Please don't take Bactrim with the mindset that you're going to have a reaction to it. If you haven't already, the chances are very good that you'll be fine. You want to stay positive 100%.
I think it's safe to ramp up the dose to half-a-tablet. If you're doing well on that for 3-4 days, go ahead and take a full one.
You're starting slower than I did, and I'm doing fine on Bactrim DS. Been taking it twice daily for almost 3 months now -- with Rifampin, Zithromax and Minocycline.
Posts: 829 | From MD | Registered: Dec 2009
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Thank you for the advice! You're right...I know that I have to stay positive, but I am terrified of having a life-threatening reaction.
I keep hearing contradicting things. I've heard that if I did not have a severe reaction from 1/4 pill, I should not have any severe reactions, as they typically occur soon after the first dose...no matter how small.
I've also heard of people being on it for weeks and then having a bad reaction.
I can see getting a rash later on, but could I really have an accute reaction down the road? Scary.
I really appreciate the advice, and I plan to follow it.
I will take 1/4 pill tonight (3rd time). If all goes well, I will increase to 1/2 pill for a few days. Eventually, I'll have to take 1 pill twice daily.
I'm glad to hear that you have been tolerating the drug well.
I laughed when I read the start of your message because that is something my husband tells me as well.
It's advice that I know is good...but have a hard time following. Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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I've now taken 1/4 pill for 3 nights. Is this small amount enough to cause a slight herx?
I've been feeling more spaced out than usual since yesterday. My head hurts a bit today.
Of course, this could just be the infection. I was just curious if even a small amount of the drug can be working and causing a herx.
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
I started with 1/8 pill and then after two days, took 1/4, then one half, then one whole pill, then one twice a day.
It is actually recommended that you start slowly to desensitize yourself to it so you DON"T have a reaction. It is not being fearful. It is be cautious and preparing yourself so you can tolerate it.
I have had no problems at all and when I was young it gave me very bad hives indicating an allergy, so I never took it again until this time.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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Do you remember if you herxed at all when still on partial doses?
I see my LLMD tomorrow and have quite a few questions for him.
I noticed on a drug site that persistent headaches and/or a stiff neck can be very serious when on Bactrim.
My neck has been so stiff, but it was stiff on and off before I started the Bactrim. It makes me worry that I wouldn't know if the drug was eventually causing - or worsening - this symptom.
I don't want to miss a potential warning of bad things to come because I don't know if the symptoms are from the drugs, the herxing or the infection.
How the heck am I supposed to stop stressing...lol?!?
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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