sulfasalazine side effects

[artsyamerican]

I've been feeling very out of sorts since beginning sulfasalazine. I feel cognitively challenged and my headaches are horrible.  Feels like my head is going to explode. At first I thought it was from a sinus infection...but I've been on antibiotics and still very loopy! Has anyone every had that sort of reaction to sulfasalazine?

[Carebear]

Hi Amy,

I can relate to the headaches.  I have had bad headaches for most of my life, but the kind I experienced with sulphasalazine were different...far more painful, and in the front of my head.  They did go away though after two weeks.

How long have you been on the drug?  If it's been a while now, I could be inclined to call my doctor, because this would be concerned a more serious side effect according the information sheet I have from my rheumy.

I did not experience any more cognitive difficulties than usual while taking it.  But it did leave me with beautiful reddish-purple bruising all other my body.  I stopped taking it after 3 months because my joint swelling and pain was increasing, instead of the reverse.

[Carolina]

Dear arty

Sulfasalazine is sulfa and aspirin.

I'm allergic to sulfa so couldn't take it.

http://www.drugs.com/mtm/sulfasalazine.html

That's the link.

These are the less serious side effects.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach;
loss of appetite;
headache, ringing in your ears;
dizziness, spinning sensation;
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
sleep problems (insomnia); or
mild itching or skin rash.

Hope you're feeling better.

Keep us posted.

Hugs

Elaine

[aussie mum]

Hi,
My daughter has tried Sulphasalazine. While I can't remember the dosage, the first week she was ok, just feeling a bit the worse for wear, but she had to double the dose from the second week.

That's when her bad reaction started. She had a raised, painful and hot rash all over her body and really bad headaches. She was pretty well bed ridden for a couple of days.

Well now we now she's allergic to Sulpha.