Methotrexate and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Lag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This is a horrible drug. I took it once a week for 5 months, 12.5 mg of awfulness. My hair started falling out in clumps, even with taking folic acid. The headaches and nausea are debilitating, along with the fatigue and general malaise that I experienced for 2-3 days after taking it. It did not touch the flare-ups or the pain I experienced from the RA. I have now completely changed my diet and my way of thinking to combat this disease. No gluten, no dairy, stress-free as much as possible, and supplements like Nordic Fish Oils, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin Sulfates, and Turmeric help better than the Methotrexate did any day. I called this drug 'Poison' the whole time I was taking it. Now I feel way better not taking it, and I know why, because it is a POISON. Stay far away from this drug and try lifestyle changes before even considering this harmful drug."

• Lag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This is a horrible drug. I took it once a week for 5 months, 12.5 mg of awfulness. My hair started falling out in clumps, even with taking folic acid. The headaches and nausea are debilitating, along with the fatigue and general malaise that I experienced for 2-3 days after taking it. It did not touch the flare-ups or the pain I experienced from the RA. I have now completely changed my diet and my way of thinking to combat this disease. No gluten, no dairy, stress-free as much as possible, and supplements like Nordic Fish Oils, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin Sulfates, and Turmeric help better than the Methotrexate did any day. I called this drug 'Poison' the whole time I was taking it. Now I feel way better not taking it, and I know why, because it is a POISON. Stay far away from this drug and try lifestyle changes before even considering this harmful drug."

• Yay...
• December 28, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I am a 32-year-old and a mother of two boys working full-time. I was on methotrexate for 2.5 years (10 mg per week, oral). It did work, and I had little side effects in the beginning. However, about 1-1.5 years in, I became extremely fatigued and even depressed. I did not feel like myself. I read in other blogs that people had the same feelings as I did, so I was glad I wasn’t alone. I was at a point in my journey where I could try and get off the medication. After only two weeks off the medication, I felt amazing! Back to my old self! Both my husband and I were amazed. Fatigue gone. No longer going to bed at 7:30 pm. No more feelings of depression. And thank goodness my RA symptoms have not reappeared. I do follow a strict dairy-free, gluten-free, almost pescatarian diet that I believe has a huge impact on RA. So if anyone is feeling this way, please talk to your doctor and try a different approach to tackling your RA if you cannot live with the frustration of the fatigue and depression."

• CCE...
• August 13, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I took Methotrexate for 17 years. Started with tablets but progressed to injections for less chance of side effects (and cheaper!). Always felt tired and nauseous for a day after, which got worse and lasted longer over the years, so that instead of just folic acid, my rheum had me take leucovorin the day after (a stronger folic acid). But 6 months ago I developed fatigue, malaise and chronic low-grade fever despite normal blood tests; my rheum said he had seen that before in other patients taking Methotrexate and considered it a toxic reaction! There is no literature on this reaction, but I got better once I stopped, so just be aware."

• CCE...
• August 13, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I took Methotrexate for 17 years. Started with tablets but progressed to injections for less chance of side effects (and cheaper!). Always felt tired and nauseous for a day after, which got worse and lasted longer over the years, so that instead of just folic acid, my rheum had me take leucovorin the day after (a stronger folic acid). But 6 months ago I developed fatigue, malaise and chronic low-grade fever despite normal blood tests; my rheum said he had seen that before in other patients taking Methotrexate and considered it a toxic reaction! There is no literature on this reaction, but I got better once I stopped, so just be aware."

• Kim...
• January 6, 2014

For Psoriasis "Tried all other methods for relief of psoriasis, 80% of body. Have been on methotrexate for 5.5 weeks, belly, back, chest, and forearms are all clear. Very mild psoriasis that isn't red or irritated on upper arms and lower legs. My confidence and self-esteem have increased heaps. Excited to go for a swim 2nd time since I've had psoriasis (7 years). Only had bad fatigue for the first few weeks, haven't drunk any alcohol, healthy diet with minimal junk food, and nausea if I eat something really fatty, e.g., pizza. Skin color isn't yellowing nor getting black under the eyes, or anything else relating to bad liver. Would definitely recommend this medication."

