posted
Started mepron a few weeks ago. About a week or so after upping the dose (my LLMD had me check blood levels), I developed deep depression - though I have had similar feelings before treatment, this was the worst it has ever been. not suicidal, but this deep sense of hopelessness (never going to get better, etc).
I do have other herx-y things, like worsening of Babs symptoms like hand/arm pain, headaches, insomnia, but no more night sweats!
So, two questions:
(1) How do I tell the difference between mepron blues vs. a neuro herx from Babs?
(2) When is it "worth it" to stay on a med with a side effect? If it is a herx, then mepron is working, presumably, to kill Babesia, so should I stay on it and have someone monitor me and make sure I'm not getting worse? (It's hard to tell if I'm getting better/worse when it's just me thinking the world is ending and I'm never going to get better...).
Thanks, brain kinda fuzzy, I hope these questions make sense.
Posts: 243 | From Southern Arizona | Registered: Jun 2015
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posted
The depression is a very real and dangerous side effect of mepron when it occurs. Mepron blues are bad, I experienced them when I switched to name brand from generic. The depression was more profound than any I'd ever felt before, including suicidal ideation.
You can probably back off a few days and restart. I've seen people post about doing this and then be able to stay on it without the depression.
Posts: 474 | From US | Registered: May 2014
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posted
My first round of mepron was for 5 months. I think the second one was for two before a break. Trying to start it up again after several months, I took one dose and the mental effects were back and that was the end of mepron.
I went on the Buhner babesia protocol, making my own much more affordable tinctures, and had a lot better results.
Posts: 705 | From WA state | Registered: Jul 2011
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WPinVA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33581
posted
What you describe sounds like the Mepron Blues. Talk to your LLMD right away. This is a serious side effect.
There are other ways to hit Babesia. Have you tried cryptolepsis? Or arteminisinin? I seem to recall Bactrim has some anti-babs effect too.
This happens in Lyme treatment. Some drugs don't work for some people. It's ok. There is always another way and a good LLMD will know of alternative options.
Posts: 1737 | From Virginia | Registered: Aug 2011
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posted
Yeah I was on cryptolepis for a few months last year until my insurance changed in Jan and I could get Mepron. I asked my LLMD if I could go back on it, so I'm starting that tomorrow.
Since October I've been on "Artemax" which I think has artemisin and some other plant component in it. I am going off it now and switching back to the cryptolepis now.
I'm also having increased wrist/arm bone pain too, so I think it is in general increased babs symptoms, hopefully a herx.
My LLMD said we would add in cholestyramine (a binder), and if the depression didn't lift, we would do a different med combo entirely.
Does that sound like a good plan? I trust my LLMD right now, but I have been in treatment for ~ 9 months, with ~ 50% reduction in symptoms. Does that seem reasonable?
Posts: 243 | From Southern Arizona | Registered: Jun 2015
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