4oo mg of Doxy a day makes my stomach burn like crazy but I was started to feel better after 4 weeks on that dose. I probably had lyme for 6 years and was finally diagnosed this October. What do I do? Keep taking it and hope the burning goes away, drop down to 200 mg a day like my llmd said to until I see him in 2 weeks or stop taking it which is what I did for the past 3 days and my stomach feels better but by body feel like I was hit by a mack truck and I'm so tired. Does anyone have experience with this? Does the burning go away? Does something relieve it or is it time for a med change. Just when I started to make progress I feel like I took 2 steps back. Any help out there? Thanks mom of boys
Posted by bpeck (Member # 3235) on :
Doxycycline's absorption is directly related to what's in your stomach. It binds with certain minerals and absorption is reduced.
Most people do not understand dosing. Everyone says that 400 mg is the "optimal" dose for Doxy- but that's not necessarily correct. Depends on your age (the very old and very young have a different therapeutic dose per Kg of body weight) and it depends on whether you take it with food or not.
Thereapeutic dose is 5mg/Kg of body weight. So for example: divide your weight by 2.2, then multiply by 5. That's the dose that should be taken daily in milligrams, and preferably on an empty stomach.
But since Doxy causes alot of gastrointestinal problems on an empty stomach- some Docs up the dose, and tell the person to take it with a little food (just avoid milk and steak). That's when they up the dose somewhat.
Hope this helps. Barb
Posted by timaca (Member # 6911) on :
I don't do so well with doxy on an empty stomach, but I do fine with food (I avoid milk products within one hour of taking doxy).
I'm on 100 mg twice a day, so less than your amount.
Best, Timaca
Posted by richedie (Member # 14689) on :
quote:Originally posted by bpeck: Doxycycline's absorption is directly related to what's in your stomach. It binds with certain minerals and absorption is reduced.
Most people do not understand dosing. Everyone says that 400 mg is the "optimal" dose for Doxy- but that's not necessarily correct. Depends on your age (the very old and very young have a different therapeutic dose per Kg of body weight) and it depends on whether you take it with food or not.
Thereapeutic dose is 5mg/Kg of body weight. So for example: divide your weight by 2.2, then multiply by 5. That's the dose that should be taken daily in milligrams, and preferably on an empty stomach.
But since Doxy causes alot of gastrointestinal problems on an empty stomach- some Docs up the dose, and tell the person to take it with a little food (just avoid milk and steak). That's when they up the dose somewhat.
Hope this helps. Barb
Barb, with that calculation I would take over 450mg. I am 196 pounds and my dose is 4 capsules a day - I think they are 100mg capsules but I could be wrong. Could they be 50mg caps and I am taking 100 a day?
I think my Doxy bottle states 100mg and my Biaxin states 500mg.
I also avoid foods with lots of calcium, that includes spinach, brocolli and some other greens, not to mention calcium fortified almond, rice and soy milk. Don't forget fortified cereals, multi-vitamins, etc. I typically have plain sprouted grain cereal, whole steel cut oatmeal or eggs, etc for breakfast with my meds and it seems fine. I wait 1-2 hours before anything with calcium.
I tried taking Doxy on an empty stomach. I took the Doxy and then started to eat about 15 minutes later because I was worried...then the nausea hit. I could barely move I was so nauseous but it passed in a half hour. So now I take it with food.
Posted by richedie (Member # 14689) on :
Barb, with that calculation I would take over 450mg. I am 196 pounds and my dose is 4 capsules a day - I think they are 100mg capsules but I could be wrong. Could they be 50mg caps and I am taking 100 a day?
I think my Doxy bottle states 100mg and my Biaxin states 500mg.
I also avoid foods with lots of calcium, that includes spinach, brocolli and some other greens, not to mention calcium fortified almond, rice and soy milk. Don't forget fortified cereals, multi-vitamins, etc. I typically have plain sprouted grain cereal, whole steel cut oatmeal or eggs, etc for breakfast with my meds and it seems fine. I wait 1-2 hours before anything with calcium.
I tried taking Doxy on an empty stomach. I took the Doxy and then started to eat about 15 minutes later because I was worried...then the nausea hit. I could barely move I was so nauseous but it passed in a half hour. So now I take it with food.
Posted by Tiramisu (Member # 15082) on :
I had no stomach problems until I started Doxy. I would say at least get back on the 200mg/day. Then maybe try 300mg.
It took about 3 weeks for my stomach to get used to 300mg/day - 2 caps in the a.m., 1 after dinner. I ramped up slowly, as I do with everything.
Also, be sure to take probiotic at night. Have a few crackers with it. Lying flat was the hardest for me until my body adjusted.
Posted by Peedie (Member # 15355) on :
Be sure to eat a little food - with the Doxy. Not 15 minutes after. And like Tiramisu said - take your probiotic before you go to bed. You can take additional probiotic until your gut settles down then return to the normal dose. Hang in there! -p
Posted by richedie (Member # 14689) on :
Don't know what is going on, I felt terrible for part of Saturay and sunday, then yesterday I almost felt normal. Today, I have more pain again.
Posted by Wimenin (Member # 15294) on :
Take with food...always...or else youll get a monster stomache ache. Also, take a good probiotic (the kind you have to refrigerate). Its not a great solution, but usually you can time that within 2 hrs of takin doxy, the ache will start to fade. If you can mentally realize that its not going to last forever, that will help. Also, always cover up head to toe when out in sunlight. Doxy and sun...doesnt mix...!
Posted by bpeck (Member # 3235) on :
R: Your capsules are probably 100mg each.. most Lyme drs don't prescribe 50 mg pills. If you're 196 lbs, and taking 400 mg per day- that's close enough (the calculation puts you at 440mg/day)- but what you're taking is close enough.
My point was more for people who only weight 125 Lbs or are light weights- to make sure they don't overdose on DOxy.. side effects can be really bad then.
Barb
Yah- Doxy is hard on the gut.
Posted by Peedie (Member # 15355) on :
Dr. B's guideline says Doxy can be more effective at 500mg to 600mg/day. I know a Lymie who is regular size and is on 600mg a day (ramped up) because her LLMD said it was most effective. I don't think my gut could take it.
Wimenin is right! I was doing great on Doxy and got pulled off because my arms got red rash blisters on them. -Cover Up! -p
Posted by richedie (Member # 14689) on :
quote:Originally posted by Wimenin: Take with food...always...or else youll get a monster stomache ache. Also, take a good probiotic (the kind you have to refrigerate). Its not a great solution, but usually you can time that within 2 hrs of takin doxy, the ache will start to fade. If you can mentally realize that its not going to last forever, that will help. Also, always cover up head to toe when out in sunlight. Doxy and sun...doesnt mix...!
My doc says the best probiotic is Body Biotics but it does not need refrigeration. I also added Jarrows probiotic which does require this. I also take Epicor and Flurostor.
Posted by WildCondor (Member # 434) on :
When I had to take Doxy...I had to eat a full meal, then take the Doxy, then eat more! That came fright from Dr. B...eat and drink alot with the pills, and stay out of the sun!!! Don't try to take them on an empty stomach you will regret it!!
Posted by mom of boys (Member # 17629) on :
That you so much for all your advice. Today was the first day I took 100mg in am and 100 mg in the pm. So far so good. So from what I understand its just a side effect from the pill not that it is tearing my stomach apart. I was afraid the burning was something bad. mom of boys
Posted by Peedie (Member # 15355) on :
It's hard to say if you are experiencing stomach problems other than those brought on by the Doxy Rx.
It appears that maybe you have not been eating food with it - which will always make your stomach turn.
Also daily probiotics - pref. at night, 2-3 hours after your last dose of Doxy are necessary. I use Natrins "Trinity" which is kept refrigerated.
These are the two most important things if you want to give Doxy (or even most other Abx) a chance to work without the wrenching gut pain.
If you continue to have this stomach ache please discuss it with your LLMD.
You may need to investigate other reasons for the stomach upset. My daughter has it so bad she can't be on Abx.
She just had an endoscopy with 6 biopsy - we are waiting for results. I hope this is of help. Best Wishes -p