Tofacitinib and Depression: What Users Say

• Xel...
• March 26, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Moderate/severe RA, it's not recommended. Tried it though; very little help. Withdrawal is awful due to anxiety/depression. It's not stated, but there must be an ingredient that is also used for antidepressants in Xeljanz. Most other countries in the world refuse this drug. Just be careful. Ask for other options!"

• Egi...
• November 7, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Within 2 weeks, Xeljanz was working amazingly for my rheumatoid arthritis. But had to stop after 8 weeks because of complete insomnia and depression/anxiety. This drug brought on depression, insomnia, and anxiety so hard and so quickly. I just could not continue. This had the same effect on me as prednisone. My system cannot tolerate that either. Too bad because both work so well for the arthritis. Luckily, these side effects have gone away after stopping the medicine."

• shr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Been on Xeljanz XR 11 mg for about 10 days now. I've tried most of the infusion drugs and methotrexate, and none have worked. It's a little early to tell for sure, but I think it's helping. I don't have typical RA, no flares, I am in a constant flare. No coming and going, unfortunately. I also have whole body swelling, lucky me. But I am noticing a slight reduction in swelling. I had gone up a full ring and shoe size. Today I could get on a ring I haven't been able to wear in years... yay! I have had some strange side effects: extreme fatigue, depression, skin crawling, and a little paranoia. Not typical for me, and I don't think for this drug either. I seem to always have the rare side effects with all medications. I'm hopeful though."

• Kit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Started Xeljanz last Wednesday, and now today is Monday. I have the worst pain in my stomach after I take it, and I feel so depressed. I didn't see the depression in the leaflet as a side effect. I taken in the past Humira, Enbrel, Cimzia, Plaquenil, and Methotrexate-all made me sick and my asthma worse. The Plaquenil made me itch so bad, I got skin infections/cellulitis. The best was Remicade infusions. That did beautifully until I got an infection that landed me in the hospital."

• Los...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "On my 3rd week with no improvement, increased pain, swelling, and fever exponentially increased, (not 'core' temp just 'hot joints') decreased energy, frequent headache, and increased depression! I didn't know any of these things could get worse than they already were. But they have! :-( Hanging in there because mine is in every single joint and 'unrelenting.' I don't really have flares 'cause mine is constant daily (and nightly) pain, swelling, the fever."

• Sky...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 22, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I was on Xeljanz for 2 months. I had to quit taking it when I realized it was making me extremely depressed. My rheumatologist put me on Taltz, and after a week, I can already see major improvement to my psoriasis. I also have PSA, and my joints are not quite as stiff. Unfortunately, most medications work for me, but my body builds a resistance to them after a while. This is the 8th medication I have been on for my PSA. Fingers crossed that it's the last."