I've been taking Methotrexate for two years now, and I still suffer from the side effects every week. I feel more tired than I ever have before, and this lethargy has caused me to gain weight and become somewhat depressed. I'm normally a very active and energetic person and I don't like this change. Am I the only person who feels this way on MTX?
Methotrexate - after 2 yrs still makes tired and depresses, does anyone else feel this way?
Question posted by methomeg on 6 June 2012
Last updated on 14 August 2023 by Wendy19
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19 Answers Page 2
Wendy19
20 June 2012
I have been taking MTX for almost a year. I, too, am lethargic and tired. I just feel "dull". If it weren't for my hair falling out I would see no action at all.
shadyglen
20 June 2012
My son has just started Methotrexate again after a break from it for a few years. He is very very tired all the time spends half of his day in bed sleeping.
It helps a small bit of his psoriasis, but not where it is at its worst in his groin.
It doesn't seem to have much effect on his arthritis probably would if he took more. But after you have had your liver damaged by it he is keeping to a low dose. He does seem to have a flare up after getting excited watching the football. Does anybody else have flare up after getting excited.
Patiently Waiting
7 June 2012
My boyfriend doesn't talk about how he feels taking this but I can tell you this. He is irritable, we aren't picking on each other or laughing much. Just seems kinda rutish dull place we are in. This post doesn't give me much hope it will get better. His biggest symptoms right now are his stomach being tore up after taking it and being grumpy. It hadn't kicked in yet. Only been on it 7 weeks and supposed to take 8 to work. I'm praying his RA improves to a point it helps with the down coming from this.. my blood pressure is getting bad due to inactivity so to speak. I wish you luck and I will follow your post as I am hoping for a miracle here.
methomeg
7 June 2012
Patiently, don't despair! The first couple of months are BY FAR the worst!!! I initially lost abt 10 lbs in a week and a half bc my stomach was so bad. I couldn't eat. All I wanted to do was sleep and be left alone. That's not exactly ideal as a mother of two young boys and a kindergarten teacher!!! The first six months were tough, but it does get better!!! It's not great. But it gets better. I hope and pray that your bf's symptoms improve dramatically, bc that will help make the side effects more tolerable. In the meantime, do what you can to lighten his load, bc I know that's what I wish for most days! Good luck!!!
Patiently Waiting
7 June 2012
Thank you for the kind words. I just wish he could see what I do, and a little effort goes along way with me. I'm waiting it out but I lost 17 years of my life and a prolly a bit more to a crazy ex husband and this time around was hoping to live a little. All this Down time just creates an unlovable environment no joke. I need to feel that at least once in a while. Ya know. So I'm waiting, hoping and talking to him now an then to help him understand, I dont think he cares either way. We will see. Looking down our road 6 months maybe.. take it from there I guess.
methomeg
7 June 2012
I'm so sorry you're going through this! :( What a miserable disease and the meds aren't much better! I ended up requesting an anti-depressant from my dr bc of how crummy I felt. That certainly helped!!! Idk if your bf would be open to that possibility. It doesn't really sound like it, but before you give up, its worth suggesting! Regardless of what happens, remember that life is short and you deserve to be happy. We only get one chance in this world. Hang in there! You're not alone! :)
Patiently Waiting
7 June 2012
The sad part is we know its the medicine. He had a problem with his left leg swelling up, the knee was awful like it set up there. This medicine we hope is temporary although his tests came back positive for RA. It was his only symptom. So hopefully our relationship can withstand a few more months of non existantance and maybe if his leg swelling goes down and continues his cortisone shots it will be done. I would not ever leave someone due to illness but I would expect a good will type thinking in treatment if its hurting us.. long term u know. We did kinda speak about me out fishing him maybe a little trip to the pond and some laughter will happen. I read to him what I wrote last night. Maybe he understands what I'm saying. Illness is on us both you know, without medication I would be for the most part reliant on everyone and in bed a lot.. so I know support and need and I take care of us all.
This medicine better do something wonderful for him or we are gonna change it or like u said add something to induce happiness. I would Absolutly do it for him. I agree with u on the anti depressant its not fair to be sick and feel like crap beneath the earth. I'm gonna work toward his total well being. He is a bit stubborn sometimes but he knows I am truly sincere. I hope that medicine works for you. I take xanax and Cymbalta between the 2 I am pretty chatty and its absolutley necessary to talk. Talk about anything to everyone. Depression is silence. Remember that. Thank you so much for the outlet.
Angel
balbanese
6 June 2012
Any chance you can talk to your Doc about switching? I know the feeling and it is not way to go through life.
Related topics
methotrexate, side effect, weight, fatigue
Further information
- Methotrexate uses and safety info
- Methotrexate prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Methotrexate (detailed)
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