LymeNet Flash: Mepron side effects, herx, or ?

This is topic Mepron side effects, herx, or ? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by EmilyT (Member # 11632) on :

Hi all,

I've been on Mepron/Zith for about 4 1/2 weeks for Babesia Microti and nearly the whole time have experienced headaches, nausea and increased fatigue, which I assumed to be some of Mepron's fun side effects.

This last week however I've really crashed with a major increase in some of my neuro-cognitive stuff (major dissociation, anxiety, depression, inability to think straight, weakness etc) and much worse fatigue.

This had gone on longer than a "normal" herx for me...Wondering if anyone else has experienced this on Mepron, and whether it is side effects from the drugs, a herx, flare, or the dreaded relapse [Frown]

Any suggestions? I hate Mepron!

Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :

Sounds like a herx to me.

Hope you feel better soon.

Hugs,

Geneal

Posted by Skyler (Member # 11549) on :

Hang in there!

I hate mepron also. But I never been able to be on it nearly as long as you. My max was 5 days I think before I get so sick my doctors take me off of it.

You're one tough cookie!

Posted by CherylSue (Member # 13077) on :

My LLMD in MO thinks mepron is overrated, yet some LLMD's strongly urge their patients to take it.

I'm on malerone which I think is a little easier, but even at one tablet a day there is nausea, decreased appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea.

What's a lymie to do?

Posted by EmilyT (Member # 11632) on :

Thanks for the support, guys!d It was definitely a herx and did get better, but with the continuing fatigue and GI issues I don't know how I'm going to stay on the yellow paint until December...I've been looking into alt. treatments for Babesia but it doesn't seem like there are too many effective options. So I guess being on Mepron is just another case of grin and bear it [Smile]

Posted by Vermont_Lymie (Member # 9780) on :

Mepron caused great fatigue for me; but it did help after being on it about 6 weeks.

There are other treatments for babesia, such as clindamycin/quinine, but those have side-effects too.

Posted by just jan (Member # 16285) on :

You can read my post about depression earlier this week. I think it is Mepron related. I am still in an awful place. Take it easy and be gentle with yourself.
Blessings,
Just Jan

Posted by lymebytes (Member # 11830) on :

I experienced this treating babs with Artemisinin, it was brutal.