How Long Does It Take For Methtraxate To Start Working?
I know this is a loaded question and I know we are all different. This is a drug I have been using on and off for the past 20-plus-odd years.
A few months ago, my hands hurt me so bad that I couldn't use them. I had to use my voice-activated computer. My rheumatologist put me on 6 pills a week along with folic acid. Within a month, my hands were feeling better.
How long did it take for methotrexate to work for you? Did you have to use it with another medication?
We would love to hear from you.
Diane (Team Member)
I find it very difficult to measure any improvement, noting no two bodies are the same, we are unique by divine involvement.
You are so right about that. Thanks for sharing. 
I say you are definitely spot on. I find it very difficult to measure improvement myself unless it happens to be by a lot. Surprisingly I was in a clinical trial once that only last for 4 months but I could measure that improvement because it was significant. However, when it ended I wasn't allowed to continue on the trial. Not sure why. Have you ever find a time you have noticed any measure of improvement? Vickie W., Team Member
, that's so true that we're all different! And I know what you mean about finding it difficult to measure improvement. I started writing down dates of when I was in pain, and I did notice after a while that the dates were getting further and further apart. , that's amazing that you noticed an improvement in your hands within a week! Personally, my psoriasis seemed to respond quite quickly to methotrexate - it took maybe three weeks? But my psoriatic arthritis took what felt like a long time - somewhere between three and four months. It took even longer for it to reach its full effects for me. For the psoriasis, I did eventually have to start using a topical alongside the methotrexate. Any trigger will set off my psoriasis, regardless of the mtx. I'm sure if I lived in a protective bubble that the methotrexate would be enough to control the psoriasis by itself. For the PsA, the methotrexate appears to be enough (at the moment!). Curious to hear others' experiences with this! Warmly, -Catherine, Community Moderator , I don't know why I read that as a week and not a month (I blame the brain fog!). A month is still pretty good going! It's interesting how different we all are. The mtx helped my psoriasis pretty quickly but my psoriasis seemed to be almost fighting against it after a few weeks. I had to increase my dose for this reason and add the topical. It's definitely been more beneficial for my psoriatic arthritis. I take the pills - they have a pretty nasty taste so I can understand what you mean about the smell of the shot making you feel nauseous. The things we have to deal with! -Catherine, Community Moderator Hello
, My doctors are trying to figure out what is next for me. The Skyrizi and MTX want to fight each other. Never a dull moment.
Diane (Team Member)
