Methotrexate

[Nite Owl]

I just started taking this drug last Wednesday for autoimmune problems. I'm so tired I just want to take naps all day. Anyone else take this? Just wondering if I'm coming down with something or the methotrexate is causing this. Due for another pill tomorrow night. First day I was was very dizzy and nauseous.

[Warpy]

1. Schedule your dose for one day a week when you can afford to veg out

in front of the TV because I guarantee that's about all you're going to be capable of for the first 24 hours. After that, the symptoms subside and you can get back to your life. Cold stuff is easier to get down than hot stuff and liquids are easier than solids.

I was on it for 5 years before my body rebelled and I had to try something else for a while.

However, that one day a week you'll be completely wiped out. I took my dose at night so that 36 hours later, when I woke up on the day after, I was fine.

On edit: if your doc hasn't already supplied you, get some Folic Acid tabs at a health food store or drug store. Folic acid can protect your bone marrow and even help with some of the symptoms.

[Nite Owl]

2. Thanks Warpy

Took the second dose this week and took it with the Folic Acid. My doctor recommended taking it but this time I took at the same time and it shortened the side effects,the nausea anyway. He wants me to work up to three times a week but will ask him if it can be taken in one dose at some point. I see him in a couple of weeks. He is on vacation so it will have to wait. I know it takes a while to see if it is working and maybe I feel a little better or it could be the extra naps!

[mdmc]

3. I take it weekly w/o side effects

I'm exhusted, but I think that is due to pain..

[Nite Owl]

4. My body is getting used to it now

just tired the day after, really tired. It does help the pain though somewhat but not up to full dosage yet. It's such a scary drug to take.
Hope you are feeling better mdmc. Happy Holidays!

[Warpy]

5. Fatigue the next day never went away for me

nor did it go away for my patients who were on it. However, I didn't get any of the really scary side effects like immune system collapse and opportunistic infections. In fact, my bargain basement level white count actually went up on it. My liver registered its disapproval the first week and then decided to lump it, my enzymes quickly coming back to normal.

I was just wiped out the day after the dose. I planned accordingly.