I woke up this morning (4:00 a.m.) with intense stomach burning. I'm taking Rifampin (600 mg) and Doxy (400 mg)--and I'm in my 6th week. Prior to that, I was taking other antibiotics (for 4 months). I have noticed some fairly intense symptoms since starting the Doxy/Rif combination, but none of the symptoms have involved stomach burning.
I have never experienced this level of stomach discomfort. How can I tell if this is a side-effect of the meds or a herx? Today is Sunday. Do I cut back on my antibiotics or skip them or continue at normal dose? Any suggestions?
Posted by Looking (Member # 13600) on :
Hi Hiawatha:
Sorry you're suffering. If I were you I would back off until you talk to your doctor just to be on the safe side.
Here's the possible adverse effects list from drugs.com:
GI - Rifampin Heartburn; epigastric distress; anorexia; nausea; vomiting; gas; cramps; diarrhea; sore mouth and tongue; pseudomembranous colitis; pancreatitis.
GI - Doxycycline Anorexia; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; glossitis; dysphagia; enterocolitis; inflammatory lesions (with monilial overgrowth) in anogenital area; abdominal pain or discomfort; bulky loose stools; sore throat.
Perhaps the combo of 2 drugs that cause GI symptoms is just too much for you.
Looking
Posted by lucy96734 (Member # 8372) on :
It is always a good idea to talk to your LLMD.
My tummy was a mess from years of NSAIDs and pain meds before starting abx. I used slippery elm for a few months and it really helped. I ended up having no problem with the abx after that.
I bought it in powder form and mixed it with water and took it 2/day. Once right before bed.
Posted by Hiawatha922 (Member # 10796) on :
Today, my stomach still hurts--but less than last night. I am able to eat, although I don't feel terribly hungry. I also felt very cold last night.
Generally today, I feel somewhat fatigued and achy--but these are symptoms that have been familiar to me during treatment and before.
I called my LLMD--I'm sure I will hear back tomorrow. Like so many of you, I am wondering how to tell the difference between a herx and side-effects from the medication. I don't want to reduce or stop the meds if they're helping.
Posted by mojo (Member # 9309) on :
I got this from Doxy. It's very hard on your gastro system. I thought it was part of the Lyme deal and let it go until my husband literally smelled blood on my breath. My whole system was ulcerated.
I got relief from a prescription PPI (proton pump inhibitor. Make sure you don't lay down for at least 60 minutes after taking your Doxy. I also found eating alkaline and staying away from dairy helped. I went back to dairy once I was healed.
I hope you can figure this out soon and get some relief.
Take care
Molly
Posted by Ellie K (Member # 12056) on :
I forgot to mention in my PM that Rifampin itself-- not just the Bart infection-- was really hard on my stomach. I have never vomited so much in my life. In fact, that was the reason I had to go off in favor of Levaquin.
Have you had a liver panel done?
I'm really convinced that Bart can mess up your whole GI tract. Ever since my titres went down w/ treatment, I haven't had any problems in that area. Thank goodness. Hope it will be the same for you.
Posted by Ellie K (Member # 12056) on :
PS I'm from MN originally and used to have my high school cross country races at lake hiawatha! Just thought I'd mention.... small world.
![[Wink]](wink.gif)