fflutterby
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28081
posted
I am only three days in at 1/2 dose and I feel the blues. Like I have never ever felt in my entire life. Does this lift? Please help, I am so depressed and fatigued.
-------------------- Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength Posts: 1367 | From North Jersey | Registered: Sep 2010
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posted
i haven't been on mepron, i've heard from my doctor its a nasty drug with nasty side effects. hang in there and get some rest. sometimes sleep is the best thing.
hope someone will have some better tips for you.... Remember, this too shall pass...
fflutterby
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28081
posted
Thank you fyrecracker. I need alot of encouragement right now, not sure if I should stop or not...I guess this is a good indication that I have babs.
-------------------- Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength Posts: 1367 | From North Jersey | Registered: Sep 2010
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BoxerMom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25251
posted
Mepron was the BEST drug for my Babs. Hands down.
Sorry about the depression. It's like a visit from the Dementors.
Some say if you stop for a few days, then start back up again, the depression lifts.
I'm now back on Mepron after almost 2 years off of it. No depression this time.
posted
Hi fflutterby, My daughter is struggling whilst on Mepron as well. Its a really tough drug to tolerate but I know it helps. Dd was on it 2 years ago and it was the single most effective drug that she has taken, but it is an intense experience.
We decided to give a few days off of her meds to detox and to give her an emotional break as well. Are you doing any detox?
If you can push through I think it will be worth it, however, everyone is different so be good to yourself.
Try to remember its not you that is causing your depression it is the disease and/or the drugs. Its a good time to watch your favorite "happy" movies!
Take good care.
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fflutterby
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28081
posted
I am doing.. detox tea, coffee enema (just now) and now I will take an Epsomm.peroxide bath...I am going to start SamE and 5HTP. OMG I have to push through, I know I have God ...He is holding my hand. My Mom, DH and kids will be my inspiration. Oh dear God...
-------------------- Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength Posts: 1367 | From North Jersey | Registered: Sep 2010
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Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
My doc has me on artemisinin and cats claw too (dunno if it helps or not), but I've had mild depression, so maybe it helps.
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
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This popular thread was condensed and rewritten for LN members by springshowers.
MEPRON BLUES WARNING!!
Please read this. It could save your life!
If you are on Mepron and at any point in your treatment you are feeling any of the following:
Depression Down Hopeless Helpless Not like yourself Dragging Crying all the time Wanting to just lay in bed No motivation No emotions Out of body feeling Not in touch with self Suicidal !
This is a common reaction while on mepron! It is NOT you most likely. Before you try something drastic please read this whole post.
You do not need to endure this and it is advised to:
- Call your doctor to report this, discuss or make an appt.
If your doctor advises you to stop the mepron, you can expect for the feelings to lift within a day or two. Half life of this medication is 2 to 4 days.
It will be very obvious as it lifts you will feel so much better and be amazed at the drastic change back to yourself.
The symptoms can be medication related and this is very important to know also because there is misconception that you should "endure" all side affects and herx reactions because that is what you need to do to eventually feel better.
This creates a problem because people are reluctant to stop antibiotics.
In other words. Yes. Call the doctor and report it.
It could easily save your life or the life of a loved one or friend...
The good news is that you can then restart the medication again and it should not happen again at least immediately. Some people have reported it happening about every 3 months or so.
If you are armed with this information you can watch out for it and you will know what to do about it.
It can come on suddenly and you can be suicidal.
Many peoples lives have been saved by this information.
Please keep this information close by to share to others as well.
Here is a dramatic post of a member admitting that this information saved her life!
k**** LymeNet Contributor Member # *****
posted 08-11-2009 03:30 PM08-11-2009 03:30 PM
spring-
I think you saved my life today.
I've been taking Mepron for a couple of weeks now - stopped for a day and then started again.
The last three days have been hell.
I've never been so depressed.
I actually stood with a bottle of methadone in my hand and thought about how easy it would be to just take enough to stop breathing.
Then I thought about my kids and my husband, and I couldn't do it.
After reading this post this morning, I called my dr and he told me to stop taking the mepron immediately.
