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Sulfasalazine and Fatigue: What Users Say

Brand names: Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-tabs

Fatigue: mentioned by 8 users (4.0%)

Based on user experiences from 199 Sulfasalazine reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

headaches 13.1%
nausea 7.5%
pain 5.5%
dizziness 4.5%
fatigue 4.0%
ringing in ears 4.0%
tiredness 4.0%
diarrhea 3.0%
hair loss 3.0%
insomnia 3.0%

Reviews for Sulfasalazine

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Dbe...
  • March 7, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Have been on sulfasalazine for a year since being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I am grateful to have it since other medicines aren't an option for me due to unexplained elevated liver enzymes. It has helped the pain of rheumatoid arthritis quite a lot and my inflammation has gone down. I just wish it addressed the fatigue."

7 / 10
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154 Report
  • Eda...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 19, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I reacted poorly to sulfasalazine. My fiancée expressed that it had some weird cognitive effects on me, as if I were on heavy opioids or recovering from anesthesia. For my part, I felt like I was moving through molasses for the four months I was on it. I got really fatigued regularly, too, and experienced tightness in my chest that left me after I stopped the drug. It didn't provide much relief."

1 / 10
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28 Report
  • Iss...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 25, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I started on 0.5 g/day (1 tab) and increased the dose weekly until I reached a max dose of 3 g/day (6 tabs). At first, I thought it wasn't working at all because my pain never improved, but eventually, I realized that brand new symptoms were presenting in new joints and that I was now also experiencing awful muscle spasms (in my calves, fingers, and toes) - I had never had this problem before. My fatigue also became more and more severe... Eventually, nearly 4 months after starting treatment, I stopped this awful drug... Sadly, 1 month later, I am still struggling with the aftereffects. What a terrible, terrible drug this is."

1 / 10
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36 Report

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  • Hum...
  • June 22, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I'm a late 50s male recently diagnosed with RA. Thus far, it has not worked at all for me (have 'ramped up' over the past two months). To be fair, I was told it could take months before it 'kicked in.' I'm fairly miserable every day - hands, feet, and jaw, alternating or at the same time. Had no idea how nasty RA is until getting first-hand experience. Fatigue is an issue for me as well, RA or the sulfasalazine? This has been tough as I have always been very active."

3 / 10
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30 Report
  • Mum...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 30, 2018

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) at 44, had nail psoriasis since 14 years old. Forced to stop methotrexate at week 8 due to hair loss. Switched to sulfasalazine 7 months ago on 2000mg. 4 months on 2000mg per day but no improvement, but also no side effects. At 5 months, I developed plantar fasciitis, severe fatigue, apathy, low mood, and stiffness throughout my whole body. I was told it was the PsA. I put on a stone in weight - I am 5ft 2ins and normally weigh 9 stone. I felt and moved like a woman twice my age. I gave up on sulfasalazine a week ago. The next day, I felt a different person and have felt better again with each passing day. Fatigue has gone, mood lifted, stiffness lessened, and the joint pain significantly reduced. Whilst I still have some joint pain, stiffness, and sore feet, I am significantly better in myself since coming off this drug. I start Otezla tomorrow."

1 / 10
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22 Report

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  • Jaz...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 10, 2018

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Started sulfasalazine three weeks ago. I have been feeling quite ill, flu-like, drained of energy. Mornings are like the worst hangover feeling. My joints are never like before, with constant pain. Tiredness never leaves me. Some diarrhea. Is this drug for me?"

2 / 10
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14 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 16, 2018

"Have been taking sulfasalazine for about two months for spondyloarthritis. Not only has it made no difference to joint/muscle pain, but it has severely worsened my fatigue. I feel like I have the flu constantly. Also causing terrible thirst. Hoping things will improve with time, but so far not at all encouraging."

1 / 10
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6 Report
  • Pai...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 28, 2023

For Ulcerative Colitis, Active "Went on sulfasalazine for my UC after having allergic reactions to mesalamine. Started with one pill twice a day to see how I’d tolerate it, and got up to two pills twice a day. This never helped my symptoms, never eased the bleeding, and after about 2 weeks on the full dose, I developed a fever, body aches, and felt extremely fatigued. No other symptoms. After three days, I called my doctor, who said to stop the drug immediately. I didn’t take my evening pills that night, and my fever started to come down that evening, and the next day my fever was almost normal. Two days later, I felt fantastic (now off the drug). I’m using bromelain supplements and fresh pineapple instead; works so far with no side effects."

1 / 10
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2 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.