It's completely understandable to feel that way — managing lupus and its treatments can be exhausting, and losing that spark is real and valid. Let's talk about what hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) can and can't cause.
Common side effects include
- Nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Hair Show Full Answer
It's completely understandable to feel that way — managing lupus and its treatments can be exhausting, and losing that spark is real and valid. Let's talk about what hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) can and can't cause.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Hair loss or changes in hair color
- General fatigue, especially when starting the medication Regarding mood and feeling "flat" or sad, hydroxychloroquine can cause psychiatric side effects including anxiety and depression in some people. Depression itself can absolutely dim your sparkle and affect memory and concentration. This is considered a serious side effect, so it's worth bringing up with your doctor right away. Regarding vision, hydroxychloroquine can cause retinal damage over time, particularly with long-term or high-dose use. Symptoms can include central vision loss or decreased night vision. Annual eye exams are strongly recommended, especially after five years of use. Please don't stop taking hydroxychloroquine suddenly without speaking to your doctor first. Stopping abruptly can trigger lupus flares, which could make things worse.
A MyLupusTeam member shared: *"I was just told to stop after two years because of my eyes. I've been off for about a month, and I'm really having joint problems."*
Talk to your rheumatologist about what you're experiencing — you deserve to feel like yourself again. 💛
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