1st dose of methotrexate very nervous | Arthritis Information

Good Morning all, I havent been posting or lurking for about a month very busy with work. I have finally accepted that I need a stronger med. I start mtx this morning my RD said set aside one day you can stay home to take it. Wed are going to work best for my schedule so here we go. Does anyone have any tips on taking this med to get the lease side effects. Do I take it on a full stomach empty stomach. Should I split the pills 1/2 in the am and 1/2 in the pm. I am taking the pills to start cuz I am terrified of needles and am not sure I could give myself a shot anyway. I know many of you take this med any tips would be deeply appreciated.

nora

remember that for most of us the side effects were mild and not a big problem.

I suggest taking them all at once unless as long as you have no issues

drink lots of water

eat something like oatmeal or yogurt-something that coats the stomach

since I always got a bit of a headache I would take an tylenol..but talk to your doctor about that before doing.

and if Wed is the day you can be off work..next week take the pills Tuesday night at bedtime. Generally you'll sleep through the worst of the side effects

I found that by splitting the dose, I had very little trouble, just a bit of a headache the next day and that wasn't even every time. I always eat something when I take my pills and have no stomach issues at all, ever. When I tried taking the pills all at once I felt awful, but everyone is different. I've heard that lots of water the day before, during and after MTX day is good for flushing out the kidneys, which may also be affected by MTX. I know this is scary, but it could very well turn out to be easy for you and help you a lot. Good luck. I'll be thinking of you today.

Edited to be more specifiic: I take eight pills: Two in the early afternoon, two in the late afternoon and four at bedtime.

Jesse882008-02-20 07:05:11Hi!! I used to take 8 pills (had to move up to injectable). Never had a problem at all. I do know some people get sick to their stomach with the pills, so maybe if you took it with food and before bed? I used to do that with the materna vitamins I took while I was pregnant and the nausea didn't bother me.thank you for your answers, I am very nervous about this some of the stuff I have read is very scarey. I am starting with 4 tabs for two weeks then 5 for two then 6 every week after that. I took all 4 this am with a big bottle of water and little food in my belly. I am tired and a little green not bad though. So I think I am going to go lay down and take a little nap I do appreciate the answers and the thoughts I will let you know how it goes. I just hurt all the time and move like I am a 80 year old woman I hope this works. I will be happy if I just get some mobility back and not so much pain.

nora

I always take mine with my evening meal. I've never experienced nausea, but I get really tired and headachey the next couple of days. I'm on 15 mg.

Just wanted to wish you luck.thanks everyone up from my nap so far so good not really green right now. No headache to speak of and just ate a handful of salty potatoe chips uummm healthy.

nora

MTX has worked very well for me for the last 15-16 years...and I've not had any side effects from it...other than a low white blood cell count occasionally. Make sure to have your bloodwork done regularly.

Good luck!

thanks my doc has me coming every two weeks for a while to get it drawn and then spreads out to every 6 weeks. she is very cautious about that stuff which is part of the reason she was able to talk me into stronger meds. That and all of the PAIN!!!!!!!!!!