LymeNet Flash: Itching on Biaxin?

This is topic Itching on Biaxin? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by wiserforit (Member # 9732) on :

Hi all --

Well, I'm into about two months of Biaxin and I've moved from 250 mg. to 500 mg. (along with Amox and Nystatin and soon Malerone...again...)

Two things are happening: 1) the mild itching I experienced on 250 mg. is escalating to itching alot, and 2) the depression is reaching lows I didn't know possible (before i was crabby and low energy; now I'm despondent with no energy to even think muchless move).

Benedryl isn't doing much for the itching, nor are baths with Aveeno or Epsom/Baking Soda/Salt. Walks and socializing aren't swaying the depression either. Sleep is fitful and broken at best.

I put a call into my LLMD, because I don't know if I can keep taking this. I tried stopping the Biaxin for two days and my moods cleared and the itching stopped.

Had similar Zithro issues without itching, but ear pain instead.

Should a person just force themselves through the side effects with the hope of long-term benefit of drug?

Any sage words out there?

wiserforit

Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :

I don't know if I have any "sage" words for you. [Big Grin]

However, I wouldn't take a medicine that causes itching....or alters my mood.

My mood is fragile at best on any given day. [shake]

How do you know that this itching won't lead to a more serious allergic problem....

Like having your windpipe swell shut.

Sorry to be a bearer of not so great tidings, but there must be another alternative.

I don't think being even slightly allergic to a med outweighs long term possible benefits.

It could just as easily be a long term disaster.

All that thinking about itching has me itching. [Frown]

Your a real trooper for doing it for a while. [Smile]

Sending you positive thoughts and prayers.

Hugs,

Geneal

Posted by wiserforit (Member # 9732) on :

Thank you, Geneal! I just got a call from my LLMD who said to stop the drug and stick with Malerone and Amox and Nystatin.

Don't know how I'll be able to treat the Bart since I can't take Levaquine and Zith/Biaxin do a number on me too.

Any other abx pairings that will work with Rifampin?

Perhaps I will finally get some itchless sleep tonight.

Thanks again for your thoughts on avoiding abx that cause bad reactions.

Best to you times ten thousand.

Where are those darn cabana boys when you most need them (with back-scratcher in hand)!

Honk-shoo;zzzzzz.

wiserforit

Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :

Okay. It is a desperate need.

I will send those cabana boys to you asap! [Big Grin]

What about Cipro from bart?

Instead of rifampin or levaquin?

Just a thought....

You keep those cabana boys as long as you need.

Hope you get a good night sleep without the itchies. [Smile]

Hugs,

Geneal

Posted by groovy2 (Member # 6304) on :

Hi Wise -

dose your skin have ANY type of rash or bumps???
-Jay-

Posted by wiserforit (Member # 9732) on :

Hi groovy,

Thanks for your question.

Would have written sooner, but I was being entertained by the cabana boys that Geneal sent over... [Big Grin]

The itching did not produce rash or bumps. I stopped the Biaxin and now no itching.

I'm on Amox and Nystatin and there is ringing between my ears though...

sigh,

wiserforit