Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
Anyone here on Pristiq?
http://www.pristiq.com/
I've been on and off it a couple of time in the last few years. I just went back on it, but this time my disease is not under control.
I've noticed the weirdest thing.... it seems to have reduced my pain and possibly even helping my RA flares!?!
Enbrel failed for me after 3 1/2 years in Oct 2012, tried Hurmira - nothing, now on Orencia and MTX.
So I finished the 3 loading doses of Orencia 2 weeks ago (now on monthly) and hadn't noticed any change, even had bad flare last Thursday (couldn't use both hands) because I was 3 hours late taking my dose of Prednisone.
I started taking the Pristiq the day before (it takes a few days to become effective), and was able to stop taking Prednisone for 48 hours on Sunday to Tuesday (to get blood work) without a flare.
The last time I stopped the Prednisone for 24 hours I could barely move and it took three days to recover. This time I had no major flare-up. Weird... my CRP was even still kinda high 38 (was 45) - but no major flare symptoms!?!
I guess it could be the MTX/Orencia combo finally kicking in (8 weeks) but WHY SO SUDDEN... three days before I was flaring. My impression of how Orencia works is gradually - up to six month to achieve effectiveness. I've been back on the MTX for two months now - so it can't be the reason all of a sudden.
It must be the Pristiq.... I'm down to 5mg of prednisone (from 15mg) just to make sure I taper down safely, but I should be able to get off it entirely by the end of the month. I've been relying on the Prednisone since Oct last year... now all of sudden I don't need it. Too Weird.
I'll have to ask my Rheumy about it my appointment at the end of the month.
Anyone else on Pristiq notice RA symptom improvement?
http://www.pristiq.com/
I've been on and off it a couple of time in the last few years. I just went back on it, but this time my disease is not under control.
I've noticed the weirdest thing.... it seems to have reduced my pain and possibly even helping my RA flares!?!
Enbrel failed for me after 3 1/2 years in Oct 2012, tried Hurmira - nothing, now on Orencia and MTX.
So I finished the 3 loading doses of Orencia 2 weeks ago (now on monthly) and hadn't noticed any change, even had bad flare last Thursday (couldn't use both hands) because I was 3 hours late taking my dose of Prednisone.
I started taking the Pristiq the day before (it takes a few days to become effective), and was able to stop taking Prednisone for 48 hours on Sunday to Tuesday (to get blood work) without a flare.
The last time I stopped the Prednisone for 24 hours I could barely move and it took three days to recover. This time I had no major flare-up. Weird... my CRP was even still kinda high 38 (was 45) - but no major flare symptoms!?!
I guess it could be the MTX/Orencia combo finally kicking in (8 weeks) but WHY SO SUDDEN... three days before I was flaring. My impression of how Orencia works is gradually - up to six month to achieve effectiveness. I've been back on the MTX for two months now - so it can't be the reason all of a sudden.
It must be the Pristiq.... I'm down to 5mg of prednisone (from 15mg) just to make sure I taper down safely, but I should be able to get off it entirely by the end of the month. I've been relying on the Prednisone since Oct last year... now all of sudden I don't need it. Too Weird.
I'll have to ask my Rheumy about it my appointment at the end of the month.
Anyone else on Pristiq notice RA symptom improvement?
I'm in a MAJOR awful craptastic flare right now, and still on Pristiq, so in my case personally, no, it has not helped with my RA.
Can't speak for others, of course, it's just my experience.
It has helped me immensely with depression, however!
Moving onto Actemra now.
i've been on pristiq for well over three years (and it has literally saved my life) and was recently dx'd with RA, so i would not be able to attest to it's effect (if any) on pain.
lynn, are you still taking pristiq? how have you gone on and off it multiple times? i've heard that coming off pristiq can be a horrible experience.
It does depend on long you have been on it. The longest at a stretch that I've been on it is 1 year at a time. If you've been on it for multiple years then it might take 6 months to ween off it.
You might got lucky and it's working for you sooner.
My RA factor or whatever it's called, was over 200. Orencia felt like I was getting water till the 6th month. I hope it's working for you. I really love orencia.
For depression My rhuemy gave me Lorazepam. I only take it when I'm stressing. I seldom take it. But it sure works, my cat died a few months ago and I took it 2 days and it's great. Really keeps your brain from thinking sad thoughts. I love how it's for only when you need it.
Lin