• Pea...
• October 23, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was started on Plaquenil when diagnosed with RA about two years ago at the end of summer. I told the doctor there was no way I would take MTX. By the following late spring, I had what took me a while to realize was a major flare-up. I already had one pointer finger that couldn't bend, and now the other one was stuck in the out position. I couldn't make fists. So, I started on MTX once a week, along with 1 mg of folic acid per day. After about two months, I began to see improvements. After a longer time, my doctor said I was in remission. I take both Plaquenil and MTX, with few side effects. On my MTX day, and the day after, I'm sometimes low energy, and often slightly queasy. Not enough to keep me from eating entirely."

• Anonymous
• October 19, 2012

Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis "Took methotrexate for 6 months after diagnosis for Rheumatoid arthritis, seemed to work fairly well for the pain/stiffness, but I had terrible side effects including nausea, fatigue, mood swings - almost couldn't get to work, coming up stairs felt like my feet weighed 500 pounds each - almost could not function at all. Now going to try an injectable form to see if that will not cause the side effects - hopeful."

• Jen...
• June 2, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been on Methotrexate 25mg for 6 weeks now, but 6 months for 20 mg, and I have seen much improvement with my back pain. I do have severe rib and chest pain still, but the back pain is much better. I feel like a zombie though every day. I can barely make it through the day. I am so upset about my hair. I have cut almost 6 inches off and still have dry, damaged hair from the medicine. I lose handfuls of hair daily, and the GI problems sometimes are pretty bad. So I don't know if the side effects outweigh the benefits. I wish I could have someone help me fix these side effects, and I would be okay. I think the fatigue is one of the worst though. :("

• Kar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 29, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I am 23 years old. I was diagnosed with RA at age 21. My pain, swelling, and fatigue were so severe that I could barely walk and had to be in a wheelchair during my hospital stay. My rheumatologist started me on MTX immediately along with prednisone. At one point, I was also taking Enbrel (biologic), but the auto-injections were so painful that it outweighed the benefit of the drug, and I stopped taking it. I am now only taking prednisone during flare-ups and take 25 mg of MTX every week. The RA already makes me so tired, the added side effects of MTX are next to unbearable. The day after I take the drug, I am so fatigued that I can barely pick my head up. The nausea and vomiting are awful. It makes me think: Would you rather not be able to walk, or walk and be sick?"

• Boo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I started a low dose of methotrexate in October and had no changes. In December, my rheumatologist increased my dose and it was like a switch was turned on. Within a week, I felt better than I have in years. I did have a case of 'thrush' not long after it was increased and a vaginal yeast infection. I have developed fissures on my tongue, but I'm over that - treated - and feeling great. I do get fatigued the day after I take my dose (I take it twice a week) - but that passes quickly. I've also noticed when my doc gives me a shot, it is not as taxing as taking the pills. Lucky for me, he says I can just get the shot instead if I want! Having vitamin B12 shots is also the key - I'm doing shots at home - 1/2 dose every two weeks instead of every 4. Life is good."

• Aro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2013

For Psoriasis "Started taking methotrexate approximately 1 and a half weeks ago. Already have seen significant improvements. I have had over 75% coverage of psoriasis from head to toe since my teens, and I am now 45. Minor troubling side effects include slight nausea, bad fatigue, and dizziness. These clear up after I finish my three-day treatment. Positive outweighs the negative. I am scheduled for my first liver test on October 1st. In my opinion... worth it!"

• Tom...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 28, 2018

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I took the maximum dosage of this medication for 10 years, and toward the end, the side effects were horrible. It did a wonderful job of keeping my psoriatic arthritis at bay, but at a cost. Fatigue is terrible. I would take it Saturday night so that initial side effects occurred while I slept. Every Sunday was a sleep day. My stomach felt like it was burnt. The last straw was psychosis and depression, which gradually and subtly developed over time. I told my doctor I refused to take this medication anymore. She prescribed Enbrel, and I am much happier. It works well without the 'MTX Hangover.'"

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 4, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I am 49 years old and was diagnosed with RA last September after a spring/summer of hell. Pain started in my knees, then hands, wrists, elbows, feet, and worst of all, one shoulder. I was crawling before I started on 12.5 mg of Methotrexate, folic acid, steroids, etoricoxib, and amitriptyline at night. In November, no change, apart from terrible fatigue. My dose was increased to 20 mg per week with more folic acid and a general steroid injection. I felt improvement at the end of January 17, with pain still in my hands and feet. I went back to work for a few hours a week... big mistake. The fatigue has been tough, and I have a lot of muscle wastage, and my hands and feet hurt a lot. I will be seeing the consultant tomorrow, fingers crossed - although that hurts!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2013

For Psoriasis "I have had psoriasis since I can remember. Last year, after a foot injury, I developed psoriatic arthritis. Since it has spread to both feet, both knees, one hand, and my lower back, leaving me hardly able to walk at 30. I started methotrexate 4 weeks ago, and it is helping a lot. The only side effect for me is fatigue. I do 1 ml injections once a week. If you have PsA, get on methotrexate. If you can handle the needles, injections are the way to go."

• Fla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2017

For Psoriasis "I have had psoriasis for some number of years, since my 50s started, and prior to that nothing more than a dry elbow. I tried all the usual stuff, and I mean all of the junk I could waste money on. I broke down and went to the derm doc and went with steroid cream and blue light with very little change. So I quit the derm doc for a few years and then became desperate as my psoriasis went totally off the charts, and I started the methotrexate med, or as I call it, chemo pills. So far the itching seems to have let up a fair amount, and I'm only on week one. The side effects are not at all like I had feared. I'm terrified of new medicines as so many meds seem to be on the lawsuit. I have noticed a loss of energy, but nothing drastic, and aside from that no problems."

• Joh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2017

For Psoriasis "I am 27 and started having psoriasis when I was 20. I am covered 80%. My rheumatologist has started me on a methotrexate shot once a week, as well as folic acid every day, but the day of the shot. I am currently on day 5, my skin has stopped forming layers about 90%, but it is still red with small patches here and there. From the time I got the shot, I have only felt low energy and low appetite. No serious side effects. I must add, before going on methotrexate, you should start eating healthier and detox the body the best you can for a month prior to going on methotrexate. If you don't, you are doing more harm than good because your immune system is going to sleep mode, and if you got a load of junk and bad bacteria left, they will just take over."

• Cle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Terrible experience - never again! I started taking the methotrexate on Thursday morning and felt sick for days! I'm highly sensitive to medication and was given 10 mg and 5 mg of folic acid all days except dose day. I managed to get to work the next day but was very fatigued, vague, and couldn’t function too well. I have never felt so tired as I did the weekend after and had to cancel all my plans. From Friday night, I was totally wiped out, no appetite, couldn’t stay awake, tummy ache, headache, and since Sunday, strands of hair have been falling out. My fringe/bangs thinned out, and hair kept falling out - after 1 tablet. It was a terrible experience."

• Don...
• June 7, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I'm curious, can methotrexate cause weight gain? I rarely eat anymore, except for the three days leading up to my next dose. I'm fatigued, headaches, weak. Food causes acid, so I must be very careful that I eat bland foods with little fat, and since I've only been on it for 5 weeks, I'm in the MORE PAIN part of getting used to the meds part of all of this. But how could I possibly feel like I'm gaining weight when I eat next to nothing 4 out of 7 days and club crackers as my only snack?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 23, 2024

