Methotrexate, Shortness of Breath and Increased Heart Rate

Hi, I was taking methotrexate oral 15 mg weekly but went on to inections as the tablets made me feel sick, after about 6 weeks I started having rapid heart beats and an anxious feeling, the consultant said it was not the methotrexate , anyway I came off it for 6 weeks and the rapid heart beats disappeared. I was again put back on it Again and low and behold they are back again, i cannobelieve this is a coincidence . I have an appointment with consultant in two weeks again. I just wondered if anyone else has had this with methotrexate.

Hi I have been on methotrexate for 8 weeks now and have experienced shortness of breath for at least 8 days. I am going to see the doctor next Tuesday. I get very exhausted and cannot walk up the stairs without feeling SOB. I take methotrexate for inflammatory arthritis. My heart rate has increased as well and I am coughing a lot. I also have heard that methotrexate can cause fibrosis of the lungs. I hope you feel better soon and that you find out what is the cause. I suspect that it is the methotrexate, I tried sulphasalazine but could not tolerate it as it suppressed my appetite and caused terrible nausea.

Hi, I take Methotrexate 20mg injection since last September. I also have Auto Immune Hypothyrodism (150mg thyroxine daily). For the past 2/3 weeks I have really struggled to catch my breath. I could be sitting at the table trying to eat, walking up the garden or just watching TV, I also have this silly dry cough. I do get chest pain when I've struggled for a while and start sighing and yawning to get more air. Went to GP who sent me for X-ray, gave me steroids and ventilin pump. Eased slightly, but still there - waiting for results of X-ray. I think this sounds similar, it is scary when it happens and I find I have to do some self relaxation and controlled breathing. I hope you get it sorted out - be persistent. Good wishes to you.

Hi, this is my first time on here. 

I have had RA for at least 4 years but diagnosed in feb 2016. I started on methotrexate 11 weeks ago. Started with .06 injections. I felt bad but wasn't aware that the shot was making me ill. 2weeks ago I called dr to tell him i was in the same or worse pain than before my shots. He then increased my shot to 1cc. That was last Wednesday. I felt a tight chest and short of breath also my upper stomach was bloted  and it hurt. I didn't say anything about it untill my shot this week. Wow, this week immediately I felt like someone was sitting on my chest, I could hardly breath and my stomach is worse. My Dr took me of food it. But it isn't a very bad and deadly side effect. I'm so glad to be off this. No way I have to go on another pill. I'll  find out later about what it is. Thank s for reading😊

My dad had the same side effects, but his were very severe, and ended up being fatal - I am so glad that you are no longer on the medication.  My dad's case was extreme - and we didn't receive any warning to take him off the medication if he got bresathless.

My dad died after being put on methotrexate for Rheumatoid arthritis - the drug destroyed his lungs.  So glad you came off the medication as we didn't know that it was affecting his lung function until it was too late!

I have been on the methotrexate for arthritis for a month. I am experiencing the same thing. I even went to my local doctor to have my heart checked. EKG and blood pressure were fine. I have read that one of the side effects is shortness of breathe and chest pain. Not pleasant. I've got a call into my rheumatologist.

Methotrexate for psoriasis?. My doctor suggested taking 8 2.5mg pills once a week. After I take them, I begin to have breathing problems. It feels like someone is sitting on my chest or I'm being squeezed by a boa constrictor snake. I'm 52, 218 pounds and swim 5 days a week and walk 2 hours each weekend. I also work alot at work. I'm in good shape, but have problems preforming my job at work and I can't swim for more that 2 laps before needing a rest. Psoriasis?? is almost completly gone! . The Methotrexate, Shortness? of breath lasts 3-4 days after I take the 8 pills as prescribed. I'm now trying to get on another medication called Otezla.... 

I have also heart palpations and shortness of breath. Does this get better the longer you stay on the medicine?

I was put on this medication a month ago and on Tuesday i noticed i was becoming short of breath. I thought my asthma was acting up, well on Wednesday i still had to use my albuterol more. As i was thinking back i thought about all that was happen i to think its this medication. I'm waiting to hear back from my RA doctor. I'm hoping there's no damage already dealing with lung issues. I'm praying for all of us.