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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/25/2010 Posts: 1,289 Location: Buckinghamshire
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hi All,
since i started taking Methotrexate in June ... my sleeping pattern has changed and i am beginning to think it's to do with the drug.
i have never been a good sleeper and i do take a Sleeping Tablet and have done for years and it did the trick and gave me enough sleep.
well as the weeks have gone on i am finding it harder to sleep inasmuch as i do get off to sleep and i can get relatively comfortable in bed so i know it's nothing to do with the pain, but once i wake in the night and get up for a loo trip then i don't get back into a proper sleep.
i can only describe it as being half awake and remember what i'm dreaming but they are more thoughts than dreams as i am aware of them ... so this is why i feel it could be to do with the drug.
i know there is no sleep disorders listed in the side affects but then again i do know certain drugs can affect sleep patterns.
this is making it harder to cope in the day as well as coping with the pain and to be honest my mood is very low at the moment.
would be interested to hear if anyone else has experienced problems with this while taking Methotrexate.
it's one of the questions i have ready for my GP and RA Nurse but there's nothing like fellow patients to get answers from and i realise we are all different but i can only ask and see.
i'm not due back for a Hospital appointment until the end of November but i can phone my Rheumy Nurse as and when so any info would be gratefully received.
many thanks,
Suzanne
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 103
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Hi Suzanne,I'm on MTX and Hydroxy and I've found my sleeping pattern has changed.  Like you I've never been a good sleeper but the past year I've found it very difficult to get off to sleep,even though I feel tired, then I wake several times during the night.Also I get very vivid dreams,maybe two to four a night.Again,I've always had vivid dreams but never had so many in one night before.I've only ever taken a sleeping tablet twice but it didn't agree with me,I was so fuzzy the next day and could hardly keep awake!Also some mornings I wake with a type of headache,a heavy feeling over the eyes and I think this is to do with REM(rapid eye movement)whilst dreaming.It is frustrating when you can't get a good nights sleep.Makes you feel really washed out the next day.Hope your rheumy nurse will have an answer for you. Brenda.x
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/25/2010 Posts: 1,289 Location: Buckinghamshire
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hi Brenda,
thanks for sharing your experience,
it's something i am definately going to talk about with my GP this week.
Suzanne
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/13/2010 Posts: 786 Location: east anglia
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hi, im on same as you brenda, mtx now a year and hydroxy just 5 days but i feel heavy am and the headaches drive me mad i sufffer migraines and vertigo as well so not too happy, i never get a nights sleep, my body just doesnt sleep or my mind switch off,i asked my gp if the mtx effected me in sleep and dreams and he said no, i do get the rash the bruises the nausea and feeling of leave me alone so i reckon sleep is in there just not noted yet,i hope one of us gets some answers.xx 
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,582 Location: Oxfordshire
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Hi,
There have been a few interesting threads regarding sleep patterns and meds.
Whilst I was on my meds I just couldn't get to sleep in the night- I have taken herbs for it for years now. There is a great herb called Verbena and of course Valerian which both relax you and help with sleep.
I know this is obvious but absolutely no caffeine should be taken after about 6pm and avoiding wine (which was my downfall!) at night as this keeps one alert and ruins sleep patterns.
But, yes, I would say MTX affected my sleep too.
Love,
Amanda
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 1,035
Location: in a house
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well it could be anything i don,t sleep as thyioed is a nusance or if you have stoped codine other one i get up get cold and then curl up does the trick chris The chocolate eating housewife ...The washer woman .....naughty lady
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/25/2010 Posts: 1,289 Location: Buckinghamshire
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hi Amanda,
thanks for the info ... i will go hunting at the weekend to the Health Shops.
wondering if can look back on here for past Threads or were they on the Old Forum as i realise there was one.
when i've more time i'll have a look through past Threads.
glad i'm not alone,
thanks all for the replies,
Suzanne
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Suzanne Just a note of caution, if you do decide to get something to help with sleep from a health shop do check with rheumatology first in case it interferes with your prescribed medication. A few people on here have had nasty effects with over the counter preparations. Some things can interact, others can alter efficacy. Amanda has good advice so worth a look but do please get it checked before taking it! Good luck Lyn x
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/25/2010 Posts: 1,289 Location: Buckinghamshire
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hi Lyn,
yes i did think about that after posting ... am going to err on the side of caution for now.
spoke to my Rheumy Nurse this morning to get blood results as i hadn't had them taken for 3 weeks to give more time for the added dose,
and i did mention it to her re the sleep and she said it's not unusual at this stage of the game to have disturbed sleep while i'm not under control.
i would prefer to leave it and take nothing as i already take a Sleeping Tablet and hope things settle down for me.
ohhh although my inflammation levels haven't come down yet ( it is early days on the extra dose ) my liver function is coping well with the 17.mg from the past 2 weeks.
thanks as ever for the advice Lyn,
Suzanne x
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Suzanne It is a difficult time when they are still trying to get things under control and you do start to wonder whether things are ever going to improve. Believe me they invariably do despite our worrying to the contrary! It's good news about the Liver Function Tests as they can sometimes go awry. At least it shows your body is tolerating the drugs which is a very positive step in the right direction. Hang in there ... you are doing well  Lyn x
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