Methotrexate

Methotrexate is classified as an antimetabolite drug, which means it is capable of blocking the metabolism of cells.

• It has been found helpful in treating certain diseases associated with abnormally rapid cell growth, such as cancer and psoriasis.

• It also has been found very helpful in treating rheumatoid arthritis, although the way in which it affects this illness is not known.

 

 

Despite the medical definition and finding of methotrexate to be successful in treating rheumatoid arthritis, I find it repulsive. And I find it very difficult to take a medication that I know helps my body, positively affects my disease, yet makes me sick for half of the week in which the medication is supposed to help me for.

 

The side effects I experience are nausea and tiredness. The most difficult side effect being nausea. I have tried taking Zofran and Phenergan. I have tried taking it at all different possible times in relation to my shot. I have tried eating different foods before and after. I have tried taking it at many different times of the day. And I still become nauseous. It doesn't just stick around for a couple of hours, but instead a couple of days. Then if I'm lucky I have a couple of days without nausea before I then take my next shot. I give myself a shot one time a week.  I have been on methotrexate for four years. And it seems to get worse as the years go by. 

 

Have you had this experience with methotrexate? Do you have any tips to share?

 

I find it difficult to accept the success this medication has with my disease. I've tried to work on 'mind over matter'. For most situations in my life this works. With methotrexate it just doesn't seem to work!!