Does methotrexate/biologics help reduce the fatigue associated with psoriatic arthritis?

[Twentyquestions]

I know these treatments often come with side effects which may actually be sickness and tiredness. I am wondering if they help with the general malaise and fatigue associated with this disease? Or do they just tend to treat the inflammation in the joints? I would be really grateful for some experiences with this if anyone would be willing to share.

Hi there. I can't answer about methotrexate as I skipped that step.

I have been on biologics (Adalimumab) for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis for over two years, and my personal experience is that no, I don't think it has helped with the arthritis-related fatigue.

However, it has given me respite from the worst effects of the underlying auto-immune disease, clearing my skin to a significant degree and reducing inflammation of the joints; and so I have had more time and resources to spend on tackling the fatigue in other ways - getting my head around eating better, doing more physio, having a better routine. I still haven't managed to sort my sleep pattern out, though, which is a big issue - I seem to have 'flare ups' of insomnia, and so the cycle of fatigue begins again.

I have rheumatoid, and have been on methotrexate for a few years with a biologic (Amgevita) added recently. I was hesitant around side effects, but have actually not has any issues so far.

For me, both treatments helped with the fatigue/well-being as well as joint symptoms.

I'm not sure if this was a direct effect, or if having better disease control generally has meant I'm able to do more/be more active/be more motivated, and the fatigue and autoimmune fog improved due to this.

I hope you're able to find the right treatments for you OP.

Thanks for your replies. For me the main symptom is the fatique, brain fog and actually nausea. This is worse than the joints. So I am wondering if it’s worth side effects of the treatment for me

Can I ask, how where you diagnosed as I think I am also suffering from psoriatic arthritis, I was diagnosed with lupus 8 years ago but I have really sore joints and severe scalp psoriasis also, any help would be much appreciated

Sorry I can’t help smood. As not officially diagnosed yet. I think a referral to a rheumatologist via your dermatologist or gp would be the next step?

I was on methotrexate for a couple of years and to be honest, the fatigue and fog was worse as it was every single week rather than only during a flare up. Methotrexate fog is a widely reported side effect. It did make my joints completely fine though.

Thanks. I did to google this question but all the information online reports how good it is or is not at treating psoriasis and joint pain . There is nothing about treating brain fog. So I do appreciate first hand experiences

I'm waiting for blood results for HLA-B27, so will probably depend on that result. Have you been tested for it? If not I'd recommend it to your doctor. I got my test done on the 15th march and rang gp today still not in such a long process 😞

I has psoriatic arthritis and found methotrexate made me even more sluggish and tired though helped my joint pain. On the other hand, once I moved to adalimumab I felt completely different - much more energy and pep, with joint pain so improved I barely think about it. I hope you get a diagnosis soon and find a treatment that helps.