I have been using bactrim+artemisinin combination against babesia for nearly 130 days. When I first began to use it, it caused pretty dramatic herx reaction and I had to do most of daytime lying on bed for 3 weeks because of fatigue and muscle pains. At first I took artemisinin as 400 mg for a day and I have reached 800 mg for the last one month. I felt myself well after potentiating for 1-2 days but then that case disappeared. I think afterwards my babesia gained resistance against artemisinin(perhaps my babesia species duncani or divergens).
I have begun to take quinine 3x600 mg for last 5 days. I used it together with azitromisin 1000 mg for the first two days. In the first time I tolerated quite well, then, I gave up azitromisin and added chlindamycin(3x600 mg oral) to quinine that brought about abnormous increase of sweating and fatigue. I have been not able to go out for last 2 days because of fatigue. Quinine caused tinnitus but it is at a level that can be tolerated.
Anxiety, depression, brain fog, night sweat, dizziness and air hunger (sometimes) are the symptoms that I attribute to babesia. I have been taking ab for lyme for 2 years and my CD57 number is over 300. If I cannot tolerate quinine later on I will get mepron from the abroad as last expedience as it is not available in Turkey. But today 6 th day using quinine my depression, anxiety and tinnitus increased and I think I ll discontinue it
If anyone who has tried this combination shares his/her experience I will be glad.
Posted by baileypup (Member # 22824) on :
Hi Ahmet,
I tried the Clindamycin/Quinine combo. First let me say that every anti-malarial drug has worked effectively for me, so I know that a parasite/protozoa is the main culprit. I've effectively used Mepron at high doses continuously for a year and a half, Lariam, Zithromax, Tindamax and IV Clindmaycin.
When I added Quinine, it must have hit the target, because it was an intolerable herx; irritated blury eyes, achy flu-like, weak and lethargic, and red rash on my legs. I could not tolerate even one quinine pill.
Hope you will find the right combination that works. Most of my symptoms have resolved, and am working on the last little bit.
Posted by ahmet ozbek (Member # 14358) on :
Thank you Baileypup for reply.Yes, I had also blurred vision and it was so irritating, I had difficulty while doing my work. When I woke up in the mornings, tinnitus that afterwards showed increase made me afraid. I am afraid of the fact that if it can leave permanent problem on my ear.
I think I have no chance except for using mepron. If insurance system does not pay the price of it I will pay so that I can get rid of this horrific illness .
Posted by Tiramisu (Member # 15082) on :
Are you still on this combo, Ahmet? How are you now?
Posted by ahmet ozbek (Member # 14358) on :
No , I have to discontinue it. Because I didn t tolerate adverse effect I am trying Coartem(today 2th day) and I ll see if it work or not
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I took MANY MANY rounds of clindamycin and quinine. My doctor rotated it with other meds for Lyme.
10 days of Lyme meds 10 days of babesia meds
Back and forth for a long time.. (can't remember how long).
I could only tolerate ONE quinine pill per day and about 3-4 clindamycin pills per day. I was allowed to take 5 per day... spaced out.
So if you continue on this plan, reduce the quinine or you will not have any hearing left!
If you take artemisinin you should take Zithromax or Biaxin with it.... because as you indicated... you will develop resistance if you do not.
PS .. I don't think my Q pills were as strong as yours.