CherylSue
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13077
posted
I react terribly to zithromycin even at 1/4 tablet which may mean it is targeting something. But what? Babesia, Lyme, Bartonella, or all of the above?
Some say it is a wonder drug, and others react strongly with despondency like me. On another post it was suggested to take Xanax or another benzo.
Is it worth it? What was your experience?
Thanks for your input.
CherylSue
Posts: 1954 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2007
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lymebytes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11830
posted
CherySue, I too had a horrible "reaction" or herx within 5 days of taking this potent drug. The reason I believe it is a tough one, it has a very long half life of 68 hours, meaning half of it is eliminated from your body in 68 hours.
Compared to a drug, say, Amoxicillin that has a 2 hour half life.
I simply couldn't take it, my LLMD put me on Biaxin (same abx group - macrolide half life 4-6 hours) and I found it MUCH more tolerable.
Just the other day I asked my LLMD (high profile ILAD's LLMD - I say that, so you understand the validity of the following info) if Azithro kills anything different than Biaxin. He said, "Possibly, they are of the same group but their makeup is slightly different of course" He believes the macrolides are GREAT and uses them often, he has had success with them hitting Lyme, Bart & Ehrlichia, but not in everyone.
I loved Biaxin, I credit it for getting me to take a big step up and killing Bart - gone.
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
-
Zithro can cause a lot of people to react, especially with ringing the ears (tinnitus).
Since you have such a strong reaction as a very low dose, rather than add another drug such as Xanax or another benzo (that would add to what your liver has to filter out and the chemicals your brain also has to sort through), you might ask about switching to another medicine.
Are you taking some supplements for liver support such as milk thistle or glutathione?
Good luck.
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Dawnee
Unregistered
posted
I get ringing ears off and on. When I first started the Zith. I herxed mildly within 15 minutes of taking it (tablet form) but it only lasted maybe a few hours. (woozy, legs jerking, needing to lay down) My Dr started me off kinda low because I have such a high lyme load. I am only on 250mg a day though. I tested positive for Lyme,Mycoplasma and Rocky Mt. SF. My babs and bart came back neg. but my LLMD says we will wait and see on that one. I've been on it for a few weeks now and my twitching is coming back full force. I hope my LLMD ups my dose. I don't have any bad side effects like upset stomach or anything.
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lymebytes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11830
posted
I wanted to mention that if Zith is too hard, ask to pulse it or cut your dose. Or switch to something with a shorter half life like Biaxin.
As one LLMD said, "We don't need any heroes when it comes to herxing", he has his patients back down on their dose when they "hit" herxing.
You ask if it is worth it. Not in my opinion, I won't herx like this anymore. I am getting better the slow easy, functional route. I tried it the other way and never felt better.
Herxing is your body trying to rid the toxins and is basically over flooded with them. I have learned in the 2 years of herxing I have done...no more...the same LLMD said, "The turtle wins the race, not the rabbit when it comes to LD".
Yes, Xanax helps takes the edge off all types of pain & LD symptoms, w/o it...I'd have never made it this far, no way.
CherylSue
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13077
posted
Keebler, thanks for the advice. I do have a hard time metabolizing most medicines, so benzos may not help. I may just pulse zith at 1/4 tablet every 3 days or so to see how I react. The doxycyline which is tolerable at 400 mg per day, but it isn't getting me over this hump.
Lymebytes, thanks for the support. You quoted my LLMD and I wonder if we both see the same doc. Have you seen any progress? Wonderful website, btw, on herxing. How true.
I'm desperate to get well. I make it just so far and then backslide. I will lose my job by August so this is so traumatic. I love the support on this board. It helps me through the rough times.
Hugs, CherylSue
Posts: 1954 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2007
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METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
I had no response to Azithromycin or Amantadine combinations.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
How long did you try that combo, azith and amantadine? Just curious...I'm not very patient, but have been on that combo about 3 months and don't feel like I'm getting anywhere.
My LLMD seems to think it's only because we have not hit the Babesia and cyst form...which I am now just starting to pulse Flagyl (first day today) and starting Mepron next week.
Just wondering how patient one needs to be? I have all co-infections and just want to start seeing some progress. Thanks for info.
Posts: 566 | From West Coast | Registered: May 2008
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It seems you post a lot, so thought I'd put this back up...if you check...could you answer my previous post? Thanks a ton for input!
Posts: 566 | From West Coast | Registered: May 2008
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posted
orignal question never answered or atleast I missed even going back and looking for it - it is there ignore me, LOL!!
What is zith good for? Bb, Bart, Babs, Erl???? Mycos???
-------------------- Seeking renewed health & vitality. --------------------------------- Do not take anything I say as medical advice - I am NOT a dr! Posts: 830 | From TN | Registered: Aug 2007
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-------------------- Seeking renewed health & vitality. --------------------------------- Do not take anything I say as medical advice - I am NOT a dr! Posts: 830 | From TN | Registered: Aug 2007
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