Biaxin was really helping me, but after 6 weeks, i developed jaw pain that became unbearable. I wasn't sure that it was the Biaxin, but after stopping it, the jaw pain went away and hasn't come back.
I then started Zithromax and cannot function. The fatigue and muscle pain are unbearable. I just cannot continue the Zith.
I've been doing Bicillin shots every week for 6 months now and they are helping me tremendously. I plan on doing those for a long time. I'm also taking Tindamax 2 days per week. That causes severe pain and fatigue, but I can handle it for 2 days.
Does anyone have antibiotic suggestions for me that compliments Bicillin and Tindamax?
Thank you!!!!
Posted by BHealthyNow (Member # 22537) on :
IV Rocephin was next for me after Bicillin, but we actually opted to just start on IV meds, bypassing Bicillin. I can't remember if Rifampin or Doxy were in place of Biaxin (I think it was doxy). Doxy is also alternative to zith, I think.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Can you try a lower dosage of the zith? Sounds like you're herxing hard!
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
If you need another macrolide you could try roxithromycin but you have to order it from overseas. Ketek is another one. It is excellent for lyme but can be hard on the liver.
Posted by Rumigirl (Member # 15091) on :
Yes, it does sound like you are herxing hard and need to detox plenty! If that isn't sufficient, you may have to lower the dose, but wait until you see what lots of detox does.
Of course, this isn't medical advice, just my experience. Talk to your LLMD. I've had to do both things plenty. Otherwise, I couldn't tolerate much abx at all.
Posted by lymednva (Member # 9098) on :
I'm on Ketek, after using up my allotted rx for zith. I used Ketek successfully for Babs earlier, but t his time it was not working in the protocol I was on. Ketek is causing herxes, so I am a happy camper!
I agree that it sounds like you could be herxing. Have you discussed this with your LLMD?
Posted by KimDC (Member # 20699) on :
Thanks, everyone, for all of your responses!
I'm allergic to Doxy, or I would definitely try that.
Early this year, I completed 6 weeks of IV Rocephin and 7 weeks of IV Invanz. I wanted to keep going with IVs, but my insurance stopped paying at 12 weeks. That's why I switched to Bicillin and orals.
I don't have a LLMD right now...My PCP is treating me and educating herself as fast as she can. She even went to a screening of "Under Our Skin"!
One more question: If I stick with Zithromax, how low of a dose can I take (and still be effective)? I was taking 500 mg at night.
Thank you!
Posted by jwall (Member # 22999) on :
My LLMD told me to drop from 500 mg to 250 mg. I was on IV zithromax though, so I'm not sure if this would be the same/as effective for oral zith...but I believe I've read that others cut their 500 mg pill in half.
In the end, I could not tolerate zith because of the "screaming" in my ears it caused. I was able to take 2 weeks worth and I believe it helped me tremendously. Wish I could've taken more, but didn't want to risk my ears.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
My LLMD had me pulse zith, 500 mg three days per week. I still couldn't tolerate it though.
He didn't want me to take the 250, which I did fine on, because he said it would cause resistance.
I did better on the Biaxin.
My LLMD said that pain/fatigue response was an inflammatory cytokine response rather than a herx, so it wasn't helping.