LymeNet Flash: Weaning off abx schedule

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Weaning off abx schedule

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Topic: Weaning off abx schedule

dch1112
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13148

posted

I saw my LLMD this morning.

She wants me to start weaning down on my abx (Ceftin generic) from 500mg BID to eventually nothing over 2 months....then see what happens.

I for the life of me can't remember the schedule she gave me!

I think she said 500mg 2x and day for 6 days....then 6 days off...then 500mg x2 a day for 5 days...then 5 days off...etc...eventually down to nothing.

Does this sounds correct?

Yep I'm gonna call her and verify...but I wanted to check w/ others on what they found is a good way to ramp down from the dosage.

I have more or less been at 500mg 2x3 times a day since Oct. '07.

I'm am about 95%....just some minor aches and pains....that are probably just normal for my age!

Any advice on what you think is a good schedule for this dosage would be greatly appreciated...

thanx! dch

Posts: 136 | From Eastern, Pa | Registered: Sep 2007 | IP: Logged |

KS
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 12549

posted

I'm not sure why your LLMD would want you to wean off of the antibiotics? It isn't as if your body is addicted to the antibiotics. I say keep treating at the therapeutic dose or don't treat at all.

If you decide to stop and your symptoms start coming back, I can then appreciate trying to find a maintenance dose (as low as possible) that works for you.

Just my 2 cents....

Posts: 561 | From mass | Registered: Jul 2007 | IP: Logged |

sixgoofykids
Moderator
Member # 11141

posted

Have you been symptom free for two months? That is the ILADS guideline.

My LLMD switched me over to Cowden when I was 95%, but still had flares monthly. I ended up having symptoms worsen and had to go back on abx after declining to about 75%.

It's not worth it to get off abx too early. Two months symptom-free. Don't right off symptoms as being normal for your age unless you are elderly.

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sixgoofykids.blogspot.com

Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007 | IP: Logged |

dch1112
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13148

posted

Thanks all for the suggestions so far...I've been symptom free for 3 1/2 months...

The aches and pains can pretty much be summed up to having all my energy back to do back breaking yard work and plus a 50 hour work week. Not quite elderly Six! (44)

I still plan to maintain my full supplement arsenal along with the acupuncture I presently do to keep my immune system at full bore to beat down bacteria load...

Posts: 136 | From Eastern, Pa | Registered: Sep 2007 | IP: Logged |

sixgoofykids
Moderator
Member # 11141

posted

We're about the same age then! [Smile]

If you're 3 1/2 months symptom-free, GREAT! Congratulations!

Sorry, can't help you with the weaning schedule ...

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sixgoofykids.blogspot.com

Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007 | IP: Logged |

dch1112
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13148

posted

thanx 6.... I had one relapse back in Feb. after being off abx for a week...

Got a nasty flu bug...then the Lyme kicked back in.... a couple of weeks back on the Ceftin and was pretty much back to 90-95%.

Then I really upped my immune support w/ supplements and acupuncture so this time around I hope for long term remission...

Posts: 136 | From Eastern, Pa | Registered: Sep 2007 | IP: Logged |

dch1112
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13148

posted

Posts: 136 | From Eastern, Pa | Registered: Sep 2007 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

Many LLMD's use flagyl at the end to make sure all residual cysts are killed off.

I've never heard of weaning off abx, but maybe it will keep things from going crazy when you're off the meds... I don't know.

Good luck!!! [Smile]

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--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

dch1112
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13148

posted

Thanks all for the replies so far.... I see my LLMD for a follow up, barring any relapses, in early Sept.

So from the replies are you telling me you find it odd that people never get off abx after being symptom free from treatment?

I know I will never be "cured", only in remission, but at some point when you are feeling close to normal you should at least give it a shot to get on with a somewhat normal life.....right?

again thanx to all....peace...dch

Posts: 136 | From Eastern, Pa | Registered: Sep 2007 | IP: Logged |

sixgoofykids
Moderator
Member # 11141

posted

No, it's normal to get off abx after being symptom-free ... it's the weaning off in that manner that's unusual ... not wrong, just different than we normally hear about.

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sixgoofykids.blogspot.com

Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007 | IP: Logged |

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