He didn't know it could do that, but he was worried about what I told him.
So you've helped not only me, but other patients as well.
Thanks so much for this post - the timing couldn't have been better.
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
i think it is underestimated just how tough mepron is on your liver and pancreas directly, distress is not only from babesia die-off.
these organs are directly related to our brains and emotions, intense anxiety can result when they are not functioning well or taxed.
i had this reaction on mepron and will not continue because of it.
don't always assume this is die-off or the infection. it could just be the mepron itself. if you have a liver, pancreas or GB problem of any sort, mental imbalances are often a symptom. plus the toxins/infection being re-absorbed in the gut, also go right to your head.
just be careful and sort it out. i could tell by changes in digestion and a whole lot of rumbling in the stomach, and zero appetite.. and bouts of severe anxiety - it's aggravating my pancreas and liver.
m
Posts: 8337 | From the other shore | Registered: Jul 2002
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Much thanks
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fflutterby
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28081
posted
Yes Mo ! The anxiety is through the roof. I am shaking all over. I will stop today and call my Dr tomorrow to see what he wants me to do. I will go back on my Milk thistle, do castor oil pack, coffee enema and detox baths.
I wasn't sure if it was stopping the Rifampin that caused the heart palps. I feel very strange and have pain in my left side. MO, just curious what you will take for your Babs now?
-------------------- Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength Posts: 1367 | From North Jersey | Registered: Sep 2010
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Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
Wow. Great info, Gratitude,17Hens & Mo! I was wondering why my fatigue, and memory were getting worse.
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
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nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
I think if you know it is part of the healing process it helps you get through it. I was extremely depressed and anxious when I started Mepron.
It takes about 4 weeks to build up completely in your blood so be prepared for that period of time. Some people reported if they quit for a week and then restarted, the depression was not as intense.
I recently started LDN and it has completely lifted my residual depression and anxiety from atovoquone and babesia. LDN (low dose naltrexone) produces endorphins which boost the immune system and also help raise your sense of well being and calm. It is given for dementia, depression, cancer, auto immune diseases and lyme.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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17hens
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23747
posted
For the record, Mepron (with Zith & Bactrim) took me to the best level of recovery of any abx with Rifampin and Zith running second.
People talk about Mepron gagging them, tasting terrible, etc.
I craved it for months. I'd lick out the cup and lick my fingers wishing I could have more.
By saying to be careful of the black cloud, I am not telling people to give up on Mepron, just to be self aware and careful.
And, yes, I totally agree with Mo that emotions are stored in the organs. I know anger is stored in the liver (comes out during liver flushes) but depression I'm not sure.
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
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17hens
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23747
posted
Mindy,
Mepron (babesia treatment) actually reduced my fatigue and memory loss.
My daughter developed severe fatigue and memory loss while on Bart abx (she hadn't had those symptoms before) and with liver packs and flushes, was able to get back to almost normal (we're still doing the pack & flushes and seeing improvement).
So from my personal experience, I'd say if treatment is not improving those symptoms, look to the liver.
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
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fflutterby
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28081
posted
neffferdun and 17hens, Thanks sooo much for the encouragement. I will try again...
17HensI dont mind the taste at all.
I picked up some 5HTP and SamE today. I am going to do a castor oil pack etc etc...detox like crazy today and then will start back up in a couple days. I am going to call the Dr. tomorrow and suggest/request some Bactrim.
Bactrim is to keep the bart in check correct ??
-------------------- Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength Posts: 1367 | From North Jersey | Registered: Sep 2010
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posted
Just before Hurricane Irene, I had done 3 days of 2x per day Mepron for the first time and thought I was having bad side effects so stopped it. Doc said start again in a few days on only half the dose. I did that and by the third day of second stint of 1/2 dose I awoke with the worst text book depression like you wanted to kill myself. I stopped it again. Then on Labor Day about a week ago I tried it again only 1x per day and I believe it is helping my symptoms and so far, no side effects yet. I was just about to post a question: Is it possible to be on Mepron and not have a huge herx reaction but feel a tiny bit better? Because since the Mepron this is the FIRST TIME IN A FULL YEAR that I was able to go to Stop & Shop and get shopping done myself! I have tried many times over the year but each time the flu like symptoms and the drunk feeling would end my trip before I could even check out a few groceries. I still have the symptoms but not as severe - it was miraculous to me that I could go shopping myself even if when done I was the symptoms came in a huge way. So, whoever said if you stop the Mepron and restart it you may not get the depression as bad were totally correct in my very recent experience. I've only had it for 7 days straight so far since I stopped and started it twice, but I think it is now helping.
