posted
So, I'm a long time 'combat veteran' of Lyme...who was diagnosed last Friday with Rocky Mt Spotted Fever. Doctor thinks I probably got in March. I had all the symptoms except the rash, of course...that would have made things too easy.
Anyway, aside from all the typical issues I am experiencing a lot of depression. I know confusion, headaches and delirium are part of the deal, but this depression is crippling. I already take medication for depression and anxiety. Any one else gone through this?
Also, I'm having trouble with the antibiotic, Minocycline, used to treat it. My LLMD has e down to 50mg once daily to see if I can ramp up. It makes me incredibly weak. Thoughts? TIA
-------------------- When you reach your "wits-end" remember this: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 Posts: 397 | From Loudoun County Virginia | Registered: Mar 2007
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Hey EWT,
Sorry you are having additional problems now. Especially more depression. UGH! Just some thoughts below.
The standard, universally accepted treatment for RMSF- all spotted fevers in fact, is Doxycycline.
Even the IDSA/CDC/NIH agree with us on that topic.
Minocycline, in my opinion, is a pig. Not sure why they gave you that instead of Doxy.
I've seen a number of patient reports that minocycline can cause severe depression and other mental conditions.
I just looked up side effects and this one site, maybe others have more info, it states...
"Serious effects of the drug can include sudden changes in mental health. Depersonalization is chief among these. The effect of depersonalization is the feeling of floating outside the body, watching from the outside as you go about your daily tasks.
Those who suffer from depersonalization have described it as if they were floating “in a dream,” and were “strangely disconnected from reality.”
It can lead to other personality disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, and insomnia."
One report I saw said the severe depression was worst at the beginning of treatment with minocycline. I don't know if it will improve, but I'd personally talk with the doc and see if something else could be prescribed.
posted
Maybe because I've been on Doxy so many times? I have definitely gone through depersonalization before, but that was before I went on the Minocycline. Insomnia is a real problem now.
I think that is why she has reduced my dosage, but the last two days have been really rough.
I'll email her, to let her know depression has set in. Thanks for the info.
-------------------- When you reach your "wits-end" remember this: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 Posts: 397 | From Loudoun County Virginia | Registered: Mar 2007
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
Maybe because lyme docs try not to give doxy in the summer because you can get such a bad chemical burn from it even while driving.
That burn is horrible!
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
I have no idea at all whether this remedy would help, but it's simple, and it helps me - I have Lyme.
I get powdered turmeric at the health food store, put it in empty capsules, and take a couple a day. It's great at lowering inflammation.
So if your depression and other symptoms are induced by inflammation, this is a harmless experiment - I've never heard of any bad side effects myself to trying turmeric. It keeps me perky!
One more idea - and I am not a doctor and cannot advise you medically - just relating my experience here - I got high from taking 12x pulsatilla, a homeopathic remedy.
I forgot I had put a tablet under my tongue the night before and couldn't figure out why I was so happy the next day. Very weird as a Lyme patient to go from lugubrious to ecstatic and not know why! Then I remembered!
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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posted
Well, I CANNOT take Minocycline at all, apparently. So I'm off. Just taking heavy doses of Burbur & Pinella until my LLMD can see me...
My LLMD will be back from vacation in the office on Monday, hopefully she will try Doxy.
TF, Minocycline has the same the same 'sun exposure' warning as Doxy.
-------------------- When you reach your "wits-end" remember this: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 Posts: 397 | From Loudoun County Virginia | Registered: Mar 2007
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