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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/10/2008 11:45 AM (GMT 0)
I just started on Asacol Monday.  Taking 6 tablets a day.  I feel this med is making me feel sleepy and I don't have an appetite.  I was exhausted Monday evening, but then I chalked it off to the fact that I had been at the hospital w/ my Jim that day.  Yesterday I worked and went to bed at 7:00 p.m. and slept until Jim woke me at 5:30 a.m.  It will be interesting to see what happens today.  I am off work, do have things to do, but will see how sleepy I get.  I also have been having to force myself to eat.  Appetite is zilcho - zero.  I ate a tuna sandwitch and spinach yesterday was all I could handle. 

Does anyone else experience this?  If so, does it go away after ones body gets use to the med?

Thanking you in advance..........

Gigi1227

Diagnosised 8/25/08
Canasa
Asacol
Mega Probiotic
Multi Enzyme
Psyllium

Today starting on nico patch

Posted 9/10/2008 12:36 PM (GMT 0)
I did not have that with Asacal and I think I was on 12/day. Do you think the tiredness is just because you have active disease that is draining you, and maybe not from the meds. How were you feeling beofre your dx? Were you this tired then or did it start after the meds? As for the appetite, I NEVER feel like eating while I am feeling crummy. The appetite will come back as you start to feel better. Also, from your posting above it seems like you started to take a lot of pills after your dx. Any one of those things or any combination of those together may be giving you your issues. This is a trial and error disease. You will have to try some different things to see what works for you. But you will get there. Hang in there. Talk to your doctor and see if there is something you are missing--what are the side effects of these drugs and the otc things you are taking. Then experiment with yourself to see if you can get any relief. I keep a food journal and in that I write down all the meds and OTC drugs I take. That way if I feel really crummy I can narrow it down and if I feel really great, I know what I have to do. You will get there, it just takes some time. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.
Posted 9/10/2008 1:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,I was on Asacol 12 pills a day for 5 years.i never had side effects.It worked wonders and I actually lived a very flare free life while on it.I would have some tests done to see if something else is making you tired.I hope it starts working for you.Fairbr
Posted 9/10/2008 1:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, I will start a journal and both of you are most likely right w/ my fatigue being the UC. I had it before meds, just seemed this week, starting on the asacol it has been worse. It most likely is the fact that I had 2 busy days in a row and just need some rest.

Gigi1227

Diagnosised 8/25/08
Canasa
Asacol
Mega Probiotic
Multi Enzyme
Psyllium
Today starting on nico patch
Posted 9/10/2008 1:59 PM (GMT 0)

Here are the side effects of Asacol and yes a tired feeling is among them.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • mild nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, gas;
  • fever, sore throat, or other flu symptoms;
  • constipation;
  • headache or dizziness;
  • tired feeling; or
  • skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect


Posted 9/11/2008 10:32 PM (GMT 0)
I just started Asacol 3 days ago. I have had severe headaches and tiredness as side effects.
Posted 9/12/2008 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
I take Asacol 12 per day. I was originally told to take 6 in the morning, and 6 at dinner. That resulted in terrible fatigue, and a general sense of disorientation. When I switched to 4 pills at breakfast, 4 around 4:00 in the afternoon and 4 at around 10 pm, all my symptoms stopped. Maybe you can see if adjusting the time you take the pills works.
Posted 9/12/2008 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
I have to wonder if all these side effects are really caused by the Asacol. My understanding is that Asacol is basically just aspirin (non-steroid anti-inflammatory) with a coating that keeps it from dissolving until it gets to the large colon. That's why if your colon is too active, sometimes it doesn't dissolve at all but goes right through, into the toilet! Talk about flushing money away...

I participated in the study for this drug in the late 1980s before it was approved, and they took note of everything I experienced, even if it likely was just caused by my disease or was caused by something else entirely. So I don't take lists of side effects too seriously. I think it is a very mild drug, really, it just gets through to the right place which isn't easy and makes it special.
Posted 2/25/2009 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
I often get headaches the first 3 days of a flare when I take Asacol 6 times daily. I'm fatigued, but I believe that has more to do with the flare itself.
Posted 2/25/2009 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
I am tired because I am anemic. I don't think Asacol makes it any better or any worse. Have you had your blood checked for iron?

Posted 2/26/2009 4:52 AM (GMT 0)
I tried the asacol for a while, but found that even taking 2 per day that it irritated my colon and I never was able to get into remission. Weird huh? I decided to go back to the sulfasalazine (which also irritates if I take too much), and I've had better results. Slow, but getting better.
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