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Bad Methotrexate Side Effects- how do I stop this?

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Posted 4/18/2011 7:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone- I was hoping you could give me some advice. I have been on methotrexate tablets since December 2009 and have been very lucky with very minimal side effects- the worst being that I was very tired. However, I have recently had wisdom teeth removed and had sinus surgery so I was taken off the methotrexate for approx 6 or 7 weeks in total. This weekend I was re- starting and I have never felt so ill in my life! I had the worst headache, dizziness (to the point where I didn't dare drive), exustion where I kept falling alseep and I felt so so weak, feeling sick and then 24 hours after taking it I was violently vomiting, had a fever and was sweating all night. I feel ok now (3 days after taking it) though I am very tired. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? I don't understand why I used to be ok with methotrexate and now I'm not. I take folic acid also. I don't think I can take these the side effects every week- so any advice on how to minimise them would be great! Thanks!
Posted 4/18/2011 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
Did they just start back at the previous dose? No tapering? It might of just shocked your system.
Posted 4/19/2011 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
How much folic acid are you taking?
You also need to see your doc to rule out infections.
Posted 4/19/2011 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi i had simular side effect when my dose was increased, you need to Lower the Dose for a while also be taking enough Folic acid i take 5mg every day Except the days i take the Methotrexate, Ring your Rhumy Today and tell him of the problems
Posted 4/19/2011 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
Meanwhile drink as much water as you can, try to flush it through your system. Water helps me with the headaches, I still get them if I don't drink enough.

Ring your rheumy and mean while drink that water. golitho

Posted 4/19/2011 7:15 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the advice everyone! I spoke to my Rheumy and have been advised to lower my dose back down to 10mg for a week then 12.5mg then back up to 15mg. They think starting straight back on 15mg caused the bad side effects, I hope they are right and lowering the dose helps! I take 5mg of folic acid 48 hours after methotrexate (I'm from the UK and they don't seem to give as much folic acid here than other places I don't know why?). I also have to get my bloods done this week so it'll be interesting to see what they are or if my white cell count is high indicating infection as I've never had any side effects before. I'll keep you posted on how this weeks methotrexate is- hopefully it won't be a methotrexate hangover as i'm now calling it :-). Thanks again everyone!
Posted 4/19/2011 11:52 PM (GMT 0)
Try taking 1-3 mgs of folic acid every day-it's over the counter here.
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