Methotrexate Anxiety - severe vomiting phobia

SLH22

Hello all,

I was diagnosed with RA earlier this year and have put off taking medication as I’m terrified of feeling or being sick!
I tried exercise, dietary changes but accepted I needed medication!
I have had my first 2 doses of 10mg methotrexate injections and it’s making me feel so rough (which I can just about cope with) but it’s also making me feel sick 4-5 hours later. I take my injection on a Monday evening and it’s now Saturday and I’m so anxious and worried about Monday. I take anti sickness and folic acid. Anyone in the same position?

How long does it take for the sickness feeling to not be there anymore?

Thank you

Cara123

Hi,

sorry to hear that you are feeling like this. I also have a vomiting phobia and insisted on having the Methotrexate injection rather than tablets. I must say I haven't felt sick at all. For a few weeks I had flu like symptoms but now it's just an upset stomach for a bit.

Do you think the anxiety might have a part to play in you feeling sick? Almost like a self-fulfilling phrophecy? You worry a lot about feeling sick and then you do? Do you think it could help to distract yourself when you have taken the injection? If that doesn't help, I would also say that I have heard side effects getting much better for many patients. So if you have not had to be sick so far, I am sure the nausea is going to get less.

Also, remember that if you are taking anti sickness medication it is going to reduce the likelihood of you having to be sick.

Keep us posted how you get on tomorrow.

SLH22

Thank you so much for your kind reply! I totally agree that my anxiety is playing a part in it. I took the second injection last week and then when to bed. I woke at 11pm feeling really sick to feel like that was real? It’s so hard isn’t it?!

My dose increases from 10mg to 20mg tomorrow so I am extra nervous.

Will let you know how it goes. Thank you x

Cara123

@SLH22 - good luck tomorrow, I'll be thinking of you, keep us posted! x