Anyone have weight gain with methotrexate??

cgafriday
cgafriday Posts: 18 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Just wondering if anyone has had trouble losing weight or even gaining weight while taking methotrexate (for RA). I recently went from 12.5 to 15 and seem to be having more problems losing weight.

Replies

  • Vixamoray
    Vixamoray Posts: 1
    Hi - I just saw this while doing a google search. I take mtx for psoriasis - have taken for around a year now, and have gained around 1.5 stone. I go to the gym 2-3 times a week (inc at least one spinning class a week) and diet is not too bad so I don't know what else I can do!

    Reading around it seems that a few people are experiencing the same. May see if I can switch tablets...
  • Sqeekyjojo
    Sqeekyjojo Posts: 704 Member
    Too busy puking to think about eating.
  • ChristinaR720
    ChristinaR720 Posts: 1,186
    Too busy puking to think about eating.

    ^^This. I'm on the max dose and it kills my appetite for a couple of days every week. Are you on Prednisone? If so, that would be the culprit.
  • fergdeb
    fergdeb Posts: 1
    Three years ago I was diagnosed with ankolysing spondylitis and started taking methotrexate pills (8 each Friday), for a year I experienced nausea, vomiting and extreme fatigue the 2 days after taking the dose and lost weight. Then I went to the injectable form and have gained 15 pounds in 2 years. I have tried cutting calories to 1200-1500 per day and exercise for at least one hour or more each day (running, ellipitcal, cycling, gardening,or hiking). Nothing, maybe 1-2 pounds, then it comes back. I have tried cutting out starch, being a vegetarian, avoiding all processed foods, etc. The only time I lost weight (6 pounds) was while traveling in New Zealand for one month where I ate a vegetarian diet and hiked everyday. My doctor says I am fine and shouldn't worry about it, but I do. I would like to get back down to my normal, pre AS weight of 130 pounds.
  • dawnaja
    dawnaja Posts: 5 Member
    I just saw your post...

    I took methotrexate as a child and recently started again - combined with Enbrel. I have horrible stomach issues while taking it and have always avoided it, but Enbrel is no longer controlling my flares so I'm back on MTX.

    I had a baby a year ago and was trying to lose weight. I gained back almost all the weight I lost since starting MTX. Even though my stomach feels like I'm riding a roller coaster all the time. I recently stopped eating meat - mostly because it seems to have weird texture than anything else. I remember as a child not liking meat when I was on MTX as well. Hopefully this new diet will help =)

    On a side note, I also take Zegerid (over the counter) to help with some of the stomach nausea that I feel. It does seem to help most of the week except the day after I take my dose.
  • lacrawford2957
    lacrawford2957 Posts: 2
    Hello!
    I was just googling MTX and weight gain and saw your post. I have been taking MTX for treating my Lupus for almost 3 months and started noticing my weight started going up, I've gained 5 lbs in just this short time and I cannot get it off no matter how much I diet or exercise. It's very frustrating since my clothes don't fit right and my waist is also getting thicker. I really don't have too much of an appetite now but I continue to keep hydrated since I live in Arizona....a real must here. I mentioned it to my doctor and he did start me on Leucovorin which is supposed to counteract the side effects so we will see.

    Thank you for sharing your problem too, good luck!
  • lacrawford2957
    lacrawford2957 Posts: 2
    Try taking a good probiotic, I take VSL#3 which has to be asked for from the pharmacist and sometimes they gave to order it it's a bit pricy but soooo worth it. It was prescribed (used to be only by prescription) it by my GI doc for severe IBS and I also quit eating All meat and just eat fish, veggies, fruits and nuts and that has made a huge difference. I hope this helps you too!
  • Debdalena
    Debdalena Posts: 8 Member
    I was taken off methotrexate in January and ive lost 1 stone!
  • insane5150
    insane5150 Posts: 93 Member
    MTX hasn't made me gain any weight, but it has made it difficult to lose weight. Before taking MTX, I was extremely successful with weight loss. I continue to tell myself that I just need to work harder, push through the pain, the locked joints... whatever I need to do. I'm sure just like everyone else, it gets frustrating and at times makes me want to give up, but that's not an option. Keep on keepin' on!

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