Q: Can a person just cold turkey methotrexate??
Hello, Teresa,
I have read several posts by people who have stopped MTX cold turkey. The only side effects I read were that a flare would hit big time, or that the fatigue they felt before starting the MTX returned. You can search the site at the top right hand corner. Just type in methotrexate and hit the "search" button, and you will see a lot of information from other community members on this medication.
Another good resource would be your pharmacist. Did your doctor tell you to stop taking MTX cold turkey, or did you decide this on your own? We are not doctors on this site, but reading posts from other people who have been in your shoes could be helpful.
Best wishes to you, Teresa. Please keep us posted on how your are doing. Your story may help others who frequent this site looking for support and answers.
Peace
V
Yes you can. MTX is a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug DMARD, but is not addictive. However your disease modifying regime will cease to be effective and your pain will return . Any drug when discontinued will cause some discomfort due to withdrawal of action, which the physiology has become accustomed to over a period of time. I have stopped MTX cold turkey, and symptoms were return of inflammation and pain. Not a great idea unless you have a plan B. The antibiotics protocol is an option, by Dr Brown. Google it if you wish.
Leonie
to my knowledge, you don't have to taper off methotrexate the same way you should with prednisone. However, I would recommend that you speak to your doctor about this issue before making any drastic moves.
thank you so much for correcting me - I use voice recognition software to write and sometimes, it doesn't write what I say. What I meant was that you definitely should not quit methotrexate cold turkey, as doing so can bring on a tremendous flare.
And speaking of tremendous flares… I'm so sorry you're having this experience. Back when I was taking methotrexate, I don't think they knew about the whole turkey thing and I, too, stopped from one day to another. I subsequently had a horrible flare that almost destroyed my life, so I know a little of what you're experiencing. I was glad to read that the steroid shot seems to be helping.
do you think the sulfasalazine is enough to take care of your flare and your RA once you come out of the flare or do you need something else? You may want to talk to your doctor about additional treatment options. sulfasalazine works well for many people, but it is my impression that it is a drug that is usually used for people who have fairly low disease activity. Perhaps it would be worth discussing a plan B with your rheumatologist, just in case it doesn't work.
Good luck! Please keep us posted on what happens?
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I did! My former Rheumy told me to not take it as I had broken out on my legs and feet. So I stopped and my legs cleared up from the redness I had experienced. But he never called me back to see how I was or if I should continue to take the metho. I have an app't with a new Rheumy tomorrow. Carole