Severe drug reactions.

[ThomCat]

I just started on Methotrexate for my Arthritis (now confirmed as Psoriatic Arthritis). I'm reading online about the experiences people have had. This is damned scary stuff. Wow. I hope I get good results and no side effects. Some of these side effects are as bad as the pain.

I've had to stop taking some drugs before because they triggered migraines, or disrupted my ability to get restful sleep, or caused cramps and bloating.

Please tell me: Have you been surprised to have very little reaction to some powerful meds? or have you had severe side effects that made you stop taking a med?

And, if you have taken Methotrexate, how well did it work for you and how well did you tolerate it?

[mopinko]

1. trazadone

on a tiny dose, the first med i took for fibro, sent me manic. most of which was great. but the fidgeting, and the nervousness were not great.
did confirm for me that fibro is a brain disease. i was absolutely fine. no pain, sleeping 7-8 hours, bouncing out of bed. strong, energetic. cured, thank you jesus. hated giving it up.

[ThomCat]

2. I hope something safer comes out that does just as well.

:(

We so rarely hear about anyone with fibro getting relief. I'm glad you found something. And if necessary, I'm glad it's there to go back to for short periods at a time.

I've been on the Methotrexate for 12 hours now, and already I think I know the first two side effects I'm going to have to deal with. But we'll see. It's too soon to make pronouncements.

[mopinko]

5. i had to stop taking it.

i just couldn't find a dose that worked without the sides. had gi problems with it, also. taking lyrica now, prescribed for lingering nerve problems after my surgery. it seems to be helping, but nothing else has really given me that kind of relief. frustrating.

[Warpy]

3. Most people tolerate Methotrexate quite well in the small doses

used for immune system moderation. I tolerated it well for the first five years, with one exception: I planned my dose for my first day off because I knew it would wipe me out for one day. I'd be mentally hazy, tired, and food would hold absolutely no appeal for me, although I had no nausea. I gave myself IM injections because it was cheaper that way and I had no insurance.

I've had horrible side effects to a whole bunch of drugs that have caused me to list them as allergies on my medical records. Methotrexate wasn't one of them, although my body rebelled after 5 years on the stuff and I had to try something else for a while.

Reading the list of rare but possible side effects is instructive only in that it helps you identify which drug is giving you problems when you're on a whole pharmacy like a lot of us are. The word to keep in your head is "rare," meaning that the statistics are with you and you are likeliest to be one of the people who are dramatically improved by the drug with few troublesome side effects.

[ThomCat]

4. I hope I tolerate it that well.

So far, I have a pounding migraine headache that won't go away no matter what I do or take. But hopefully that's only for one day, or even better, only for this first time while I adjust to the methotrexate.

[LynzM]

6. I hope it helps you, Thom.

My med experience is much more limited and not for chronic pain, so the side effects I've dealt with don't compare, I'd think.

I hope the migraine goes away and that the Methotrexate helps you... :hug: