Side effects following first dose of MTX and what should I expect after the second dose?

Hi everyone, I was diagnosed with RA and Psoriatic Arhritis in January 2015. I have the typical symmetrical inflamed joints in my hands that radiates up to my elbows and shoulders on bad days. My wrist and thumbs are currently the most painful areas for me.
My rheumatologist started me on Otezla which I wasn't too happy about but I told him I would give it two months. As suspected I had no positive results from it.
So this week I started 15mg of Methotrexate weekly and 1mg of Folic acid daily. I was surprised at how exhausted I was from the MTX within 6-8 hours of taking the pills. The next day every joint in my body was aching and I was miserable. And of course I had the nausea to go along with it.
I took the medicine Wednesday afternoon and it's now Sunday, yesterday I felt pretty good but now today the nausea and general aches are back. Realizing that everyone is different, has anyone else experience this type of response to MTX? Also, I've read a few things stating that the second dose can be worse than the first, has anyone else experienced this?

Sorry for the lengthy post! Just a lot of worry and questions about this medicine.

Thank you!

Couchtater,

How long were you on MTX before changing to Leflunomide? Do you remember what your dose was?

Glad you were able to find something that works for you.

Thanks!

You should ask about the auto injectible of methotrexate to see if that will lessen you side effects. I was usuall good on the injection, you will still need the folic acid, but there are fewer side effects with the self injections. Usually the fatigue takes about a month to over come...

Make sure your getting seen by your eye doctor while your on RA meds, you will need to let the eye doctor know as soon as possible as some meds can effect your eyes and in rare cases like mine RA can effect your eyes...

I was on MTX for 6 months. I was diagnosed with AS and then Uvitis, because I have the gene HLA-B27. The uvitis was and still is threatening to take my vision. My experience with MTX was terrible. Almost every time I was exhausted, developed rashes, throwing up, hair thinning, nothing sounded good to eat... I took my pill form every Friday night to try and sleep through the worst and I would not feel better till Wed. It did not work for me. I hope you have a better experience. I am not being put on weekly Humira shots. Wish me luck.

I just finished my 9th week on MTX and it hasn't been as bad as I expected, but there have certainly been some ups and downs.

I'm not feeling the full benefits of the medicine but I'm waiting for the third month to see how I'm doing before making any decisions.

I've been off and then back on methotrexate. I didn't need it when I was on Humira, but I am getting better results on it with the enbril and trying to wean off prednisone completely. Currently on enbril, 7 mg mtx and 7 mg prednisone. Few SEs. Best wishes to all for pain free days!
Beth