posted
Can anyone help with feedback? This friend is taking 100mg doxy 2x/day for the first time ever, starting about two weeks ago, and is feeling very tired, as in extreme exhaustion with flu-like symptoms, not able to think that clearly, has a headache, is dizzy.
She would like to know if these symptoms are typical when starting doxy abx for the first time.
She may come on to lymenet soon but doesn't have internet access yet.
Any replies appreciated.
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
| IP: Logged |
julielynne4
Unregistered
posted
Sounds like your friend is herxing, or having a herxeimer reaction, which means the bacteria is dying off and making her feel worse.
In my opinion, the doxy is doing its job and killing the Lyme. Ideally, she will feel better after this "phase," although I could not say how long that will be...
days, weeks?
Often when people experience something like this, they will assume they are allergic to the antibiotic, which is a shame because they are in fact on the right track.
Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
Robin she need to also be on something to prevent
yeast. I take diflucan 4 times a day. And she needs
to lots of probiotics to keep the bowels in check.
I eat lots of yogurt too.
-------------------- Suspected Lyme 07 Test neg One band migrating in IgG region unable to identify.Igenex Jan.09IFA titer 1:40 IND IgM neg pos 31 +++ 34 IND 39 IND 41 IND 83-93 + DX:Neuroborreliosis Posts: 5850 | From Kentucky | Registered: Dec 2008
| IP: Logged |
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Hey there Dear One,
Yes... this does sound like a typical response. Just make sure she is aware of the differences between Rx/ Herx reactions and Rx/ allergic reactions, OK? Important, of course!
We all respond differently with Doxy, however personally, it usually causes me to go to Zombi-land immediately. Extreme fatigue, heaviness, aches, pains, etc. Not fun, but oh well... you know.
Some basic Doxy info to share:
.........
Doxycycline is usually the first medication prescribed for TBDs. This is due to its general properties of 'covering' a wide variety of possible diseases associated with tick bites. It is also inexpensive and easy to tolerate...for most.
Dosage depends on several factors...body weight, level of illness, nature of illness, combination or mono therapy and intent by the physician to either:
1) HALT replication with a bacterialstatic dose or 2) KILL the pathogen with a bactericidal dose.
Dosage may begin low and be increased over time at the discretion of the physician.
It is important to note, however, that most physicians are not aware of the proper dosing for TBD care. Therefore, it is always important to be under the expert care of a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD) as soon as possible.
Doxycycline is in the Tetracycline family. It is Antiprotozoal and Antibacterial.
Cautions and Side effects:
Cautions and side effects are similar to other members of the tetracycline antibiotic group. However the 10% risk of photosensitivity skin reactions is of particular importance for those intending long-term use for malaria prophylaxis because it can cause permanent sensitive and thin skin.
Doxycycline can cause serious depression and thoughts of suicide.
Reports of GERD have been cited with the use of doxycycline.
Unlike some other members of the tetracycline group, it may be used in those with renal impairment.
Previously, it was believed that doxycycline impairs the effectiveness of many types of hormonal contraception due to CYP450 induction. Recent research has shown no significant loss of effectiveness in oral contraceptives while using most tetracycline antibiotic (including doxycycline), although many physicians still recommend the use of barrier contraception for people taking the drug to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
It should be taken with a full glass of water and patients should be upright for at least 30 minutes after administration to prevent irritation of the esophagus and stomach. Also, there is a slim risk of liver damage during prolonged use of the drug. It is also recommended that it be taken with a small meal of a non-dairy nature if upset stomach, nausea, or fatigue occurs.
Doxycycline is not approved for use in children under the age of 8 years for two reasons: 1) it can cause permanent yellowing or graying of the teeth, and 2), according to CDC patient information on doxycycline, it can inhibit bone growth in premature infants during the time the medication is taken; this last effect disappears when the doxycycline treatment is over.
Specific exceptions are made for potentially fatal illnesses where the benefits outweigh the risks and there are few or no other alternatives, such as with Rocky Mountain spotted fever and anthrax. It should also not be used in pregnant and nursing women, as the drug can cause damage to a fetus and nursing child. ...
Note... Doxy may be administered through orals, liquid suspension or intravenously. Because it is a highly caustic medication however, it should NEVER be crushed or chewed. Swallow it whole, with food before and after to cushion the tummy. Remember, you are in this for the long haul and need to protect your gastrointestinal system from the beginning.
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
gemofnj
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15551
posted
VERY good info above.
definitely DO NOT go in the sun (even for a few minutes!) while taking doxy as you can suffer severe sunburn without turning red.
i highly recommend a high culture / high strain refrigerated probiotic such as NSI 15-35, Megaflora by Megafoods, or Renew Life Ultimate Flora CRITICAL CARE.
because antibiotics kill our good intestinal flora, its important to replace it with a high culture/high strain probiotic.
most people eat yogurts that have sugar, and they have a miniscule amount of live cultures as opposed to a good refrigerated probiotic.
probiotics are recommended to be taken at least 2 hours away from all other supplements and antibiotics. replenish often. taking one at bedtime is also recommended.
avoid all sugar and carbs while on antibiotics since that will hasten a yeast condition.
good luck. Posts: 1127 | From atlantic city, nj | Registered: May 2008
| IP: Logged |
TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
This indicates that your friend has various diseases that the doxy is killing.
It is probably lyme disease and perhaps a few coinfections also.
The most important thing for her to know is that she must stay on these antibiotics for a good while, or the diseases will resurface later and cause her terrible problems.
A regular doctor will not keep her on antibiotics long enough to cure her. She will have to find someone knowledgeable about lyme disease, because this reaction to doxy has proven that she has it.
A lyme literate doctor will have her tested for all of the lyme coinfections and treat each one until it is gone. That is extremely important. That is how you get rid of these diseases and don't have them popping back up sooner or later.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
| IP: Logged |
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Hey Robin, I just saw your email... my reply is on the way. Good luck and bless you for helping your friend! M
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic