Hi, I am new here...been lurking for a couple of weeks. This is a great source of information. I was dx in July and I am currently treating for Babesia. I am on Zith, Mepron and several other herbals (BLT, Crypto Plus).
I started Bactrim DS late last week, 1 pill 2xday. I felt an immediate reaction. By day three I could not walk straight, I was out of it, and I did not sleep all night due to anxiety and shaking, heart racing (I have a heart blockage and arrhythmia). My throat was very, very dry and my lips became numb and swelled slightly. I tried taking 1/2 dose but saw no relief.
Since it was the weekend, I stopped, I was too scared. I sent a fax to my dr first thing Monday morning and have called and left several messages, but have heard nothing.
I have searched this sight, and I am unclear if it was an allergic reaction or my first real herx (if so, very scarey). I want to get on with the healing and I really appreciate any advice you all could give me.
Thank you
Posted by txgirl09 (Member # 21612) on :
You have not heard back from your doctor, and you left messages yesterday morning? That's disappointing!
Its hard to say. When I started Bactrim, I had an instant reaction as well with many of the symptoms you described. I then stopped, and started at a lower dose.
Posted by hshmb (Member # 27884) on :
Yes, I agree. That is a whole other issue I am trying to address...
Posted by hshmb (Member # 27884) on :
Whoops...new to this...tsgirl09 I did not see your second line. In the fax to the dr I asked about a desensitization protocol. Did you have any reactions at a lower level? What protocol did you use? Really appreciate it.
Posted by Toppers (Member # 20083) on :
For what it's worth, when I started Bactrim DS I was convinced I was having the classic allergic reaction and was going to kick the bucket for sure. Rashes all over my body, and other craziness. My Doctor told me to push through.
Glad I did, 3 months of it knocked out lots of symptoms I believe are from bart. (Then it came back in full force 5 days after dropping the Bactrim, har har this disease is a cruel joke).
Anyways, no one here can give you sound medical advice, simply relaying my story. It's easy to freak out when starting a new antibiotic.
Posted by hshmb (Member # 27884) on :
Thanks Toppers, I realize I have only just begun and it already is so scarey...I appreciate your input.
How long did your herx last...the entire three months?
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Hi hshmb, I took my first dose of the same med on fri night. Woke up on Saturday feeling terrible! My head was so heavy, extremely tired, woosy, and nauseated. Also experienced vertigo (like being on a small boat on choppy water).
At first I wondered if it was was a side effect but later decided that it was a herx-like reaction. These are symptoms that I frequently have, just pushed to the extreme. The symptoms started to lift yesterday and I felt better today.
You mentioned that you developed numb and swollen lips after starting the Bactrim? If that is true, please do not take another dose! Those symptoms scream allergic reaction. Your doctor should be notified. I don't mean to scare you but I want you to understand that this is a serious concern.
Is there anything else that may have caused your lips to feel/look that way? Did you eat any new foods, new supplements, use any new lip balms? Fresh pineapple, mangos, peppers, and tomatoes can cause numbness or burning lips if you eat too much. Peppermint oil in lip balm can also cause these problems in sensitive people. So think back to make sure that it really was the Bactrim causing your symptoms. Very important to discuss this with your doctor.
Posted by Toppers (Member # 20083) on :
I can't track bart herxes to tell you the truth. Some nightmarish episodes mixed in with tons of improvement is the only way to explain it. As opposed to 24/7 symptoms and worsening at times (i.e. no antibiotics).
Bactrim DS rules and if I had an unlimited supply would be popping it like candy. Can't do that though, it's a pharmaceutical.
Rife time.
Posted by Hoosiers51 (Member # 15759) on :
Toppers,
I am having the same problem with Bactrim. When I stop it, my symptoms come back. And I can't be on it forever.
If you figure out a solution, please let me know!
Posted by hshmb (Member # 27884) on :
Thanks again Toppers.
Hi Sammy, I took it for four days and I just kept getting worse. I ate nothing different and did not change suppliments/abx. The lip numbness/swelling (minor but there) and dry/difficult to swallow throat made me think allergy too. But I am so new to this and really haven't experienced a herx on the Zith nor the Mepron, so looking to get advice. I am going into the office tomorrow since I have yet to hear from the dr. Thanks for your input.
I am really glad that you are feeling better. Seems like Bactrim, if tolerated, is a great thing. All the best.
Posted by INEBG (Member # 27690) on :
Every time I add bactrim to the azithro-mepron-artemisnin cocktail, I end up with terrible yeast overgrowth despite upping probiotics, prebiotics, and adhering strictly to an anti-candida diet. It seems like it's pretty difficult to tolerate to me. I've taken it in the past for 10 days for a bladder infection with no problem, but for any protracted length of time I can't seem to do it without being so miserable I'd rather be sick.
Posted by lululymemom (Member # 26405) on :
Bactrim can cause some serious side effects including Steven Johnson's syndrome.. this can show up as flu like symptoms including high fever, as well as a rash.. immediate medical attention is necessary if this happens.
With heart involvement, such as arrhythmia and heart block, zith can exacerbate this so keep a close eye on that. Biaxin seems to be better tolerated.
I have experience with heart involvement and Lyme, and think that adding bactrim might be a bit too soon. I would wait until your heart symptoms settle down. Just my opinion, as I am not a medical professional.
Posted by BackinStOlaf (Member # 23725) on :
I just got out of the hospital because of Bactrim!!! I spent 4 days there.
I had head to toe hives, 103 fever and the worst headache in the world. It also lowered my WBC count and Platelets.
Stopped taking it and got better. Had every test known to man and they did not find any viruses or bacterial infections.
This was more than a herx! I almost died!
Posted by hshmb (Member # 27884) on :
So sorry to hear your horrific story. I hope you are now feeling better. Please take care of yourself. Your story helped me decide I am staying away from Bactrim. Take care
Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :
Bactrim is also hard on the liver. You would not want to stay on it forever.
Posted by bcb1200 (Member # 25745) on :
I hear Bactrim can be good for Babs, but you must watch out for Steven Johnson's syndrome.
Check out the description from "The Lyme Disease Solution"
"Precautions: The vast majority of patients using Bactrim have no problems at all. However, as with most antibiotics, it is important to follow routine blood work (complete blood count and liver function tests) on a regular basis. In addition, Bactrim may rarely cause a severe reaction called ``Stevens-Johnson'' syndrome which can be lethal if not addressed immediately. This serious reaction is usually characterized by fever, flu-like symptoms, mouth sores, and often a skin rash. My patients are instructed to stop Bactrim immediately if any fever or mouth and/or skin sores occur. The condition usually clears in the next 24 to 72 hours. However, if it worsens, the patient needs to seek emergency care. "