Has anyone ever felt a little funny soon after taking Zithromax?
I have taken this drug before and never had any problems. I just started (today) taking 250mg/day.
About 30 minutes after I took it, I started to feel a little lightheaded and had anxiety symptoms.
I called the doctor who said I could go to the ER, but it sounded more like panic than a drug reaction. I had no rash, etc.
Just a tightness in my chest, lower throat, sweaty palms, dry mouth. These do also sound like anxiety, and I have been incredibly anxious...we're talking basket case mode.
I never started wheezing, and I would think that I would be if my throat really were closing off.
Does anyone ever feel this way from anxiety?
It's now 2.5 hours after I took the pill. Although I still feel anxious, would I be correct in assuming that any life-threatening problem would have occured already?
Sorry to ramble...just very nervous.
Thanks so much!
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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posted
I didn't go to the ER as I became convinced it was anxiety/panic.
The symptoms have gradually faded. No rashes, no swelling or itching. I had a lump in my throat that I think was likely anxiety.
I think that if my throat were really closing/swelling, I would have been coughing/wheezing (doc office advised this as well).
I am hoping that it's my nerves and will take again tomorrow.
I think I'm at the point where I need to take something for the anxiety. It's preventing me from taking my meds and getting well.
It's bizzare because I am NEVER like this...only when these infections are active.
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- What is your adrenal support? What is your liver support? Sounds like both need more attention but, yes, what you experienced does just go with lyme, very often.
It's a herxheimer reaction to excess toxins.
You did not mention any sort of vertigo or nausea. But, if that is present, the anxiety could be coming from an inner ear reaction to zith. It's very common with zith. When the inner ear is affected, anxiety can follow as the body just doesn't seem to be able to navigate as before.
Your adrenal system has launched into the "fight or flight" reflex - both liver support is needed (to reduce toxic load that can trigger panic) and adrenal support is vital to help calm that reaction. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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For adrenal support I am taking a supplement called Adrenevive (2 pills twice daily).
I am not on anything specifically for liver support, but dry skin brush and drink lemon water to detox.
I had a very loose stoola few hours later, which I think is a typical side effect.
I don't think I felt any stomach upset.
My LLMD office just called back. They will run this by the doctor and he will decide if he wants me to continue.
I'd hate for him to take me off if this was not a drug reaction but anxiety.
I just hope that this was not some kind of warning that something more severe can happen if I continue.
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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Keebler
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posted
- Anxiety is a huge signal that something is wrong. Anxiety is not a weak character, it is a physical experience. But I do think, in this case, anxiety is the herxheimer reaction and your liver is overwhelmed.
I don't think skin brushing and lemon water is at all enough liver support. Unless you are also on mepron, MILK THISTLE and NAC are the best liver supports, taken at times opposite your Rx. Even if on mepron, solid liver support is also needed, it just has to be approached differently.
Lemon water can be helpful to move out toxins but it will simply not protect the liver in the way that Milk Thistle or NAC can. Same with skin brushing, it aids the body in moving out toxins and that lessens the load on the liver but it is not liver protective from chemical medicine or spirochete toxins.
3/4 of the way down page one, there are lots of LIVER LINKS: -----------------
Topic: TINNITUS: Ringing Between The Ears; Vestibular, Balance, Hearing with compiled links - including HYPERACUSIS -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I actually will be starting Mepron tomorrow. I don't know what liver support is safe to take with all the meds/supps I'll be on.
Could my reaction have been a less severe warning that I will react severely if I take another dose tomorrow?
Of course, I'll also be asking the LLMD but know that many people on these boards are knowledgeable.
Also, I don't know how quickly zithromax starts to work and kill off bacteria once you take it. It seems that 30 minutes after my first dose is fast...?
My left eye has been twitching a bit lately which also makes me wonder if this is stemming from anxiety.
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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posted
Could this really be a herx so soon?
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Absolutely. Or just the chemical reaction in your body. That can happen immediately upon swallowing. Your body has just been exposed to something new and different, a strong chemical. It's just registering that it knows it.
As for other liver support, please read over all the liver links and then ask your LLMD about it. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Remember to Smile
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posted
quote:Originally posted by Keebler: I don't think skin brushing and lemon water is at all enough liver support. Unless you are also on mepron, MILK THISTLE and NAC are the best liver supports, taken at times opposite your Rx. Even if on mepron, solid liver support is also needed, it just has to be approached differently.
Mepron & Milk Thistle: Is there a problem with taking both together?
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Keebler
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posted
- Yes. Milk Thistle can clear out medicines too quickly and reduce the required dose circulating in the body.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can have the same effect with some drugs.
No liver support should ever be take at the same time, anyway, but several hours apart. Still, this can have an effect in lowering the amount of medicine that is circulating. It is especially important with mepron as it needs to be a certain strength for maximum benefit.
However, some LLMDs still suggest for patients on mepron to talk Milk Thistle, just at opposite times. Some say avoid it. Others may suggest alternative liver support - but, still, usually at times opposite the Rx.
More in the link above about the general principles of liver support and how the liver works with all this. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Thank you so much for the great information. I just heard back from the LLMD's office. They believe this is anxiety. The doctor advised that I should continue to take the Zithromax.
I also asked if he supports my local doc prescribing something to help control the anxiety so that I can focus on getting better.
I've had several trips the the bathroom today, and hope that this is a side effect that will ease up soon.
I had the same question as Smile, so I will ask about this.
Thanks!
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- MAGNESIUM is the number one helper to address lyme anxiety. So is Adrenal support. There is really no way around that.
Yes, the bathroom trips should settle down soon - it's really good to get some stuff clearing out. Welcome that. Rehydrate and get good minerals and electrolytes.
A little sea salt in your lemon water will help with electrolytes. Food sources for minerals are best.
I'm wondering if pedia-lite is good for putting back the nutrients...
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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Remember to Smile
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posted
Thanks, Keebler. I had no idea.
I've been taking Milk Thistle with meals, 3x/day, since that's the best way for the herb to be utilized. Hadn't heard anything about it interfering with Rx abx! Would you plz let me know where you learned that?
jwick, I enjoy a touch of sea salt in my lemon water, or sea salt in my room-temp healing herbal tea w/lemon water. I think it's preferable to commercial products, but i'm NOT an expert on that! Best, Smile
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Hope you're both well. I just wanted to thank you both for your responses, suggestions and support yesterday.
Needless to say, it was a pretty terrible day. My LLMD advised that he believes this was all anxiety related and not a reaction to the drug. He wants me to continue.
I'm about to take it again and hope that today goes better than yesterday. I also got a small dose of Paxil to keep the anxiety in check a bit so that it does not interfere with my ability to take my meds and start healing.
I drank a little Pedialyte this morning, as the bathroom trips are still going. I really hope they slow down. I'm going to add sea salt to my lemon water as well.
Thank you both so much for the support! It was comforting to come on here and be able to see your messages.
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
You know I always read in bartonella, as that was the culprit I was missing for so long. Zith treats it somewhat and when you get after bart the anxiety can be overwhelming. Bart can affect your urinary tract making it feel like you have an infection (although you will not test positive for anything) causing a range of symptoms from feeling you have to go frequently to pain in the bladder. When you are herxing with bart, this happens.
Just something to be aware of. I remember posting my symptoms which I thought were lyme and people kept suggesting bart. Sure enough it was bart!
-------------------- 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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nefferdun
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double post
-------------------- 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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I was just shocked at how soon after taking that first Zithromax I felt so horrible. The effects came and went all day. My anxiety was just through the roof!
Normally, I have no issues with anxiety, so this is difficult to handle.
I'll continue taking the Zithromax, but hope that today is better than yesterday. I don't think I can handle another day like that this soon...lol!
I still have to ramp up my Bactrim DS (up to 1/2 pill...have to take 2 a day) and add the Mepron.
I am really scared about how adding all of these medications will affect me. I hope it's not too overwhelming.
I guess it's good that they will be killing these evil buggers and getting them out of my system.
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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Remember to Smile
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I have LBb, Babs, and Bart. Agree with nefferdun's posts!
I felt SO even more exhausted the night i'd started zith and it went on for 2 wks at "worse than past two months."
posted
Started Zith yesterday, and the past two days have been terrible.
I'm assuming this is the herxing? I feel AWFUL!!!
I haven't even added the Mepron yet. I might have to wait a day or two and hope that the herx eases up so that I can add it.
Is this going to last long? I hope not!
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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troutscout
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3121
posted
I'm going with it being a Bart anxiety herx
-------------------- Now is the time in your life to find the "tiger" within. Let the claws be bared, and Lyme BEWARE!!! www.iowalymedisease.com [/URL] Posts: 5262 | From North East Iowa | Registered: Sep 2002
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posted
I am on zith and I feel like it is a great ABX...for lyme and bart. Frontal headache and twitching increased, but bearable. Getting relief
Posts: 747 | From Utah | Registered: Apr 2010
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Jane2904
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15917
posted
Jwick are you taking Florastor( S. Boulardii ) and probiotics?
Hope the herx passes soon.
Oops!! forgot to ask, are you taking Magnesium, too much can cause the runs.
Posts: 1357 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Jun 2008
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seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
Why won't your LLMD Rx drugs for anxiety if they are willing to Rx all the Lyme meds. That seems wrong.
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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I take probiotics & magnesium. I've nevet heard of Florastor...what is it?
Seekhelp,
My doc actually did give me a script for an anxiety med...very happy as I need it for now.
Today is bad as well...really tough. Is it normal to feel completely out of it when herxing? My vision even seems off.
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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Jane2904
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posted
pm, sent
Posts: 1357 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
Anyone know if fluconazole prevents c diff? Is c diff candida related?
I have to take Mepron, too, but I read that there is a risk of taking it with fluconazole.
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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posted
Thanks, Jane! I will ask about this.
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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'Kete-tracker
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17189
posted
I had a wierd feeling about 10 to 15 minutes after I first took "Zith", back in '03, before the Lyme. A friend's brother worked for the pharma firm that made it & this 'friend' had me try it for a persistent 'lower repiratory infection' that just wouldn't clear up. Two red caplets to start. Part of a sample box.
The feeling that night- Hmmmm... Imagine being blown thru the branches of a bare tree at twighlight in November. Minor visual hallucinations{? Or maybe just a bit of a dream. Don't know, but Very odd... though not uncomfortable.
The feeling did subside & I fell asleep, as per usual, around 1AM.
It worked! Cleared the "bronchitis" up nicely after a few days.
Posts: 1233 | From Dover, NH | Registered: Sep 2008
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'Kete-tracker
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C. Difficile (clostridium difficile) is not similar to Candida. And flucanazole won't kill it. Fluc's an anti-fungal & will knock down many yeasts & most fungal overgrowths.
But 'fluc' is often Rx'ed along with higher level abx protocols, to help keep the GI tract in check, so it can *indirectly* help to keep C. Difficile from getting a foothold.
There are a few meds out there now used to help kill off this resistant bug IF the infection is severe (metronidazole, vancomycin, or teicoplanin), but it's a tough one to throw, hence the name.
Posts: 1233 | From Dover, NH | Registered: Sep 2008
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posted
I read that the fluconazole and the zith both risk qt prolongation. Not sure if I can take together?
Can the c diff stuff be taken with the fluconazole?
Baaaaad night. Woke up at 1am shaking, sweating, nauseous, dry heaves, etc. Scared the heck out of me.
Still feel awful this morning. Hoping just a herx.
My entire face hurts. I might have been gnashing my teeth from stress. This might have tightened all my facial muscles.
Hard to eat...when I try...no saliva in my mouth to help get food down. I really hope this is all just herx related.
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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'Kete-tracker
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posted
As far as I know, Zith & fluc can be "co-administered" w/o issue. Usually the zith is taken no more than once a day, & the flucanazole every few (as a "maintenance anti-fungal") when on a hi-level abx protocol.
I was taking Zith anywhere between a 200mg tab per week to a 100mg tab every 4 days. My LLMD & I ended up settling on a 150mg tab every 6 days as that was the most economical.(No insurance)
Both drugs work intra-cellularly(sp?) & have excellent blood serum 1/2-lives. ----
wOw...You sound like you DID have a bad night! I've woken up sweating & feeling like sh*%, but never had the dry heaves, except 1 afternoon early into my treatment. I hope you've been tested for co-infections, though all these symptoms you wrote may indeed be a J-H reaction. {easier to spell ;}
Posts: 1233 | From Dover, NH | Registered: Sep 2008
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'Kete-tracker
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posted
P.S: I know daily metronidazole (Flagyl) can be taken with the occasional flucanazole (DiFlucan) as I was on both for awhile.
Not sure about the Zith & Flagyl, but I've not hEard of any contraindications.
Posts: 1233 | From Dover, NH | Registered: Sep 2008
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'Kete-tracker
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
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posted
Correction: "I was taking FLUCANAZOLE anywhere between a 200mg tab per week..."
Posts: 1233 | From Dover, NH | Registered: Sep 2008
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Yeah, last night was rough. If I hadn't been through this before, I might have gone to the ER.
My lower abdomen (pelvis really) has been hurting since yesterday. I'm getting cramping and some sharp pain. I am praying this is nothing serious.
This makes me want to take something for c diff, but LLMD didn't put me on that...at least not yet.
I wonder if I can take florastor instead of fluconaze.
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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'Kete-tracker
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posted
I'd get a fecal sample tested... Maybe your LLMD can order that Monday? (He can usually call it in)
If things get noticeably worse later today, you may have to break down & visit the ER, but hopefully others here can throw you some suggests. I'm prayin' for ya
Not familar with Florastor. I understand it's an OTC probiotic. If so, it will help nudge out GI tract overgrowths but can't "kill" anything. I'd suggest it only for minor C.Difficile cases.
Posts: 1233 | From Dover, NH | Registered: Sep 2008
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posted
Things are not as bad right now, bit still lousy. My anniversary is late this week, and I'd love to actually enjoy it.
The pain calmed a bit after using the bathroom. Hopefully, it does not come back.
My parents actually came over because I am scared to be alone and husband at work.
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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quote:Originally posted by Keebler: I don't think skin brushing and lemon water is at all enough liver support. Unless you are also on mepron, MILK THISTLE and NAC are the best liver supports, taken at times opposite your Rx. Even if on mepron, solid liver support is also needed, it just has to be approached differently.
Mepron & Milk Thistle: Is there a problem with taking both together?
See here. It is a little hard to read, but basically it says at normal doses of milk thistle and meds, it is not a problem.
posted
Things are not looking up at all....getting worse.
I did a stool sample as I am being tested to C Diff. My LLMD told me to stop the zithromax for a few days so we can see if things ease up.
I am continuing the bactrim.
I have to see my local internist today since LLMD is out this week. They want to examine me to make sure nothing major is going on.
I had been sleeping through the night. The past several nights have been awful. I wake up throughout - and in the morning - extremely lightheaded and uncomfortable.
I'm wondering if the zithromax was just making me really sick...?
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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Remember to Smile
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kitty, thanks for info. Link is broken, but got your post.
jwick, so sorry you're having a rough time.
I've not been sleeping well since i stopped zith. Tinnitus continues...
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quote:Originally posted by Keebler: Milk Thistle can clear out medicines too quickly and reduce the required dose circulating in the body.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can have the same effect with some drugs.
No liver support should ever be take at the same time, anyway, but several hours apart. Still, this can have an effect in lowering the amount of medicine that is circulating. It is especially important with mepron as it needs to be a certain strength for maximum benefit.
However, some LLMDs still suggest for patients on mepron to talk Milk Thistle, just at opposite times. Some say avoid it. Others may suggest alternative liver support - but, still, usually at times opposite the Rx.
At my most recent LLMD appt, i asked about milk thistle and was told it was fine to take with Mepron or anytime. Then it was restated as, "It doesn't matter."
(My LLMD trained directly with Dr. B in NY and has a good record of healing patients, getting them into long-term remission.)
I've been taking milk thistle, 1 cap 3x/day with meals because the herb is better absorbed when taken with food. Now, I don't want to "waste" any of the Mepron doses if milk thistle interferes and certainly wish to protect my liver...
Does someone have access to a scientific article or a study about this question?
Side note: My LLMD mentioned recent research and directed me to take Vit D3 supplements with largest meal of the day. I've understood it's best utilized in the p.m., so I take Vit D3 w/ dinner. On Mepron, lunch is now my lightest meal of the day so i don't gain weight!
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Dear jwick, Happy Anniversary! May you & ur partner be close in love, and share a gentle friendship with patience, humility, humor and lasting joy. Amen!
Zith can cause significant stomach upset, and i'm sorry you've been hard hit...Hope your appt went well and you kept your Lyme-aware wits about you w/ internist. Let us know if it was the wise choice to stay out of the ER and take advantage of your family support system.
I urge you to take Florastor (the #1 Probiotic worldwide) and Body Biotics (advanced Pre/Probiotic blend by Life Science Products, Inc.) with any and all Rx abx. My LLMD insists on those two, and i've had two pharmacists praise our wisdom for using those.
In case you've not already, increase clear fluids (quality water, seltzer water, lemon water, herbal teas, organic chicken broth) while on Mepron & zith. That should help your digestive tract.
I've switched to Mepron & clarithro now. I think zith gave me metallic taste; now clarithro provides a yucky penicillin-like taste. *She shrugs*
Ironically, I wound up in the ER a few nights ago. It seemed like a panic attack or something like it. Everything turned out ok.
The diarrhea has now stopped. I think it might have been caused by the Ceftin I was on prior to the Zithromax. That's when it all started.
I was given Xanax to take before bed to help me sleep. I can take it every 8 hours as needed, but only take it if necessary.
My LLMD had me stop the zithromax. Now that the stomach issues are clearing, I will soon start the Mepron.
I just hope that I can tolerate this treatment. I just want to get better already.
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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posted
The pedialyte you mentioned contains fluoride. Please do not drink this, as fluoride will compound anxiety by adding to your toxin load.
Posts: 24 | From Maine | Registered: Aug 2010
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"Milk thistle appears to be a very safe botanical, and is unlikely to alter the metabolism of prescription medications. When clinically indicated, milk thistle preparations providing a daily dose of 200-400 mg of silymarin can be prescribed without hesitation."
"Finally, milk thistle should not be taken concurrently with prescription medications to avoid the possibility that higher flavonolignans concentrations in the gut might interfere with the medications."
quote:Originally posted by Remember to Smile:
quote:Originally posted by Keebler: Milk Thistle can clear out medicines too quickly and reduce the required dose circulating in the body.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can have the same effect with some drugs.
No liver support should ever be take at the same time, anyway, but several hours apart. Still, this can have an effect in lowering the amount of medicine that is circulating. It is especially important with mepron as it needs to be a certain strength for maximum benefit.
However, some LLMDs still suggest for patients on mepron to talk Milk Thistle, just at opposite times. Some say avoid it. Others may suggest alternative liver support - but, still, usually at times opposite the Rx.
At my most recent LLMD appt, i asked about milk thistle and was told it was fine to take with Mepron or anytime. Then it was restated as, "It doesn't matter."
(My LLMD trained directly with Dr. B in NY and has a good record of healing patients, getting them into long-term remission.)
I've been taking milk thistle, 1 cap 3x/day with meals because the herb is better absorbed when taken with food. Now, I don't want to "waste" any of the Mepron doses if milk thistle interferes and certainly wish to protect my liver...
Does someone have access to a scientific article or a study about this question?
Side note: My LLMD mentioned recent research and directed me to take Vit D3 supplements with largest meal of the day. I've understood it's best utilized in the p.m., so I take Vit D3 w/ dinner. On Mepron, lunch is now my lightest meal of the day so i don't gain weight!
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