Started methotrexate......wiped out!!

sugarbuttie

Hi everyone

I have had my second lot of methotrexate (MTX) tablets this week. Only started on 7.5mg & increasing slowly each fortnight. Decided to take them on Tuesday nights.

I have noticed that on the following Wednesdays & Thursdays I am wiped out. I struggled to work both days & was in bed by 6.30pm each evening afterwards completely exhausted. Feel like I have got flu (I haven't) & aching all over. Thankfully, I am off work today so trying to rest inbetween bouts of housework.

Is this 'wiped out' business normal after taking MTX?? Will my body adapt do you think? Will injections be better??

I am only on 7.5mg & will be increasing to 10mg next Tues. Worried I will feel even worse. On the upside, I have not experienced any nausea or other nasty side effects as yet. At present, I feel worse than I did before starting MTX.

Hope to hear about your experiences. Thanks as always xx

stickywicket

To be honest, I didn't notice anything much when I first started on methotrexate. 10 or so years in, on doses ranging from 20-15, I've never experienced nausea but can occasionally have a 'meth day' either the day after or the day after that when I just feel exhausted. Not fluey though. Just really tired. Mind you, I've never been in the position of holding down a job while on it.

If you're due an increase and also feeling worse than before you started I'd be inclined to contact your rheumatology nurse for advice before upping the dose. It might be they'd feel it better to delay it.

traluvie

Hi,

Unfortunately i don't know anything about the meth, but i hope someone can help soon..
Just wanted to wwish you well and hope you feel better soon.x

dreamdaisy

The tiredness is a common side effect and your body should adjust as the weeks go by. If not, consider moving the dose to a Friday so that only the week-end is 'lost' (that is if you are still working, I am afraid I cannot remember. :oops: ) 7.5 is a low dose, you may well find that the tiredness worsens as you increase but hopefully you will adjust. Injections are only usually considered at my hospital as an alternative in the case of severe skin rashes or extreme nausea. They can also cause tiredness and that does affect me every now and again.

Are you also taking folic acid? The two usually go hand in hand and the FA is designed to help minimise side effects. DD

frogmorton

Oh Poor you Sugarbuttie :sad:

I am pretty sure that most do get over this side effect and hope that will be the case for you too.

Lots of rest will help for certain and l was also going to check that they ahve given you some folic acid? Oh and if needs be there are antemetics the doc could precribe which might help???

Love and sympathy

Toni xx

sugarbuttie

Thanks for your replies everyone.

I have just spoken to the rheum nurse & she (like most of you) said that the tiredness is very common on the next few days afterwards. She said, hopefully, my body should get used to it in time. If it continues to be a problem, she suggested I change my meth day to Friday so I can have weekend to rest & not have the worry/pressure of work. I can't say I am thrilled at the prospect of having my weekend 'wiped out' after working all week - that just seems so unfair!!

I will see what happens next week & decide whether or not to change the day I take it to a Friday.

I have been given folic acid, by the way, to take 3 days afterwards.

At least I have no nausea / rashes so THAT is something!
xxxx

dreamdaisy

Meth can make your skin far more photo-sensitive so watch out for the strong sun if you go abroad for a winter break, or the summer sun here. Nothing less than Factor 30 will do. This form of meth rash is distinctly unpleasant (I've had it twice now, yuk.) DD