Rituximab and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Have only had 2 lots of rituximab, my first infusion was fine, but the second one, 2 weeks later, has left me not being able to sleep. I go to bed, and my body is tired, and I want to rest, but as soon as I lay down, within 10 mins, I have to get back up. It feels like my whole body is restless and jittery. This goes on for hours. I have tried reading but can't concentrate, have gotten back up for hot drinks, then gone back to bed, same thing. I have had baths at 4 in the morning as that seems to help, but not all the time. Just wondering if this had happened to anyone else and how they coped, as I'm at the end of my tether and want to sleep."

• Dal...
• January 10, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I am a 55-year-old male that has been diagnosed with RA. I've been on Rituxan now for 6 years. Through trial and error, it lasted me effectively for one year. By choice, I stopped taking methotrexate that they said should accompany Rituxan about the same time I started infusions. My reasons being reading the possible side effects from methotrexate to one's liver. This drug has been a lifesaver for me from sleepless nights from chronic pain and not being able to walk or even go to work. I have to say it's really giving my life back to me. I've also learned not to ever let this drug wear off because it's, at least for me, like jumping off a cliff. The pain comes back so fast it's unbearable."

• Cin...
• May 22, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I’ve had RA since approximately 1986. Been on Riduara, Minocycline, and Methotrexate (which I absolutely hated!). In 2000, I started infusions. Remicade for 14 years and then just stopped working. Tried Orencia for three months - never worked. Rheumatologist put me on Actrema - some success for about 18 months and then it quit working altogether. In 2016, my Rheumatologist put me on Rituxan. I’m on a 16-week/2-week cycle. It’s been great. I sometimes have trouble sleeping the night of my infusion (due to Solumedrol I have to take with it) and then really fatigued for a couple of days after - but I’ll take it. My joints seldom hurt, never swell - I generally feel fine. As with any biologic - I have to be careful not to catch anything (even a simple cold can knock me on my butt) - but I’ve been dealing with that issue for many years. Overall - I’m happy with the results."

• Hea...
• May 19, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Yesterday - 5th course Rituximab infusions. 2016, last 18 months ago, I thought I was in remission. Despite a complete removal of processed foods and a very healthy diet and exercise 'plan' (self-motivated), I had a big flare-up. I have refused Methotrexate for 2.5 years, having tried for 3 years. I'm happier and healthier. The first ever infusion was stopped due to an allergic reaction in the throat, mouth, and rash on the face and chest. But Piriton was given, and the infusion continued. Piriton is now given to everyone now (UK Chester), before infusion, and advice to take to combat further reactions: rash, sore throat, etc., for 3 days after. This works. I feel washed out, headache 3-6 days, steroid shakes, lack of sleep, flushes, but no ill effects between courses, 7 months apart."

• Sha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 10, 2021

Rituximab for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been receiving infusions for a few years and am very pleased with my results. I have 2 infusions every four months, 15 days apart, reduced from originally every six months. The speed that it takes to get into my system required a shorter space of time between sessions. The only side effect I have is not sleeping the night after the infusion. I know it's working as I can feel when I am nearing the end of the medicine. It has slowed the effects like swelling in my hands and feet, my knees hurting, and shoulder pain."

• Jus...
• November 16, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been on Rituxan therapy since January of 2009. My first infusion included 8+ hours in that chair with immediate shortness of breath. My doctor and the RN stayed with me as they put me on oxygen immediately. A few minutes later, it was as if it hadn't occurred. Suffice to say, it was a long day. Went back 2 weeks later for my second round and no problems at all. I was troubled with insomnia the 2 days after. The RN asked the doctor to lower the dose of saline in the infusion and increase the dose of Benadryl in the infusion. Worked like a charm! So now, 8 years later, I have been receiving Rituxan therapy approximately twice a year with no problems. My RA has not progressed. Just wondering if it is time for a change or if it's not broken..."

• GEE...
• August 22, 2014

For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia "This has been an AMAZING medicine for me. I've taken it alone (after pre-administration medicines: Pepcid and Solumedrol (steroid)) for several series (of 4 infusions each) the last 3-4 years. It has put me back into remission every time so far, especially knocking the WBC down into normal range from as high as 214k. No major side effects either. I can't sleep the night after my infusion (not tired and too 'hyped up'); also, I coughed a lot last time, but they slowed the drip down, and I was fine."

• Ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 18, 2025

"Sleepless, lightheadedness, nausea. Used to diminish white blood cells. Just had 2nd round, so too early to see improvement."