Fabric-holic, I took plaquenil for at least 5 plus years.
The only good thing I got from it was that it seemed to help my dry eyes. I couldn't tell it ever did help with any pain or relieve any of the other symptoms. In fact, it made me tired and depressed. I finally quit it altogether when I read up on the side effects and realized that it was making me worse. Very difficult to describe in words how it was making me feel. Total despair maybe? I really believe I would rather die than to have to keep taking that stuff. I stopped it and refuse to take anymore of it.
They say it really does help some people, and I'm glad for them. For me, it was not the wonder drug. Also, it sometimes takes several months for it to really help. How much are you taking? I would guess 400 mgs.