This is topic Starting Plaquenil--what to expect in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.


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Posted by CD57 (Member # 11749) on :
 
Hi -- I started Plaquenil last week at 200mg, to ramp up to 200mg/2xday, in addition to Bicillin, Rifampin, Zith (already on these). What to expect?

I have noticed an increase in weepiness, dislike of being alone, and a weird balance issue. Not falling over but sort of veering.
 
Posted by toby67 (Member # 17143) on :
 
my biggest complaint was a neck soooo stiff it may as well have been in a brace, i couldn't move it in any direction without wincing pain... went away the day after i quit plaq.
 
Posted by CD57 (Member # 11749) on :
 
thanks Toby, anyone else? I always get scared when starting new meds.
 
Posted by hurtingramma (Member # 7770) on :
 
I would blame the balance issues on the Plaquenil; not sure about the others.

I get a never-ending headache when I'm on plaquenil. My theory is that because it breaks the blood/brain barrier, it is killing of the ketes in the brain.
 
Posted by kelmo (Member # 8797) on :
 
It greatly increased my daughter's spine pain. She is gutting it out as she really wants to get it out of there, once and for all.

Otherwise, I believe you have to have a baseline vision test done, and followups. It can be hard on the retinas.

Other than that, there haven't been other side affects.

I think she was depressed in the beginning, but it lifted within a few days of theraputic dose.

Kelmo
 
Posted by CD57 (Member # 11749) on :
 
what is a therapeutic dose please?
 
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
 
A therapeutic dose is 200 mg 2 x day.
 
Posted by luvs2ride (Member # 8090) on :
 
I have been taking it for over a year. I did not notice any obvious difference one way or another but continue to take it because of my babesia and because it is supposed to help R.A. I just take it as a "just-in-case" drug. No negative impact so far. Also, it is supposed to be a cyst buster.
 
Posted by MusicMan (Member # 11966) on :
 
Hi there [Smile]

I took it for like 5 years!

The only reason I had to stop was because it caused Pancreatitus. It also gave me a few black marks on my face sort of like a blackhead. But the main thing I would say is to be aware of how your stomach feels. Good luck [Smile]

Steve
 
Posted by KS (Member # 12549) on :
 
Biaxin/plaquenil was really tough for me....whether it was because it was my first few months of treatment or the meds themselves I don't know for sure. I was definitely very depressed, weepy and gloom/doom on those meds. When I switched to other meds, I found myself able to cope.

I know plenty of people who have had no issues on plaquenil but not me...
 
Posted by kylasrain (Member # 12031) on :
 
I am on Plaquenil as well and have had no problems so far. I'm also on Rifampin and Suprax. The Rifampin makes my heart pound.

Good luck!
 


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