[keebler]

Hi Everyone,

How long does it take for methotrexate to kick in?
I took my first dose Tuesday evening. It didn't make me sick either.:bigsmile: (knock on wood) :fingers: I am taking 10mgs once a week and takng folic acid everyday. I suppose it takes months to kick in?

I did a searched on the site, but couldn't find anything on how long metho takes to kick in.

Of course when I saw my rhumey last week, I didn't think to ask him that question.:scratch:

Take care,
Lyn

 

[tbunny1]

I saw improvement after about a month. It started out I noticed I was having one good energy / pain free day a week, about 4 days after my dose. I changed to talking the metho on Tuesdays so I would have my "good day" on the weekend when I could share my energy with my husband. Pretty soon, it was two good days, then three, and so on and so forth.

Everyone is different - it will be interesting to hear other's experience with this drug. Good luck, and here's hoping it makes a difference quickly for you.

 

[Rose Maclean]

Metho

Hi Lyn,

I have been on methotrexate for over a year now and can only say it is fantastic, in my opinion. I noticed a subtle difference after about a month, but started on 15mg/week. The effects definitely build over a period of about 6 months to full efficacy, from my experience. No side effects for me, except when they put me up to 30mg/week and then my mouth ulcers got a lot worse, so they reduced it and put me on pred instead. I am also taking a calcium supplement with Vit D added in addition to the folic acid and a liver support drug we get here in SA called Legalon. it is a 70mg capsule of 80% concentrate milk thistle. My gp recommended it and my liver functions have been good AND I can have a few whiskys!!!

Good luck!!!

Love Rose

 

[Jesse88]

When I was on MTX, it took about seven months for me to feel a real difference, but there were some benefits after a few months. Many people do well much earlier. I hope you're one of them.

 

[Clare.T]

Hello Lyn
I think it takes 2-3 months usually but I hope you feel some benefit soon. It's good that the first dose went easy - maybe he'll put the dose up soon.

Many many hugs
Clare

 

[jhmom]

Hi Lyn, it took several months for MTX to kick in for me. I was very frustrated until it started to work then I was very happy because it helped my joint pain in my hips. I pray it kicks in soon for you!

 

[keebler]

Hi,

Thank you for replying to my question. It is great to know once it kicks in, it makes quite a difference.

For the last few months my lupus has been acting up. My whole body just aches. Iowa has been having some rough winter weather, which doesn't help either.

I go back to my rhumey in March. Hopefully metho has kicked in some by then.

Love,
Lyn

 

[denalirat]

I noticed some mild difference in how I felt during week 4 of mtx. I felt like it maxed out after about 8-10 weeks. It didn't take too long, I don't think.

Good luck!

 

[alisonr]

Really glad i came on today - was going to post about methotrexate - i've just been told that they're going to change my meds to that. Think they're starting me at 10mg, hopefully it'll make a difference to my rash first! Does it help the fatigue?
Alison
x

 

[Jesse88]

Yes, for many people it does, eventually. But there are also some who always feel worse and fatigued after their weekly dose. Everyone is different. I'm glad you're starting on a low dose. It helps to avoid stomach problems. If you have stomach issues anyway, ask your RD if you can split the dose during the day, 5mg. in the morning, 5 mg. at night. I learned on an arthritis forum that this can be done over a 24 hour period as well. I was on 20 mg. and split it up with the blessing of my RD and it was very helpful in avoiding unpleasant stomach issues. Finally, injections of the MTX will help those with stubborn stomach problems because the injected dose avoids the stomach altogether. It's also 20-30 percent more effective.

Good luck. MTX is a wonder drug for many of us. I hope it works well for you.

 

[Bullwinkle]

Hi Lyn , I was on 20 mgs. of metho for about 8 months , and can't say that it was really helping. For the first couple of months I would feel real fatigued for a day or two after taking it.
My Rheummy finally decided to put me on Metho injections which I do myself with no problems. Recently after she sent me to another rheummy for second opinions , she has upped my doseage of metho injection due to my body size ( I'm 6' 1" and 215 lbs) from 0.6 to 0.8 mL. = 20 mg. +/-. Within a month I have noticed an improvement in alot of my pains , plus I can be more physically active ( the snowfalls have proven that lol...should have bought a snowblower) , and am hoping for further improvement.
It hasn't really helped fibro and arthritic pains that much , at least yet, but I do feel better , and that's a huge plus as we all know.
Best of luck Dear.

 

[keebler]

Thank you Bullwinkle,

It is great that the injections and the increase of mgs for you have helped. I will have to remember about the injections if the pill form doesn't help me. Hopefully the pills will help. I don't like needles. anic:

Sounds like your winter is like ours. Big, heavy snowfalls and temperatures down below zero for several days.:shiver:
Hubby won't let me help outside.

Take care,
Lyn

 

[macfamily53]

Hi Lyn

I do not have any knowledge about this drug but wanted to let you know i sure hope it gives you a lot of relief from the pain((((hugs)))).You been suffering way to long with a lot of pain for sure.Please let us know how you are coming with the metho.I sure am glad you are not having any tummy trouble either with the metho.Try to relax whenever you can my friend .Hoping for fast and great results with the med also.

Tammy

 

[Londa19820]

I just started taking methotrexate too. And they want to stat taking the nasal spary too.

 

[Londa19820]

I just startin takin that and I feel so tried and I didnt understand why. I didnt know that you can get the shoot's too.

 

[Lily]

Hi Lyn :hugbetter: :hug:

I hope you have good success with the Methotrexate, I have everything crossed even my eyes

Londa which nasal spray do you mean?


love
Lily

 

[keebler]

Thank you Lily,

I take my second dose of methotrexate Tuesday evening.
I have everything crossed to that I get along with metho

Now that I am on methotrexate I have to get my inr checked this week. I guess metho can interfere with inr.:ermm: Just when I didn't have to go back and get my inr checked for a month. (I was going in every week to get it check, before)

Love,
Lyn

Thank you to everyone who has replied to my thread and given support and experience with metho.
:grouphug2: