When I saw my LLMD last week, I had been taking minocycline and zithromax for 6 weeks (since being diagnosed in early May).
He took me off the mino because I had been feeling increasingly dizzy, exhausted, and had other sypmtoms he believes were side effects.
He replaced the mino with omnicef (and kept me on the zithro). He had me wait 2 days before starting the omnicef.
Since since starting the omnicef on Friday, I have been feeling worse than ever. I am still dizzy, but also more exhausted to the point where I'm napping all day and can't even stay awake through a TV show.
Could it be that the mino is still in my system, and adding the omnicef made my dizziness worse?
Or maybe I am herxing?
Also my daily dosage of Omnicef is 900 mg - I take 300 mg 3x a day. The info from the pharmacy says not to exceed 600 mg a day, but I figured my LLMD had good reason to prescribe as he did.
I'd appreciate any advice or info you can share.
Thanks!
Erica
Posted by dmc (Member # 5102) on :
i took 300mg Twice day. HATED it. Had dirreahea even going overboard with the expensive probiotics.
Started losing my hair...almost chemo like. Take shower & drain would clog. Aggghhh, couldn't wait to get off it.
My llmd only made me do 1 month.
Just my experience...others have done well with it.
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Hi Erica,
I had a very difficult time with Omnicef. Here are a few things I looked up when I was searching for answers.
....
SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea or nausea may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Report promptly: unusual vaginal discharge/itching. Very unlikely but report promptly: changes in amount or color of urine, stomach pain, persistent sore throat or fever, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual fatigue, seizures.
May cause reddish discoloration of stools. This is harmless. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, iron supplements, or multivitamins with iron, with a dose of Omnicef. Take these products at least 2 hours before or after a dose of Omnicef to prevent decreased effectiveness of the antibiotic. The Omnicef suspension can be safely administered with iron-fortified infant formula.
What are the possible side effects of Omnicef? If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Omnicef and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; hives; or a rash); rash, redness, or itching
seizures
severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
mucous or blood in the stool; or unusual bleeding or bruising.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Omnicef and talk to your doctor if you experience
mild nausea or diarrhea, or a yeast infection of the mouth or vagina.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or diaper rash in young children may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
This medication may cause your stools to turn a reddish color, especially if you also take iron products. This is harmless.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:
stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual fatigue, new signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever), easy bruising/bleeding, change in the amount of urine.
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a resistant bacteria.
This condition may occur weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse.
Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool.
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
I haven't experience any of the side effects you guys posted (except dizziness but that seems very common with abx?), but have only been on Omnicef 4 days yet.
So far, I am super exhausted and dizzy. My LLMD replaced the minocycline with omnicef to alleviate those very side effects, but they are getting worse.
Right now, I think it is too early to know if I am herxing or having side effects that will go away shortly? If I don't feel better by the end of the week, I will call my LLMD.
I also started chlorella last week, so could that be causing or exacerbating my symptoms?
Thanks again!
Erica
Posted by Gert (Member # 13584) on :
I have been on Omnicef since April and LOVE it. It is a wonderful antibiotic for me. I just started adding Flagyl to the mix 2 weeks ago and have to say I feel quite well.
I had several BIG herxes on the Omnicef but those stopped. No herxes YET on the combo.
My LLMD is very fond of the Omnicef and said many people have great results on it.
Hope things start to look up for you....I think you are on a good ABX.
Posted by Erica741 (Member # 15186) on :
Anyone else taken Omnicef?
Can you also tell me what dosage you take or took?
Thanks!
Erica
Posted by pamoisondelune (Member # 11846) on :
I'm taking 300 mg Omnicef 2x/day. I'm not checking, but i had an impression that 600/day was the maximum non-toxic dose.
Posted by Haley (Member # 22008) on :
HI Erica,
I would agree that 600 mg a day is a proper dosage. That is what I take. I'm really glad I looked up this post. I am having weird itching in my eyes and bad diarreah and leg pain. I think it is from this drug and I'm starting to have other weird things going on. I wasn't sure if it was this or if I am beginning to have a reaction to Doxy which I have been on for a long time.
Do you have any itching? This is the first time I have had what seems like a reaction to a drug except for Rifampin.
Posted by Haley (Member # 22008) on :
Ooops - didn't realize this was from 6/08.
If anyone has info on allergic reactions to Omnicef let me know.