Originally Posted by Born2Sew
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.
Yes I'm taking 400mg.
I had to read one of your sentences twice. You said it helped dry your eyes. I've already been told (in the 1970's) by an opthamologist that my eyes are a little too dry and wouldn't be able to wear the contact lenses that were available then. I also told this to the rheumatologist so now I'm wondering if I should continue taking it. My eyes don't feel gritty nor do I need eye drops but they're "a little too dry" apparently.
I haven't felt any better since I've been on ithe Plaquenil but I realize it's only been a month. I just left a message with his office asking for some pain meds cause I'm hurting so bad and had to take 3 days off last week. I'm afraid to take any more days. My right fingers, wrist, elbow, shoulder, my upper back, my toes are killing me.