LymeNet Flash: IV Rifampin/Flagyl questions

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » IV Rifampin/Flagyl questions

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Author

Topic: IV Rifampin/Flagyl questions

racer
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 30438

posted

Hi,

My son has been on IV Rocephin for over 6 months and Zith/Mepron for 4 months. We are seeing a new LLMD who wants him to start IV Rifampin (4 days, 2x/day), and IV Flagyl (3 days, 2x/Day).

His main symptoms right now are psych related - bipolar mood swings, anxiety, depression. Fatigue and dizziness have gotten better (lyme not taking center stage at present).

I haven't started him on the Rifampin/Flagyl treatment yet - I'm scared to aggravate the mood swings, depression, rages etc. - he's been through so much. On the other hand, he NEEDS this treatment! The doc has him starting the meds only once per day for the first week. Is that a slow enough ramp?

Also, I will ask this next week to doc, but when this combo is prescribed, is it usually 4 days in a row for Rifampin, then 3 days in a row for Flagyl? Or alternating days? What is the logic behind alternating or pulsing?

If anyone has any advice here, I'd appreciate it. There have been quite a few times the last month that we've been close to going to psych hospital - but I know that would be the worst place for this poor guy.

Thanks,
racer

--------------------
Me - Igenex: IgM: 41IND, IgG: 39IND, 41+ but Plasmid PCR Positive
Kiddo - after 1 year IV - positive Lyme culture (before IV: IgM:31,34,41,83-93 IND; IgG: 41+++, 66+)

Posts: 133 | From CT | Registered: Feb 2011 | IP: Logged |

racer
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 30438

posted

Hi again,

We're just wondering if anyone has used this protocol - or been in this place before (bipolar symptoms probably caused by bart).

thx,
racer

--------------------
Me - Igenex: IgM: 41IND, IgG: 39IND, 41+ but Plasmid PCR Positive
Kiddo - after 1 year IV - positive Lyme culture (before IV: IgM:31,34,41,83-93 IND; IgG: 41+++, 66+)

Posts: 133 | From CT | Registered: Feb 2011 | IP: Logged |

jeffinca11
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 25584

posted

hi racer,

who is your llmd? do you see a doc in nyc? bart does cause psych issues.

where do you get the iv rifampin?

Posts: 165 | From lymeland | Registered: Apr 2010 | IP: Logged |

scorpiogirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 31907

posted

I don't remember everything we discussed during my first visit, but I vaguely remember something about Rifampin can render other meds less effective. This is why we are leaving Rifampin to last. But I don't remember anything specific. You might want to verify that w/ your LLMD.

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Posts: 1391 | From Lyme Land | Registered: May 2011 | IP: Logged |

racer
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 30438

posted

Yes, Rifampin can render Mepron less effective (maybe both are less effective, I can't remember) - but I think with IV it is not the case.

Does anyone know?

I was wondering if anyone had done the 4 days rifampin and 3 days flagyl protocol.

thx,
racer

--------------------
Me - Igenex: IgM: 41IND, IgG: 39IND, 41+ but Plasmid PCR Positive
Kiddo - after 1 year IV - positive Lyme culture (before IV: IgM:31,34,41,83-93 IND; IgG: 41+++, 66+)

Posts: 133 | From CT | Registered: Feb 2011 | IP: Logged |

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