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MTX and headaches.... followed by nausea

Posted , 4 users are following.

hollz98148
hollz98148

So I've started taking mtx 3 weeks ago for my guttate psoriasis and tomorrow is my pill day.

15mg, every Saturday.

I've noticed that I've had alot more headaches, like almost daily. They get so bad at times that it makes me feel like I'm going to throw up sad Most of the time my symptoms are like a wave, they come and go but the headaches last all throughout the week.

I've also been very tired, and not had much energy compared to before I started the mtx.

Is this to be expected? Does anyone else have these headaches?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • shirlee86000
    shirlee86000 hollz98148

    Posted

    Hi holiz98148

    I have just taken my second lot of 4 and next week I have to up to 6 I really don't have any symptoms yet touch wood just apart from tiredness but I do work as a support worker full time and go to the gym so a very active life so maybe that's part of it too as I am 58 lol and think I am 30 at times.

    I go to the nurse for my first check up next Tuesday since taking the medication to see if my body is coping ok, I am going to ask what other medication they have as I am really worried about methotrexate I never take anything even paracetemol until I really need it, so it's stressing me a bit to be honest

  • Lisa_Batts
    Lisa_Batts hollz98148

    Posted

    Hi hollz

    3 weeks in the symptoms of fatigue etc are perfectly normal. If this drug works for you your symptoms should subside in time. Unfortunately it can take 3 to 6 months for the drug to fully work and by then your symptoms should be far less and you will know if this is the right treatment for you.

    Although the side effects are awful when you start taking it, if it works for you me illness and you are barely noticing side effects it can be a wonder drug.

    One thing I was told is that caffeine can have a really adverse effect with this drug. I don't know your caffeine intake but that could be contributing to the headaches. Also make sure you are prescribed the folic acid 6 days a week (for some reason the doctors prescribe it once a week but nearly everybody I talk to on here take 6 a week, every day but not medication day)... Also it has to be prescribed by the doctor not over the counter.

    I hope some of this helps good luck

    Lisa 😊😊

    • hollz98148
      hollz98148 Lisa_Batts

      Posted

      Thank you Lisa. Yes the side effects have been strange for me so far, they come and go in waves.

      Headaches, body aches, dizziness upon standing up at times and every now and then a bit of nausea. I do get very achy the day after pill day...almost as if it's giving me arthritis lol but I figure that'll decrease as I adjust.

      I drink a TON of water, been taking in 80oz a day. And I had already avoided caffeine aside from hot cocoa or a dark chocolate bar every now and then.

      Hopefully these symptoms subside as time goes on. I'm going to stick with the MTX for the full 3 months to see how it works.

      What were your most common side effects when first starting mtx?

    • Lisa_Batts
      Lisa_Batts hollz98148

      Posted

      My most common side effects were everything! Hair loss, mouth ulcers, nausea, fatigue, memory loss, headaches..... ??????

      I persevered, used a lot of advice from here and can honestly say that after some time my hair grew back (thicker) and my symptoms subsided to the point where I just kept the day after clear in case I wanted to sleep etc but I still get them from time to time. I've just been off it for 4 weeks and going back on was like starting again but using all the tips from here I am back to tolerating it again.

      Nausea I use ginger biscuits and pure fruit juice ice poles or citrus fruit.

      It's worth tolerating because if it works for you and the symptoms subside the relief from the PSA is well worth it. ???? good luck

  • krishnaji41
    krishnaji41 hollz98148

    Posted

    It is unfortunate you have this nagging headache problem. I am on max for more than 10 years and am just fine. It may have other reasons. Suggest you speak to your physician to identify the cause.
  • krishnaji41
    krishnaji41 hollz98148

    Posted

    Sorry to hear about your persistent head aches. I have been on Mtx for 10 yrs now for psoriatic arthritis. I have had no such problem ever. Suggest you see your physician for finding out any other underlying reason like BP or digestive it dental problems. You may find a solution.

     

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