Methotrexate

I was recently prescribed MTX by my rheumy, so I can only tell you about my experience over the last three weeks. I am on a very low dose (7.5mg). I take it on Friday night immediately before going to sleep so as to avoid any chance of nausea. When I wake up Saturday mornings I am usually pretty fatigued and feel generally weak. This has lasted anywhere from half a day to a day and a half. I have also been experiencing a lot of lightheadedness/spaciness, which has been making it hard for me to concentrate. I called my doctor about this and she said that should go away -- I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Overall, I am not very happy at this point with the medication, but it's far too early to say whether or not it will help me. And this is being prescribed for my RA, not for my IBD. Also, in case you were unaware, you really can't drink alcohol while on MTX because it can damage your liver. That has been especially hard for me, because I'm a big wine drinker.

That said, I know there are people here who have had great success on MTX and some who have not had side effects. I'm sure some of them will chime in.

Been on it over 7  years now with great success its helped me have long periods of remission lasting up to 3 years at a time!

The side-effects can be tricky for the first month or so but definitely worth sticking with, they do get better and theres little tricks you can do (such as taking it at night etc) to make them better.

You CAN drink on methotrexate, some doctors don't advise it, others don't see the harm. Its not a good idea the first couple months you're on it as your body is still getting used to it, but as long as your liver function tests are OK its not a problem. I don't drink the day before or day after taking it though as I don't want my liver to be processing to much in one go, I have to admit I am quite a heavy drinker (student!) but my liver function has remained perfect for the entire time I've been on it. Of course it might be an individual thing some livers can handle more than others, its a 'see how you go' thing and make sure you are having your regular checks.