Beagle
Posts: 348 | From MA | Registered: Dec 2010
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posted
But I was not even tested for Babs. Supposedly I have Bart. But could never handle the huge herx I got each time I tried the Bactrim. There's no way Mepron would hit Bart, is there?
It's so confusing, perhaps mepron can treat other protozoal infections besides Babs? Anyone know?
Posts: 348 | From MA | Registered: Dec 2010
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17hens
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23747
posted
The 3rd week I felt some worse (tired and mean) but basically I only felt better and better. Mepron was never hard for me.
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
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Tammy N.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26835
posted
fflutterby - I am so sorry you are struggling so badly. It's so hard being in the depths like that. I guess I was lucky.... I was on Mepron for 2 or 3 months and has no issues at all, just felt better. I pray when you restart that this becomes your experience as well.
Bactrim is for Babs, as I understand it.
Sending you my best.
Tammy
Posts: 2238 | From East Coast | Registered: Jul 2010
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17hens
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23747
posted
I think TF took Bactrim for a year and got rid of Bart.
For those taking Bactrim, please watch your liver. Consider liver packs and flushes to keep it cleaned out. Consider protecting your liver from the Bactrim with Nutramedix Sparga (ped. LLMD, Dr. C of PA, has her patients take this) and maybe your liver won't end up like my daughter's did.
Her numbers were never high but fatigue and brain fog came on full force after 8 months on Bactrim. 9 months of liver packs and flushes have brought everything back to normal again.
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
Nine weeks of Mepron + Zithromax did not help my Babesia symptoms. The insurer paid in full, but the product did not help.
Then I tried Hepalin, over the counter, paying out of pocket. I began on 5o mg a day then went to 100. "Hepalin 100." It was necessary to stay the course for about 6 months, but the symptoms went away and have not been back.
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee...." (Isaiah 26:3)
-------------------- Neil Posts: 697 | From Tucson, AZ USA | Registered: Apr 2002
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17hens
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23747
posted
flutter, how are you holding up?
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
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fflutterby
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28081
posted
Aww thanks for checkin up on my 17Hens, I didnt take the mepron on Sunday. started 1/2 dose once a day on Monday (instead of twice like last week) I am ok. I feel strange but not that deep depression.
Some increased ear and head pressure, some air hunger slightly, fatigue and my belly doesnt feel great. I also have been experiencing some heart pounding. My BP is perfect though.
Going to push through and increase gradually. I am taking it with a meal and two tbsp of coconut oil = 30+ grams fat.
I got my period Monday ! a little early, I have been skipping months and going 27 days then 60 days for a year since I began treating.....past two months I feel like I am evening out 29 then 21 days apart !! Anyway I am sure PMS helped a little with my depression on Sat....
I also started 5htp and SamE and think that is helping elevate my mood. I laughed and danced today with my DD, that is way outta character for me lately. It felt gooood!
-------------------- Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength Posts: 1367 | From North Jersey | Registered: Sep 2010
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quote:Originally posted by Beagle: [QB] But I was not even tested for Babs. Supposedly I have Bart. But could never handle the huge herx I got each time I tried the Bactrim. There's no way Mepron would hit Bart, is there?
It's so confusing, perhaps mepron can treat other protozoal infections besides Babs? Anyone know?
- You probably have babs.
Flutter.. Hang in there!!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
Stick with it. It is tough but it was the only thing that finally set me on a path to health. Had to take high doses for over 2 years. At first it was really rough.
It really does get better. If you have to, stop for a couple days. Always gradually increase dose. Just stick with it.
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