Is extreme fatigue a side effect of Plaquenil?

Hi everyone, I am wondering if anyone has had a problem with fatigue while on Plaquenil. I have been on it for about 3 months now. At first, I was nauseous for a week or so, which the dr. told me could be a side effect. After the nausea went away it seemed like my pain got worse for a week or so, and then it gradually got better. I'm not completely pain free, but it's a lot better than it was.

  It just seems like the fatigue is worse than it has ever been, and it doesn't seem to matter if I go to bed early or take a nap during the day. I don't know if this is just the way RA is, or if it is a side effect of the medicine. I wake up tired in the morning, get my kids fed and off to the schoolbus, and some days that's all I can do until it's time to go pick them up and make dinner, then I collapse after the kids are put to bed. If I can manage to load the dishwasher or do a load or 2 of laundry it's a minor miracle.

  Then about 3 weeks ago I started feeling nauseous again. I honestly thought I was pregnant! I figure it was maybe my body adjusting the the Plaquenil again. I have an appointment with my rheumy this friday so I am going to ask her lots of questions, but I  thought I would throw this out to y'all.

  So anyone else have issues with extreme fatigue from Plaquenil?

When I first started Plaquenil I broke out in a rash. The doctor had me stay on it and take some prednisone to get it under control. It worked. I never noticed any more fatigue from the Plaquenil. However, I can totally relate to the fatigue and getting your kids off to school and not being able to do much else. I went through that as well. A year later I have more energy and am taking many more drugs to treat this RA. When I would talk to my doctor about the fatigue he said that once we get the inflammation under control you won't be as tired. He was right! I'm still tired but not like before. I'm off the couch most of the time! Good luck.

Kim

 Sorry I'm not on that med. As it is I haven't been diag. yet with RA. I believe it is what I have or some sort of Arthritis along that line. For now just dx with Fibro. I however can completely relate to the sympt. of overexhaustion. Yesterday, I got the kids to the bus,barely. Took a nap. Woke up and cleaned the kitchen an hour later(my kitchen is a galley kitchen 8 ft maybe..so no time) Took a nap. Wasn't going to eat luch because I would have to move to do it..my husband bought out. I ate, wiped off the kitchen table, napped. Kids came home, helped with homewrok, made dinner..picked up couch(because my blanket and pillow were there) Went to bed at 9. Woke at 6 this morning exhausted. Did a little more today, but not much. I think it is part of whatever. I hope you can bring it up to your dr. and that they can help. Feel better soon...housework will always be there. Take care Heather

I've never heard of anyone having fatigue from plaquenil since I've been on these forums. Usually, auto immune diseases and the conditions that go with them such as anemia and vitamin deficiencies cause the fatigue. I feel your pain though. I have horrible fatigue and still struggle with it. I am taking vitamins. Sometimes because of the pain, we don't sleep well. Just a thought. I hope your Dr. has an answer and help for you.

I've been on Plaquenil 200mg 2 x day for 6 days and I am so tired. Slept 11 hours last night and I am still tired. Diagnosed with Psoriatic or Rheumitoid Arthritis (Dr. not sure yet.) I didn't have significant fatigue previously, so I assume it's the medicine. I also had a steriod shot in swollen joint, but I don't think that would cause fatique. I am also bothered with stomach cramps and mild diarrhea.

hey just saw this post. Wanted to let you know that I was on plaquenil for about three years and I told my RA doctor that my fatigue was worse. He did a plaquenil test and sure enough it was low. I am now on three a day and I feel wonderful ..... more energy than I have had in years. You may want to mention this to your doctor...
Hope you have a wonderful pain free day.
Hugs
Peggy