Has anyone had a herx from arteminisin? Every time I take a new medication I get a bad reaction and it is the classic is it a herx question? So here is another one for you...
I started art. today and within 30 min feel horribly dizzy (every time I move my head everything spins), confused, horrible burning sensations all over my skin, etc.
Is this a herx?
I am also on omnicef, mepron and zith. I had similar reactions to those after a few days but now am used to them.
I feel sooo weird right now. The worst part is I wanted to go to a lyme meeting today but I can't even seem to stand up!
Posted by AZURE WISH (Member # 804) on :
I have herxed from artemisinin.
I dont know if it is a herx for you...
but alot of the symptoms you are describing i have and they do get worse with a babs herx for me....especailly the dizziness.
Sorry you are missing your lyme meeting. I know that dizziness can get bad. Hope it all lifts for you soon.
Posted by charlie (Member # 25) on :
yep, artemesinin herxes are some of the worse...in fact I herxed on it when I didn't on most conventional abx.
Start with 1 cap a day then work up slowly.
Charlie
Posted by Rianna (Member # 11038) on :
I know you wont see it at the moment but this a good thing as it sounds exactly like a babs herx and I can assure you they can be the WORST.
I am unsure if your LLMD cycles your art so i was told to do 3 days on 11 days off otherwise your body will build a resistance to it.
If you are cycling it then it will pass after your 3 days on and then get better normally, but you then keep having the herx until it goes. But keep remembering your hitting the target now so that is an VERY GOOD sign, albeit tough
They very best and I hope you made your meeting
Rianna
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Okay you guys are scaring me.
I am to start art too.
Not sure how to take it though.
Any advice?
I don't weigh much (about 96lbs now).
Need to be able to function.
Should I wait and start over the weekend?
During Christmas holidays?
It is like looking at a path covered with sharp tacks.
I need to cross those tacks to get to the other side, knowing it is gonna hurt bad!
My LLMD has allowed me to add art in.
I am his first patient doing so and thus he is not real sure about how/when to take it.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Hope you get to feeling better soon.
(Sorry for hi-jacking your thread)
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by Vermont_Lymie (Member # 9780) on :
Yes, babs herxes were the worst for me.
Art gave me such an unusual neuro-herx the first time that I took it, that I backed off it until now, retreating babs for the 2nd time.
And I have the same questions as Geneal.
I was told to take it 4 days on, and 3 days off, but I like the sound of Rianna's doctors suggestion.
Am interested in any feedback on art dosages.
Posted by lar08 (Member # 16766) on :
My llmd told me to take 100 mg three times a day. I took one yesterday and it was bad so I decided to stick with one.
This morning I took another one and feel better (not great) but better then yesterday.
I might take another one tonight depending how I feel later.
My llmd did not tell me to pulse. I don't have another appt. until Jan. so I guess I will wait until then to ask?
I know in the Lyme Disease Solution book, Dr. S. suggests that patients do 4 weeks of mepron/malarone and after week one start arteminisin and take that for three weeks.
Posted by Rianna (Member # 11038) on :
OK, This is what I was told to do.........
The 1st cycle you HAVE TO zap it and get to a high dosage - Yes for me a Babs herx is terrible, Im not going to flower it up for me my babs herx's were very bad and far worst than any lyme herx ever. BUT going through it and each time getting to the other side is MAGICAL as it is the only thing that has moved me forward quickly - my mobility has improved beyond belief.
I am not saying this is right or wrong I am just going to share what My LLMD is doing with my babesia which is a very bad case.
I am am also on Clindamycin/quinen sulphate but regarding the art this is what I have to take.....
When starting Art for the very first time Day 1,2,3 = 1 x 100mg 3 times a day Day 4,5,6 = 4 x 100mg 3 times a day
Then cycle off for 11 days
Then Repeat 4 x 100mg 3 times a day for 3 days and cycle off for 11 days and so on
with babs you often get a babesia flare every 7 or 14 days so I am told to start the art on the babesia cycle and this cycle only set it self once I started Clindamycin/Quinine Sulphate, so I assume when starting art it may set a similar cycle.
Again I am not saying for anyone to do this this is only whay my LLMD advises.
Also My UK LLMD also confirmed you must zap it hard and cycle it and not take lower dosages as the body can greate an enzyme/resistance to art? again I am only confirming what I am told.
Rianna
Posted by Vermont_Lymie (Member # 9780) on :
Thanks Rianna! Glad to hear that you are feeling better. Best wishes. Of course I will check all with my doctor.
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Thanks for the advice, but still have questions.
Since I weigh under 100lbs, should I take less?
Are you supposed to take art right before you eat?
I am not sure I ever have an empty stomach as I am on a snack all day diet
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