Lupus Support Group

Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.

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jancam 10/10/2012

Hi all.
I can't remember if I've asked this already. I apologize, if I have.
( my memory is deteriorating rapidly).

Does anyone find plaquenil to make them extremely tired and weak?
I was taking it at night, because I have to take phenagrin a couple of tikes after taking it...and I know that makes me tired short-term.
I've stopped taking it for a couple of days now, but don't feel any difference yet. So..perhaps it's not the plaquenil.

I've been I'll more than not for almost four years..
But..it seems this exhaustion started at the time the plaquenil finally started working.

Is that more likely to be from Lupas than meds?

Thank you
jc

Shespott 10/11/2012

Plaquenil doesn't seem to make me sleepy. I take it twice a day and have for year. In the beginning it made me nauseated and dizzy. I lowered the dose for awhile and took it with food. Now it doesn't bother my stomach at all. I know when my lupus is bad I am extremely tired all the time. So, maybe it's the lupus. Phenergan/promethazine (you're taking for nausea) makes people sleepy for sure. I'm a nurse and we won't let people drive after that.

deleted_user 10/11/2012

I'm not a doctor, but I think it's a Lupus thing - I'm always tired too

Cheryl7 10/11/2012

I am also on plaquenil. I too am tired and fatigued all the time. My rheumy told me that it should help with the fatigue but it will take about 3 months or so. I have been on it about 2 months so far. I agree with the other ladies here and have to say it's probably from the Lupus. HUGS

tazesmom 10/11/2012

last week I was painting the outside of my house,this week I can hardly lift my arms or walk and when I sit down I fall asleep,I agree with everyone else it is such a lupus thing,Cindy

sparklyavf 10/13/2012

Sorry you're so tired/fatigued hun,

Plaquenil actually keeps me awake. I have to take it in the morning otherwise I'm up all night. That being said, I don't think it is the usual side effect but you have to look at how the meds affect you personally. Maybe do a pros and cons (if you come to the conclusion that it is plaquenil causing the tiredness) ie- tiredness vs having skin rashes and pain (add your specific symptoms here) Might be a case of taking plaquenil is for the best anyway. Anywhoo- Talk to your Doc- and tiredness is a lupus (and chronic pain) thing.
Coralie X

jancam 10/13/2012

Thanks very much for your replies..:-)

Sparkl..I have wondered if it was because my sleep is so iratic on plaquenil.

I stopped taking it. It's taken well over a week..but..I do feel as though some of the fatigue is lifting. ( Probably helps that I've finally slept restfully for a couple of nights).

I feel SO much better on just low-dose prednisone. 10 ml regularly..and 15 for flares..
But..my Dr doesn't want me on Prednisone constantly.

I know the risks of prednisone..and consider its results worth them.
I hope the new Rheumy I'm see in next month agrees.
( Have been being treated by my Immunologist)

Thanks again, everyone.

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