Topic: Extreme sleepiness on Rifampin--side effect or herx? Does it go away?
Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
I have recently upped my Rifampin to 600mg (a couple days ago) and I am sooooo sleepy. I think I read this can be a side effect, but I also read that on Rifampin you can expect improvement on the second or third week.
I am SO sleepy that it is scary. All I want to do is sleep. I am too drowsy to prepare food, make phone calls, etc. At any given moment, I could sleep.
To Rifampin users--did this get better for you? At what point? Like around the 3 week mark? Did it get better for anyone beyond 2 months? (just so i would know so i wouldn't stop it too early)
Thanks!
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
This hasn't happened to me on Rifampin. I hope it stops for you soon though.
Posts: 193 | From New Jersey | Registered: Oct 2008
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lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
I seem to recall getting hit with the 'OMG, I have to lay down this second I'm so tired' kind of sleepiness in the early months. It would just hit out of nowhere.
I can't recall exactly when the sleepies stopped hitting me.
Expecting results after 2 or 3 weeks is just setting your hopes a bit too high.
If you haven't had a full blown herx yet, you could be in for some tough days. Keep a symptom calendar - you may find your herxing cycle is at exact time periods (such as every 28 days).
But, I do recall Month 4 seemed to be the turning point for me on it. The monthly herxing in months 1, 2 and 3 were pretty brutal, but I do recall after month 2 seeming just a teensy bit better after the herx.
Stick with it if you can. Remember to detox and take milk thistle, as Rifampin is hard on the liver.
BTW - I did get better on it and have my life back.
-------------------- Julie _ _ ___ _ _ lymeinhell
Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed. Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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Rianna
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11038
posted
Rifampin can change your SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) my doc told me to ensure i got mine checked pre and post rifampin.
If it effects your SHBG it can make you very tired so its worth getting it checked out
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