I could use your opinions/experience. My LLMD has me slowly startng plaquenil, 100mg every other day. The first day I didn't notice anything. The second day, however, I expereinced pretty immediate muscle weakness. I couldn't hold thing in my right hand. I couldn't write because I couldn't hold the pen. Typing was hard.
Also walking, particularly on stairs my legs felt very weak like they would give out. I have taken it a couple more times and the weakness is continuing, especially in my right hand, wrist, and arm. I am having troubl holding anything.
I have no symptoms of a herx. In fact, I have had some of my best days yet - less fatigue, clearer mind.
My doctor said it would be very unusal for this to be caused by the plaquenil. He suggested taking a break and seeing what happens.
I don't know if it is herx of some kind that I need to work through. I have NEVER had anything like this happen. I am going to take a break.
I have one person's experience on here, others?
Thanks, Kathy
Posted by viva (Member # 8183) on :
bumping for Venus...any Plaquenil users out there?
Posted by ticked-offinNc (Member # 15420) on :
Merry Christmas Kathy,
I have been on Plaquenil,200mg, twice a day for 6 weeks. It has affected me the same way.
Weak, fatigue, hands not working, dropping everything.The presents I wrapped looked like a preschooler wrapped them. Forget tying bows.
Other times, I have more energy, but my brain is still broken.
I have had more "good days" since I started this drug, so I think it will be helpful with time.
I wish you the good days too.
Posted by merrygirl (Member # 12041) on :
I started Plaquenil a few weeks ago and I do have an increase in muscle weakness. I did start several other meds at the same time, but it is interesting you mention this.
I was on it before and I dont recall if I was markedly weak or not.
Neuromuscular Reactions: Skeletal muscle palsies or skeletal muscle myopathy or neuromyopathy leading to progressive weakness and atrophy of proximal muscle groups which may be associated with mild sensory changes, depression of tendon reflexes and abnormal nerve conduction.
Posted by cindy_leigh (Member # 3514) on :
I started about a week ago. I have not had anything like that.