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I read some articles on PubMed that say this is a rare but serious issue that comes from CNS (central nervous system) toxicity caused by the methotrexate. Anyone else have this issus? I've gone to the hospital 3 times in the last 4 weeks. No doctor ever suggested it could be the MTX.

February 1
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A myRAteam Member

The first month on MTX, my side effects included nausea, headache (migraine), pulsating eardrum, fatigue, and brain fog. This last month has been a lot better with only the pulsating eardrum side effect (taking 8 pills every Tuesday). It affects everyone differently, so if the side effects are not tolerable, I hope you find another medication that helps.

February 1
myRAteam

Are lightheadedness and low blood pressure side effects of methotrexate?

Lightheadedness and dizziness are recognized side effects of methotrexate, though they're not among the most common ones. Since your symptoms worsened after increasing your dose from 4 to 6 pills, the timing suggests a possible connection.

Show Full Answer

Are lightheadedness and low blood pressure side effects of methotrexate?

Lightheadedness and dizziness are recognized side effects of methotrexate, though they're not among the most common ones. Since your symptoms worsened after increasing your dose from 4 to 6 pills, the timing suggests a possible connection.

Methotrexate can cause various neurological side effects, including:
* Dizziness
* Confusion
* Headaches and mental fog ("methotrexate fog")
* Rarely, more serious nerve-related problems

The fact that you've been to the hospital three times in four weeks is concerning and needs immediate attention from your rheumatologist. What should you do next?

Contact your rheumatologist right away about these symptoms, especially since they started after your dose increase. Don't stop or change your methotrexate dose on your own, but your doctor needs to know about:

* The timing of your lightheadedness relative to your dose increase
* Your low blood pressure readings
* Your AFib symptoms
* The severity requiring multiple hospital visits

Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage, add folic acid supplementation if you're not already taking it, or consider alternative treatments. It's important to never stop taking methotrexate suddenly without medical supervision, as this needs to be done carefully under your healthcare provider's guidance.

February 1

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