause. Check with doc or pharmacist and if approved, take the med at night and see if that makes a difference for you.

Another factor to consider is hormonal. I was diagnosed at 48 and although I didn't know it at the time, went into menopause because of the chemo (cyclophosphamide).

I've personally experienced side effects that I can directly correlate to the start and stop of a medication. In some cases, the side effects are common, others uncommon -- or not even mentioned in literature.

Good luck, in any case. Be well.

Michele

[Cathywp in reply to michichgo]

Thank you Michele. I was wondering about this maybe being hormonal but I am 60 so I assume I'm past that roller coaster by now. I think it does seem to be worse around the same time each day.... from 11 am until 5 pm approx.. that seems like a large part of every day to be in tears or on the edge of tears. It is possible that I'm not as .....strong as I used to be. This yet to be determined illness is certainly weighing me down but it is not like me to be this emotional. I will ask if I can take the azathioprine before bed instead.

Thanks again for your input

Cathy

[michichgo in reply to Cathywp]

I also see an endocrinlogist. She helped in diagnosing my thyroid issues (it died--shrivelled up and died-- while on cytoxan)! So consider adding one more specialist to your list!!!

[michichgo]

Cathy,

I was diagnosed with MPA in 2013. It's changed my life drastically and though I'm in a medication-induced remission (I receive Rituxan infusions bi-annually), the disease and medications can really wreak havoc on a body. That's one thing I've learned.

My second realization took a number of years: I'm not crazy and I don't imagine things (pains, differences in mood, reactions to meds). In dealing with medical professionals, patients tend to take their word as gospel. The pro's are fallible; they do not know it all. This includes drug manufacturers, not just doctors. It is helpful that I've found physicians that value my input.

This forum, as well as those that are on Facebook, are invaluable. WE'RE NOT ALONE--we're not the healthiest bunch but we sure do support one another!!!!

Cheers,

Mich

[AndrewT]

Dear Cathywp,

I was on Azathioprine, prior to my Kidney Transplant, for about fifteen (or sixteen) years. It is difficult to answer your question specifically however, for a couple of reasons, they may well apply to you too. Firstly my overall Condition, non-specific ANCA Vasculitis, did tremendous harm to my body- and brain. Secondly, because of all the other drugs, it's not possible to 'Single Out', a specific Side Effect. Yes I did suffer some Confusion, Mood Swings, Rage, Sadness and so on- but I was ill, had Lost My Whole LIFE- to this awful Condition. (I have had to Give Up, my whole career, I used to work in Laboratories, develop Products- for a Pet Care Company.)

'Does Azathioprine cause mood swings', you ask.....I honestly don't know but it, the dedication of the Medical Professionals, along with many 'Other' drugs- no doubt saved my LIFE. You are alive too Cathy, be grateful, you only have the one life. (unless you believe in Re-incarnation, or similar)

This may not be quite the answer, that you were expecting, but it IS the truth. Try to 'ignore', or not dwell on, the Mood Swings or your Constipation/Tummy Problems, Aches/Pains and so on- you are ALIVE that is the main 'thing'. How long were you given, to live? An hour (I was), a few weeks ? Maybe until the end of the year? My advice? Be grateful it's hard, I know, when it hurts. At these times I turn to Jesus, I am a Confirmed Christian myself. However I'm NOT going to Force Religion 'Down Your Neck', I am just making a suggestion- as a friend.

I hope that, my words, have been some Comfort to you Cathy. My thoughts and Prayers, are with you. Kindest Wishes

AndrewT