LymeNet Flash: Should I just stop Rifampin

This is topic Should I just stop Rifampin in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by fflutterby (Member # 28081) on :

Waiting...Called Dr. he is on vacation. Have been waiting since noon for a call back. I woke up feeling my heart beat again. Heart rate is up to 99. Been on rifampin almost 2 months added doxy, doubled up a week ago on the doxy.

Is it ok to stop the rifampin? I dont want to work feeling like this tomorrow !!!!

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

Personally... I would.

Posted by sk8ter (Member # 8671) on :

ummm....my electrophysiologist ( cardio dr who is a specialist in just arrhythmia) says the tetracyclines can cause massive arrhythmia and tachycardia..It may be more the Doxy than the Rifampin.

Posted by fflutterby (Member # 28081) on :

Thanks all. I am stopping both and then I will work back up, biggest mistake was ramping up on the doxy too quickly. Any others on Doxy and rifampin together ??

Posted by Jane2904 (Member # 15917) on :

Perhaps go back to the Doxy dose you were on before increasing it.

I believe Rifampin is the one that you do not want to stop and restart as it can cause " flu like symptoms"

Hope you feel better.

Posted by fflutterby (Member # 28081) on :

I feel like I am losing my mind, not sure what to do...I am scared. I took the rifampin, had to take ativan too...

Posted by sky537 (Member # 21859) on :

i would go off it.. i am not a doctor but that drug did the same thing to me!!!!

Posted by ihavelyme (Member # 30170) on :

fflutterby- i took large doses of rifimpin for 6 months to knock out bart. I did not like how the medication made me feel (heart racing/ anxiety)

Despite my physical struggle with this med, I chose to continue. I hated the way it made feel but I loved the end result. After 6 months my bart symptoms were knocked way back. I then switched to A-bart which is terrific.

Only you know what your body can handle. Rifimpin is definitely a difficult med to tolerate...especially when taken in conjunction with other meds like doxy, cefdinir, flagyl and the like.

If you choose to continue on rifimpin until you get in touch with LLMD, perhaps you might consider taking half the dose.

If it is just too much for your body to deal with then you should consult your LLMD about alternative treatments (like a lower dose of rifimpin, a different med altogether, even herbs...I love A-bart [Smile]

What ever treatment you choose, I wish you all the best!