LymeNet Flash: How long for doxy to start a herx?

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » How long for doxy to start a herx?

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Topic: How long for doxy to start a herx?

debilyn
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 35753

posted

Hi,

I am recently diagnosed by the new advanced labs culture test; it came back positive for Borrelia burgdorferi.

My FM doctor who tested me says he cant treat me for Lyme, that I need an LLMD.

He gave me doxy 100 mg 2x a day to take while I find a LLMD.

Thanks to the wonderfully kind folks here, I have some names and am in the process of getting an LLMD appt.

I have two more work days before my medical leave starts--next Monday and Tuesday.

Can I start the doxy now, or will I herx too bad to make it to my last two days of work?

Should I start it now or wait until I finished my last work day?

How long does it take to start herxing once you start taking the doxy for the first time?

Sorry for al the questions. I am brand new to the lymelight.

Thank you

Posts: 331 | From West Coast | Registered: Jan 2012 | IP: Logged |

ralphi
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 33834

posted

If you've been bitten recently (within the past few weeks) start the doxy right away! Time is of the essence.

However, if you've been sick for a while, I'd wait and finish your last work day; you want to go out strong! Besides, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Patience is key ;-)

So far as the time to start herxing, it just depends on the person. Some don't have a reaction at all, others take a few days or even hours. For me, it takes about a day, sometimes two, to start feeling badly.

Also, you may want to "ramp up" (that is, increase your dose slowly) on the Doxy if you've been sick for a while. That is what my LLMD recommends, anyway.

Posts: 330 | From TN | Registered: Sep 2011 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

It's typically the 4th day that you'll notice. You could herx right away, but you'd probably be able to continue working for now.

As ralphi asked, is this a new case of Lyme? If so, do not wait!

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

debilyn
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 35753

posted

I've had it 5 1/2 years, Thank you so much for your help.

Posts: 331 | From West Coast | Registered: Jan 2012 | IP: Logged |

CountryMouse
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 32073

posted

I started feeling it in 2 or 3 days. Mostly dizzy moments and a feeling of mental numbness. Dry mouth and fatigue came later. Mine didn't last long though. After the herx wore off I felt GREAT! Don't delay in taking it, at least I wouldn't if I were you.

--------------------
Country Mouse

6/2011 IgX:
IGG: 31 IND, 41+++, 45+, 58+
IGM: 31+, 39 IND, 41 IND, 83-93 IND
Band 31 confirmed to be Lyme epitope by Igenex 7/2011

8/2011 IgX: POSITIVE
IGG: 31+, 34 IND, 39 IND, 41++, 45+, 58+
IGM: 31+, 34 IND, 39 IND, 41++, 83-93+

Posts: 169 | From Western Mass | Registered: May 2011 | IP: Logged |

Summer3
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35286

posted

I felt no difference on week 1 of doxy. Then week 2 I felt better, my symptoms improved. By week 3 I started going downhill again more symptoms came and everything got worse.

Unfortunately, everything pretty much stayed worse or increased since then even after ending doxy. I only did 4 weeks of doxy though. It was with a regular doctor. After that I went to a LLMD.

If you've had it a long time, I see no harm in waiting until your last work days are over. I am not a medical professional though.

--------------------
http://www.lymepie.blogspot.com

Posts: 1129 | From USA | Registered: Dec 2011 | IP: Logged |

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