What is Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a chronic, potentially debilitating or fatal autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's cells and tissue, resul...
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Does Plaquenil make you tired?
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Hey all!! I hope everyone is having a great day!! I have a question to ask anyone on plaquenil. After taking it, does it make you feel all of sudden really tired? I recently started taking it in September and it seems like after about 5-10 minutes of taking it, I feel super tired and sleepy. I have read about the side effects and I do get the stomache discomfort but is the tiredness normal? I have to take two pills in the am and two pills i the pm...sometimes I almost want to just skip the dose in the morning because it makes me feel worse than if I don't take anything. I've also tried to take 1 pill every couple of hours and that still doesn't prevent the fatigue feeling....I even tried taking all four at one time....let's just say not a great idea!!! So if anyone can please enlighten me on what's going on or have had the same experience...please let me know....thanks!!
Gentle hugs to everyone...Phoebe. Posted on 11/03/09, 11:11 am |
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Hi there. No it never makes me drowsy. I have never though it help[ed me either. hugs Marilyn 
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Yes, it amkes me so tired. I usually take one in the morning and one at night. Today I am going to take one in the evening and one at bedtime. It makes me dizzy also. I have been on it about a month. So far, I don't see any difference, but I guess it takes time.
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After five months on it I haven't seen any improvement. I have had a lot of dizziness/ lightheadedness and the fatigue is worse. Maybe I need more time on it?
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I just wish they could find something to help the fatigue. I think I would be so much more capable to handle this illness if they did. Thats the only thing that holds me down.
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Hi.
Are your capsules 200mg each? If so, I have never heard of anyone being on 800mg of plaquenil. That seems like a very high dose to me. Im not a dr. but you may want to make sure your not taking too much. You can look up the therapeutic doses online and it will tell you the highest dose you can take. Normally the dose for lupus is 400mg daily. Maybe that is why you are so tired after taking them. I doesnt normally cause drowsyness but pred. causes me to be tired sometimes too. Drugs can affect everyone differently. Maybe try taking it with food and see if that helps. hugs
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I have been taking Plaquenil for quite a few years now, I don't think it's the Plaquenil making you tired....just good ol' Lupus. Taking it with food stops you feeling sick, and yes it takes a long time to kick in...I think about 3-4 months of continuous use. Your dose does seem high if the tabs are 200mg. I take 400mg a day and now 2 x Cyclosporin....not to mention all the other stuff (I swear when I walk you can hear the rattle!). Check in with your doc. if your symptoms persist, you may need a change of dose.
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Hi Phoebe,
I have been on plaquenil for many years and have not experienced a sudden onset of fatigue after taking it. While those of us with lupus never truly find anything to relieve fatigue, plaquenil is suppose to help with fatigue rather than create more from what I understand. I'm confused about the dose you are on. You stated you take 4 pills a day? As Melissa stated plaquenil typically comes in 200mg tablets and 800 mg really seems like an aweful huge dose. The most I have ever taken is 400mg, I am currently on 300mg. You might want to double check with your rheumy or prescribing doctor to inquire about your current dose and advise of your symptoms. Hugs, Mel
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Which doctor prescribe you the med? the primary or rheumy? I think your rheumy should know the dose by heart. Did your doctor tell you to take 2 tabs twice daily or you base on the label on your med bottle. I think there is probably some error or misunderstanding or miscommunication going on. I don't think there is a 100 mg tab, unless it is specially compounded. You definitely need to double ck with your doctor soon!
I have been on that for many many years and don't have sudden tirenss with it. Actually it helps with fatigue. If i don't take it, I will know later on during the day since I will feel very tired.
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I started taking Plaquenil in June. I take 200 mg twice per day with food (at lunch and dinner). I have noticed a BIG improvement in my fatigue and achiness, in fact I actually get a slight burst of energy just after taking it. I still have days where I feel crappy but my symptoms have improved and it's not every day. I'm grateful for any improvement. My biggest issues now are tendonitis in both ankles and unbelievable jaw pain. I'm seeing my rheum today so hopefully he'll have something that can help with that. I already take Mobic daily. Hope all of you are having a good morning!
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Hi all..thanks for all your responses!! I do take four 200mg tablets a day...when my rheumy started me on this drug, she said that she always starts her patients on the highest dose possible and then tapers them down as their symptoms improve! She says she does this to speed up the time it would take for the drug to take effect. I don't know....maybe i'll put a call into the office to double check with her....
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