Q: Started taking Methotrexate and i feel like im hungover, is this normal?
Hi, Sussy,
A lot of people have that "hungover" feeling after taking MTX, especially at the beginning of their therapy. I used to be so tired the day after MTX, that I slept most of the day. I have been taking MTX since May, and it doesn't bother me nearly as much as it used to. I drink a lot of water the day before and the day after I take MTX. It seems to help me, but I can't say for sure if that is real or just in my head. LOL I didn't think it was helping me much, until I skipped it one week because my stomach was upset. I quickly learned that it does help. I must tell you that it does take about three weeks to kick in, but some people get relief sooner.
Blessings,
V
Also, have you noticed changes in your skin? and do you really have to avoid sunlight?
Oh, yes! I'm glad you brought that up, Suzzy. If you are going to be in the sun while taking MTX, please use a good suncreen. My dermatologist gave me Neutrogena SPF 70 to use. If you go out into the sun unprotected, you will probably get an itchy red rash. Sorry I forgot to mention that before!
Blessings,
V
The pharmasist told me that i would need to wear strong sunscreen anytime im in the sun even if its not for long, i wasnt sure how serious it was. Ive also noticed that my skin goes red really easy, a slight scratch or even slight rubbing and its bright red! and sometimes its itchy and bumpy. but maybe its not related. thanks for your help!
I'm assuming you are taking the oral form?
I was told it "might" go away, but it only got worse for me until I switched to the injectible MTX.
yeah its a tablet, whats different about injections? does it work faster or something? i feel crummy for a couple of days after taking it, i hope it gets easier i feel like i shouldnt drive just incase
Some people switch to injectible MTX because the oral MTX makes them sick to their stomachs. Injectible MTX can be hard to find, though. I am taking the oral MTX and it works fine for me. I take it Friday evenings after a good meal, and it has never made me feel sick. Just tired the next day, but that is getting less and less so.
V
Hey V,
I hope you continue to have success with it this way. For me, the nausea was minimal at first (non-existent maybe?) but over time it got worse and worse.
I read and used the advice from Lene in her how to manage side effects post, and had some success, but ended up on anti-nausea pills for 4-5 days a week and even that didn't cut it a day or so after the dose.
When I was on MTX it was easy to get. It is prescribed for a ton of things... I hope the pharm. industry gets its ducks in a row soon...
The injectible for completely bypasses your gut, so nausea is completely out of the picture. For some reason, it also reduced my fatigue levels by 80-90%, which my rheumy says is expected, but not always the case.
Oh wow you poor thing, im lucky i dont get sick at all i just feel sleepy and stupid for about 3 days, i hope it gets better for me and not worse like it did for you, im glad to hear that there was an alternative for you
I drank ginger ale and just had toast and light stuff for the first month. I had lots of nausea for 2 or 3 days after I would take it. It upsets my stomach a lot and affects me all the time now.
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Thank you, at the moment it hasnt kicked in so im still getting pain on top of the dopey feeling. I feel like i could sleep in all day the next day! ive been trying to drink as much water as i can on the day but havent paid much attention to the day befores water intake so ill give it a go and see if i feel better, thanks!