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Methotrexate and Mental Health

Posted , 3 users are following.

vickyw75
vickyw75

Has anyone on methotrexate noticed changes in their mental health? I've been on it twice, first time I became depressed and was in psych hospital for 8 weeks. I came off it to have kids and had no problems with depression then, and no post natal depression. After having 2 children I had to go back on it and my depression returned. I've only recently noticed that there's a link and not sure what to do. I'm on high doses of medication for mental health and also for arthritis, I don't see how I could stop mtx to improve my mood as I'd be unable to walk etc.

Should I just accept that this is part of the deal? I feel it's a catch 22

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Lisa_Batts
    Lisa_Batts vickyw75

    Posted

    Hi Vicky

    You poor thing. As if you don't have enough to cope with. I'm bipolar and take medication for that and am on MTX. I can't give you a definite answer but when I was first taking it I felt like I was going mad. However having been on it for over a year now this has definitely subsided. What I wanted to point out is we are taking MTX for a vile illness. That in itself can accelerate depression then we know that the MTX can cause vile symptoms which is another factor. Also taking MTX reminds us on that day how ill we are. If you take into account all these things that would make anybody feel down.

    What I'm trying to say is depression can be a big part of us being ill.

    I would say with the MTX as well it can be a roller coaster. Go and see your GP or specialist if you feel it is the MTX causing this. It may be it interferes with one of your existing medications that keep you stable. Maybe they need adjusting. Sorry I can't do better but you are not alone and as an already suffering mental health patient you have to look after both sides of your health mental and physical.

    Sending happy thoughts

    Lisa

    ☀️☀️☀️

    • vickyw75
      vickyw75 Lisa_Batts

      Posted

      Thanks, sorry I haven't replied but I lost my passwords!

      It's a bit of a chicken and egg thing I suppose, the pain and fatigue don't do much for my mood and then the feelings about the illness and impact on life.

      I think I just want a scapegoat and or a reason to stop mtx but recent surgery because of arthritis probably rules that out anyway!!

    • Lisa_Batts
      Lisa_Batts vickyw75

      Posted

      There are other medications you can take but I think whatever we do the illness itself plus symptoms plus meds are going to affect our mood.

      You could go and see who treats your mental health side and explain. Maybe they can adjust your meds to overcompensate for the extra 'downs'. However, I think whatever route you go, same as me, you have to 'accept' that you have this and it's going to be tough and try to keep your life as simple and stress free in all other things.

      Easy written down.

      I do realise it's much harder to put into practice.

      I hope you also have support around you

      Best of luck

      Lisa

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