i,ve heard alot of great things about mtx, however alot of people do get alot of sickness with it, but the good news is most of the time its only taken once a week, so at least you can work your week around the day you take it so that you can rest that partiular day, the side effects normally subside after your system gets ued to the drug, hopefully this is your wonder drug !!! bear with it and stick it out and hopefully you do really well on this drug xxxxx

I hear ya! I just started several months ago. My rheumy told me not to read the info that came with it because most people tolerate it well. Well, of course I read it! And it scared the crap out of me, too. It took me a long time to convince myself to take it. I just sat there and looked at it while talking myself into taking it. And it wasn't that bad. My doc started me gradually and am still increasing one pill every two months. The first time I increase, I am a little queasy the next day, but I'm usually fine after that. People who don't tolerate the pill form can also do injections.

It has helped me as long as I keep my stress under control to avoid flares.

I hope it helps you.

I have been on methotrexate for a year now.I also take plaquanil. I have had no side affects apart from very occasional nausea & only very mild.It has helped with mt symptoms. Plaquanil worked for a time & then stopped working which is why I take the combination of the two.I gradually increased the dose over several months & am now on 25mgs weekly.
I did have blood tests monthly for a while to check my liver enzymes as mtx can affect your liver. I was told I could only have four alcoholic drinks a week & not at the same time!
I actually don't drink much as the taste has changed so I don't miss it.I am now on three monthly blood tests as they were all ok.
The one funny thing is my hair has changed. It was fine & straight & now has much more body a slight curl. People have asked me if I have had a perm!
Mtx is used a lot in autoimmune disease & can really help. You will also need to take folic acid when taking mtx. I take 5mgs three times a week. My rhumyprescribed this but the doses can vary.
Like plaquanil, mtx takes several months to feel the affect.
I hope this helps you.good luck!

Thanks for your replies--they have helped calm me down a bit--I start the meds this weekend so cross your fingers for me!

Janda,

I've been on 5-10mg of oral Methotrexate since April, 2005. It is inexpensive, and so far free from side-effects. I made the switch when I developed some rare toxic reactions to Plaquenil after 7 years.

My Sjogren's markers are nearly zero on methotrexate (Mtx) and it has lowered my Rheumatoid Factor, another inflammation indicator from 10 times higher than normal, down to 4 times higher than normal. These changes in my blood work mean I feel better and can function at a higher level. Not that I don't still crash and burn if I push too hard, but I can manage a more normal schedule without collapsing by Thursday.

I love the stuff. I was warned by others that it can make you tired, so I take it on Friday or Saturday night, so I won't need to be at a 100% function the next day. That plan has worked out great. Also need to avoid caffeine before and after the dose to get the max benefit from the Mtx.

Good luck!

Thanks for the encouragement--I will be starting it tonight.

Hi Janda
I have been on Meth for a while now. I started on the lowest dose and have steadily been increasing the dose at ordered. I am now on 25mg weekly. I was on Plaquenil for years but like DryRDH, I developed the rare toxic effect from it and am now off the Plaquenil completely.
The only symptom I have ever had from the meth is severe nausea and vomiting. I take it on a Sunday and spend Monday and sometimes even Tuesday nauseated and throwing up. I found that if I take it halfway through a full meal and then finish the meal the vomiting is pretty much non-existant, but I still have the nausea.
Good luck to you!!