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was 62 when diagnosed with RA. I am being treated with 25 mg of methotrexate each week, 400 mg of hydroxychloroquine a day, 7.5 mg of meloxicam as needed, 10 mg of prednisone as needed, and 2 folic acid tablets daily. My numbers, both RF and CRP, were extremely high initially. I have gone from extreme pain in my feet, hands, knees, wrists, shoulders, and hips to almost zero pain. I have experienced several side effects from the combination of all these medications: nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, sleeplessness, and headaches. I have lost over 20 lbs. All that being said, I am still far better off than I was without the medication. Prior to taking the medications, I had no life due to the pain, I spent my days on the couch and soaking in hot water. I now have my life back, and I am able to enjoy life again. So although my life may be shortened, I would rather have another 15 years of quality life instead of 30 years of misery."

• Roc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 26, 2020

"I love this drug, methotrexate, for lupus. Cheap and effective. I've been on it about 6 months now. No adverse reactions beyond fatigue, headache, and nausea about 32 hours after. Yes, not pleasant, but for me, they faded by week 5 (or I got used to them). Worth it because my joint swelling is now under control. I can use stairs, walk without limping, and don't need any joints drained. And it's $11 a month. I'm glad I tried it. Works for me."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2019

"I can't even tell how effective this medicine was despite taking it for 5 months at increasing dosages. I have Henoch-Schönlein Purpura, and the methotrexate unfortunately could not completely control my inflammation and daily flare-ups and caused terrible side effects. Fatigue and drowsiness were TERRIBLE. Don't expect to sleep well while taking it either. I also experienced a decline in mental faculties such as recalling basic memories, attention problems, forgetting obvious reminders I would NEVER forget otherwise, and slow information processing in general. My hair was falling out in clumps, and now I have bald spots as a girl in my 20s! On top of that, my acne of 10 years returned after I finally managed to clear it up through Accutane a few years back. I've been on all sorts of medications, but this is by far the worst one I've ever taken. I should have read the warnings more carefully before starting it, as I didn't know you could die from incorrect usage until now. Take at your own risk."

• Bad...
• July 9, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Never felt so ill! I take 25 mg weekly via injection. Never suffered side effects with other medication. This stuff is a horrible poison. Mouth ulcers, sickness that never goes away. Too many blood tests to count. Constant fatigue. Dull, depressed headaches and joint pain, which means other pills, which means other pills to counteract the side effects of the other lot! Ad infinitum. Depressing, really. On the plus side, (there is one surprisingly), more mobility. I am a resident of the UK, so our healthcare system will be alien to you. We all contribute via an employment tax called National Health Contributions. And it's the envy of the Western world (when it works)."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "53 years old, diagnosed in 2010 with RA. Prior to taking this, was taking Plaquenil 400 mg and Prednisone 5 mg daily. Had to discontinue the Plaquenil (5-2021) due to constant lower GI bleeding and diarrhea. I've been on MTX 25 mg (6×2.5 mg) once per week and it is helping. I had been in near constant flares after getting Covid (6-2021) and had so much pain and stiffness that I cried any time I had to move around. Now I only flare once, maybe twice a week, or if I overdo it. I do have some side effects: fatigue (up to two days after dose), but a few short naps help, a little nausea (I found six smaller meals and saltines helped with it). The biggest one I had was hair loss during dose week three. My scalp got really itchy and felt really dry and tight, so I wet my hair, thinking it was just dry and was just going to wash it after. Nope, about 50% of it fell out as soon as it was wet, which was a bit of a shock, but it's slowly growing back. Small prices to pay to be almost flare-free and have mobility back."

• sca...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2021

For Psoriasis "I have had psoriasis since 2008. I am 67 years old and have had psoriasis on the bottom of my feet since 2008. Last summer, it showed up on the palms of my hands, between my fingers, and the tips of my fingers. Having been advised by my dermatologist to take methotrexate years ago, I finally gave in and started taking 15 mg once per week and 1 mg of folic acid 6 days per week. I started this regimen in October. My feet and hands are finally starting to clear. The first day after the meds, I feel wiped out. I wish I had started taking this medication a long time ago. This medication has given me my life back!"