Feeling tired! Do others with PMR feel significantly more tired?

Welcome @chefj, I've never been on Methotrexate for my PMR. Hoping other members on Methotrexate can share their experience with you. The Arthritis Foundation has some information on the side effects that may be helpful.

"Up to one-third develop mouth ulcers or sores. Many also complain of headaches, fatigue and an overall “blah” feeling. This is sometimes called “methotrexate fog,” and can occur a day after receiving a dose of methotrexate (which is taken in pill form or injected once a week)." --- Methotrexate: Managing Side Effects - Arthritis Foundation: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/treatment-plan/disease-management/methotrexate-managing-side-effects

How are you handling the fatigue now?

Thanks, John. Somedays I just give in and take naps, but still manage to be exhausted early in the evenings. Other days, I try to jut keep myself busy and I think that almost works better. Altho, I do feel exhausted early in the evening. Having issues with low pressure and light-headness that no one can to figure out. Thought it might be a side-effect of the Methotrexate since it started about the same time. Docs don't seem to think it is connected.

Fatigue yes. I do sleep well at night, but legs have been so tired, after a trip to the store and such. They feel heavy. It returned when I began weaning from the Prednisone. Started weaning down another notch a couple of days ago. Neurologist advised 2.5 down. Personally I think 1 mg would be sufficent. Woke up with pain between shoulder blades this morning and a headache. I will stick with it for a couple of weeks and hopefully it will level off. Bloodwork this afternoon.

QUESTION: Has anyone on Prednisone experienced the "Moon Face"? My weight has not fluctuated up or down, but I now have this extremely round face and huge double chin. Heading for the Buddah look. The upside is that it smooths out the wrinkles. Have you heard of this affecting ears, i.e. pressure in the ears on both sides? I have this as well.

Haven't noticed any ---- HOWEVER, I forgot to mention I take a Folic Acid pill everyday ---- both of my doctors stated I MUST TAKE THE FOLIC ---

Just a little more info ---- both of my doctors --- PCP and RA specialist have stated that I MUST take a daily Folic Acid pill -- My Methotrexate, I take 8 / 2.5 mg - 1 day a week --- Folic Acid is every day ---

A little copy and paste ----- Why prednisone causes fatigue
Prednisone is more powerful than your body’s own cortisol. This means that prednisone will outcompete your own cortisol for receptor sites in tissue.

When you take prednisone over the long term, your body goes through a phenomenon known as feedback inhibition. The extra cortisol from the prednisone tells your body to stop making its own cortisol.

If this continues for many years, the part of your adrenal gland known as the zone fasciculata will shrink. If this occurs, not only will you be profoundly fatigued, you will need glucocorticoid drugs to keep your cortisol levels up. Your body can no longer create its own cortisol.

Thanks! I am taking folic acid everyday. I’m very sensitive to meds. Will discuss with Rheumatologist next week. Appreciate your comments.

@milld835 -- @lindapc, @artist01, @kimh, and others have posted about Moon Face in other prednisone related discussions and may have some thoughts to share with you. There's also another discussion on the side effects of prednisone you might find helpful.

Prednisone Side Effects: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prednisone-side-effects-1/

Yes my rheumatologist warned me that after being on steroids for more than two months the moon face and weight gain would begin. I did develop the moon face on 16 mg of methyl prednisone but after reducing sugar and carbs and drinking more water the moon face has lessened significantly.