LymeNet Flash: Starting Plaquenil--what to expect

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Starting Plaquenil--what to expect

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Author

Topic: Starting Plaquenil--what to expect

CD57
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11749

posted

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.

Posts: 3528 | From US | Registered: Apr 2007 | IP: Logged |

toby67
Unregistered

posted

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.

IP: Logged |

CD57
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11749

posted

thanks Toby, anyone else? I always get scared when starting new meds.

Posts: 3528 | From US | Registered: Apr 2007 | IP: Logged |

hurtingramma
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7770

posted

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.

--------------------
"Few of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love". Mother Theresa

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1629665573&ref=name

Posts: 938 | From Northeast Kingdom Vermont | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

kelmo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8797

posted

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

Posts: 2903 | From AZ | Registered: Feb 2006 | IP: Logged |

CD57
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11749

posted

what is a therapeutic dose please?

Posts: 3528 | From US | Registered: Apr 2007 | IP: Logged |

seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067

posted

A therapeutic dose is 200 mg 2 x day.

Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008 | IP: Logged |

luvs2ride
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8090

posted

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.

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When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace.

Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005 | IP: Logged |

MusicMan
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 11966

posted

Hi there

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

Posts: 406 | From Rhode Island | Registered: May 2007 | IP: Logged |

KS
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 12549

posted

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...

Posts: 561 | From mass | Registered: Jul 2007 | IP: Logged |

kylasrain
Member
Member # 12031

posted

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!

--------------------
http://kylahikeson.blogspot.com

Posts: 97 | From CA | Registered: May 2007 | IP: Logged |

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