I started methotrexate 2 evenings ago (6 pills q 7 days). After a full 6 hours of sleep, I am still extremely tired and have been sleeping in my recliner since getting up at 7:00am. It's now nearly 11 am and I think I could probably sleep here all day. Is this a side effect? It's pretty alarming since I care for my husband who has dementia.
Methotrexate - Is extreme tiredness & lethargy a side effect?
Question posted by peteymackey on 29 Oct 2013
Last updated on 24 March 2025 (5 weeks ago) by Cletus77429
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3 Answers
Cletus77429
24 March 2025
Methotrexate will most definitely cause extreme tiredness, lethargy, and in my case grumpy old man syndrome. I can and do sleep off and on all day, and hate it.
alisonhoney
30 Oct 2013
I have been on methotrexate for over 2 years. At the beginning I was like you, tired all the time. However as time went on my body seemed to adapt to the drug and now I don't feel tired at all. I know this isn't the same for everyone taking methotrexate but if you possibly can I would try to continue taking it for a bit longer and hopefully you will soon be able to tolerate it better. I hope everything works out well for you.
jamiegirl78
29 Oct 2013
My mom has to take methotrexate once a week. After her shot the next two days she's tired and feels just plain worn out. I do believe once your body gets use to it then some of the fatigue should not be as bad. She does still feel like crap the next day but can handle it much better And her fatigue isn't as bad.
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Further information
- Methotrexate uses and safety info
- Methotrexate prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Methotrexate (detailed)
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