Can't way I have experienced that. It makes me feel a bit nauseous to strong smells the day that I take it. I also noticed my hair thinning so increased my folic acid from 1 mg to 2 mg per day.

It's been so lonmg since taking it, I don't remember exactly what all happened, just that I felt awful after taking it. I really didn't have a fun time with the stuff.

Hope you feel better soon.
-Tanya N

Did you take the MTX after a full meal? I take my MTX on Friday evening after dinner so that I am asleep in a few hours after taking it. That is my attempt to avoid side effects. LOL It does work for me.

Don't take me there with the MTX since it gradually made me worse. I think I'd be in much better shape if I'd never took that stuff. And yes it did make me very ill regardless of what I ate. But everyone is different and you may tolerate it better than I did.

I was fine the first night I took it, a little stomach upset yesterday, chalked it up to an extremly busy day at work...today...ugghhhh. I have some leftover phenergan from earlier this year...might be diving into it.

I think the MTX has really helped me. I take it on Saturday nights, and by Sunday afternoon I feel tired. I take folic acid every day, my Dr. said this would help with side effects. The side effects are too bad for me. The horrible fatigue I had before taking it has pretty much gone away. Pain is a bit less too.
Hang in there, it could help you a lot!

I felt sick to my stomach on it til I learned to take it at night and then in the morning, I would take anti-nasea med. I did get used to it.
After being pulled of methotrexate for liver enz elevation I felt very energetic and GOOD! Doctor explained that is typical -you adjust to the new "methotrexate you".

I hope it works well. Never miss your bloodwork.

When I first started on oral mthx, I had an upset stomach for about 3 weeks the first days after. It went away.

But injectable is so much better! It worked better, did not hurt my stomach, although after 10 years my liver couldn't take it any more, although no permanent damage.

With biologic it was the best combination. I wish I could still take it. You will get used to it, but if you don't in a few weeks, please contact your rheumy.

MommaAshley

Sorry to hear your feeling so unwell. It sounds awful.

Have you got the energy to do some practical things to alleviate the nausea?

Take it at night
Never miss the folic acid
Eat light small meals or just graze on high protein foods when you can
Make sure you stay well hydrated
Take antinausea medication in the morning
Breathe deeply through the worst of the nausea
Say several times a day "this will pass"
Put a time limit on taking this medication. Know that if the side effects are continuing you can discuss with your doctor. There are other options.
Focus on this experience as a trial. It could really have a good effect once you are through those initial awful side effects.

You're doing well. This really sucks but you can get through this. Soon you will either be alot better or discussing other options with your doctor, so just let time pass.

Sorry, ex nurse, can't help myself.

x

I agree with souloist. And would like to add a couple things.

Set an alarm an hour or so before you HAVE to get up, take the anti-nausea meds and go back to bed. Rest, even if you cannot fall back to sleep.

Remember, methotrexate is used for chemotherapy, but in much higher doses. I used to do chemo in veterinary medicine, when we used MTX, the first few rounds were rough, but (for most patients) after a few doses symptoms reduced.

Follow souloist's recommendations, it is very good advice!
(Hugs)

After taking methotrexate since March...and taking an antinausea pill an hour before each time...I was sick for three days afterwards...plus add in all the other pills and injections we have to take. I read about the benefits of apple cider vinegar "braggs" brand and take a capful in water before each of my medicines and what a difference it has made! It is not the best tasting stuff but beats the "sick" feeling after taking the mtx. Just a suggestion...sure has helped me:)

Yes I was defiantly very sick my first dose a long with the stomach cramps. The first & second day.

A little less with my second & still some nausea with the third.
I take it with yogurt as I am not a morning eater. My RA doctor said to take half the dose in the morning & half at night so that is what Ive been sticking to. To be honest it has me a worried about raising the dose. Ive heard other say they prefer the injection so I plan on asking about it.

Last night was my third night after taking it but I was gagging. Although I'm under a huge amount of stress so maybe its the 2 combined. Slight headaches also.
Hope this helps you out & good luck.
Sammy

thank you all so very much for your advice! It means so much to me to have people who are knowlegable and care to turn to. Feeling better today. Hugs to you all!

I take plaquenil and mtx. I finally weaned off the pred, but keep it nearby (in case an ugly flare pops up).

The first few weeks, I was slightly nauseated, but over time that ended. I take mine on Thursday mornings and I always have a piece of toast or two before I take it. On Friday mornings, I am exhausted, but pep righ up around 5 p.m. on Friday. (which is why I take it on Thursday morning!)

I take my seven pills all at once. It allowed me to wean off of prednisone and feel capable on most days. I have been able to return to mild exercise and farm work.

Ditto to all the above advice. I really like the injections vs the pills. I too was sick for a few days after taking the pills, it seemed to lessen with time but since I have been using the injections I am doing much better, some weeks i hardly notice the nausea. i am experiencing the hair loss but not quite as bad now that I am on 5mg folic acid. Although I do seem to lose it in cycles. Crazy huh? But I am learning that everything to do with RA is crazy.