posted
removed tick 15 days later classic oval rash my MD put me on 100 mg doxycycline twice per day for 21 days
i have read a lot of published scientific articles on treatng erythma migrans...
including Dr. B 400 mg q24h and adjust based on levels...
and Dr J in DC a course of doxycycline at 200mg twice daily for up to 30 days as the optimal approach to successful treatment of EM/Lyme, specifically with the goal of aborting cases which otherwise might develop late sequelae.
it seems to me that Dr b and Dr j are attempting to deal with the failure rates of conventional antibiotic concentrations and durations as noted in the 10% to 20% failure seen documented on the CDC website...
is there ANY downside risk anyone has experienced with these higher doses. thank you.
Posts: 11 | From connecticut | Registered: Jul 2013
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gmb
Unregistered
posted
No other risk at 400mg/day.... Just stay out of the sun. I would also recommend adding either TindaMax or Flagyl. Get an appointment with a Lyme Literate MD ASAP.
Doxy does tend to push Lyme into the dormant cyst form and it can (and most likely will) return later and turn chronic. TindaMax and Flagyl hit the cyst form. There is also a risk of other infections from the same tick that may need other types of antibiotics.
In 2005 I was bit by a tick and was given 200mg Doxy for 30 days, and had no symptoms. In 2008 weird symptoms started. Make a long story short I have been treating chronic Lyme, Babesia and bartonela for the past 3.5 years.
post a request in "seeking a Dr" and someone from your area will send you some names to call
GretaM
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 40917
posted
When I was prescribed Doxy, it was 200mg, twice daily with food.
It needs to be taken away from milk products, calcium, magnesium, iron, and mutli vitamin products, as minerals can reduce the absorption of the doxy.
Please please please, find a doctor, any doctor, who will increase your daily dose, (this is essential), and give you flagyl or tindimax to take with it.
Some people require even more doxy per day to reach effective serum levels.
Some homeopathic remedies recommended by Buhner to take for recent tick bites are Ledum and Apis.
His book, Healing Lyme, has the appropriate doses for that and also mentions another herb, astralagus, to be used ONLY in the early initial infection. (Never for chronic or disseminated lyme) But please read his book, or check out his website to read the precautions, side effects, and dosing. http://buhnerhealinglyme.com/the-protocols/
Info under recent tick bite.
Also, it may be a good idea to start taking probiotics (about 2 hours away from the doxy)
Lyme is one of those things that need to be stopped in it's tracks as early as possible.
Best of luck
Posts: 4358 | From British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jun 2013
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I'm glad to see you have posted in "seeking a doctor" so you can be assessed for the best combination protocol for your case. It can vary from patient to patient but one thing is for sure: combination is required.
No antibiotic, alone, is enough as it can cause chronic lyme to develop if the cyst form is not addressed. Antibiotics can kill off some spirochetes but at the same time cause some to go into cyst form that can cause trouble later. The cyst form takes a different classification of treatment (flagyl). Grapefruit seed extract (a supplement) can be of some help, too.
Another cornerstone of any protocol is liver support that should both protect and help you better tolerate treatment (and feel better during).
Diagnosing Lyme Disease (&/or whatever else is going on)
Other tick-borne infections and other chronic stealth infections - as well as certain conditions that can hold us back - are discussed here.
With that classic rash you had & classic symptoms, you really do not need a lyme test. Funds might best be used for a LLMD and for other tests. For reference:
WHY you need an ILADS "educated" or "minded" Lyme Literate doctor (whether MD or ND, or both) - starting with assessment / evaluation.
Medical "models" explained here, as to differences in the ISDA & ILADS models of assessment & treatment - and exactly why it is so very important to know the differences. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Hopefully, both doctor and pharmacist told you:
Stay out of sun when taking doxy. Even stay out of "bounced" sun and sun through ANY window, including your car.
Be careful of ears and hands (white cotton "treatment" gloves can be found at most pharmacies).
Even a cloudy day can cause burn when on doxy. There are places, well into shade, no "bounced" rays that can work for you to enjoy being out of doors, though.
WEG Summer 2013 Guide to Safe Sunscreens. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Stay upright (at least your torso) for an hour after taking doxy. Best with a meal to prevent stomach upset.
No dairy or supplements that contain minerals close to the dose. The calcium, magnesium, etc. can prevent doxy from reaching a therapeutic dose (and there's already a challenge there with the prescription amount). -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Thank you everyone for the support and encouragement and links to resources. Through this network I have been able to get access to a LLMD and refine the approach to my medications. Your timely comments are most welcome. My best wishes to you.
Posts: 11 | From connecticut | Registered: Jul 2013
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Glad to hear that. And thanks for letting us know that efforts of those here have helped you find a good LLMD and gain a broader scope.
So often, we hear back early on: "well, my doctor said no big deal" and "it all seems so much fuss over nothing" and they may just leave it at that. So it's a relief when someone new to all this takes it seriously and gets started on good footing.
Take care & Good luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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