Methotrexate - starting tonight and a bit scared!

[PandoNoPants]

Hello!

I've had psoriasis since 2000 and a very, very long history of joint problems. I was finally diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis a few weeks ago and I am due to start on 10mg methotrexate and 5mg folic acid every day except methotrexate day. I also take 20mg omeprazole every night.

I'm working myself up because I really am a wuss when it comes to nausea (actually had CBT in 2003 for panic attacks and fear of vomiting - which worked but I still get a bit anxious!!). My nurse offered to start me on injections but I'd like to at least try with the tablets.

I just wondered if anyone had any experience with this drug (good or bad) and did they find it better to take with food etc? I've just had dinner and thought taking it at night might mean I sleep through side effects? I've opted for Fridays because I have DS(5yrs) and DD(3yrs) and need to be able to deal with school runs etc etc during the week. DH will at least be here at weekends to help if I suffer.

Knowing me, I'm probably working myself up over nothing!

....and breathe

[Marshy]

I was on methotrexate for psoriatic arthritis. Don't recall much in the way of side effects and certainly no vomiting.

Struggled to keep up with the blood tests and so came off it. On humira now and doing well.

Try not to overtone it or else you'll talk yourself into feeling sick. Take it and forget it would be my advice.

[Marshy]

Overtone = over think

[PandoNoPants]

Very true! I've just taken them - will occupy myself with Mumsnet as a distraction :p

If you don't mind me asking, did mtx help with the skin side of things? I've used Dovobet since 2002 and really hope this will help clear my skin a bit too. The arthritis side of things started attacking my right hand this year. Because I'm right handed, my Rheum wanted me to start asap.

Glad to hear that Humira is working for you. Is that one of the biologics?

[Marshy]

The metho did help but just didn't work with a busy life and inflexible blood test facilities.

The humira is a bio. Life changing for me. Skin clear and joints pretty much pain free plus no side effects to speak of except a bit of a headache the day i inject. Unfortunately I developed some deformities in my fingers before getting on top.of the arthritis so your doctor is right to start you on something effective before that happens.

[redannie118]

Hi op im due to start metho on tues, for mixed connective tissue disease and my specialist nurse said if you do get nausea the easiest way to stop it it to take the drug by injection and the nausea dissapears. Also as the drug takes about 8 weeks to get into your system it takes a good few weeks before you get any side effects,hope that helps :)